CNATI: Cincinnati OH Sports Journalism

Spring Training 2010

Low-profile spring for Bailey

By C. Trent Rosecrans, CNATI.com Posted March 13, 2010 6:57 PM ET

MESA, Ariz. -- Homer bailey holds up one hand and says this is the radar, takes another and shows where he is.

Bailey pitched three innings on Saturday againt the Cubs, gave up three hits and a run, while striking out two.

I said to Homer, "you're boring."

And he says he's fine with that. The cameras follow Aroldis Chapman's every move, while Bailey is yesterday's news.

"You think I want to look at your faces every day?" Bailey said laughing, not in a confrontational way as he had a reputation for doing earlier in his career, but with the smirk of a smartass, but a likable smartass.

Bailey said it took him a little while to get warm on Saturday, giving up a hit to Darwin Barney in the first inning, but felt good the second two innings, when he gave up a slap double and a single right by Brandon Phillips for a third-inning run.

Why did it take him a while to feel right?

"Something with the sun and the stars, I have to check my Zodiac sign," Bailey said. "Really, I think it's just getting back into games, You can throw bullpens and stuff and it's not the same as getting into a game."

Dusty Baker likes what he's seen so far from Bailey.

"Homer threw the ball excellent, he had good velocity, excellent location," Baker said following the Reds' 11-4 loss to the Cubs. "He was throwing as well as I've seen him."

Bailey's not exactly upset that he's no longer the big story in Reds camp.

"He's going through a lot he's throwing a lot," Bailey said. "I don't know the plans for the fifth spot, and it's not any of my business. Definitely, if it's not this year, he's going to help this team out soon."

Categories: Cincinnati Reds, Featured Stories, Spring Training 2010, Video

Tags: Aroldis Chapman, Dusty Baker, Homer Bailey