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Spears Saturday Play
Yesterday we hit on Chic/Wash oer and today we look at an interesting insight into a game between Milwaukee and Cinncy.
Joe Mays followed a regular throwing schedule even as his turn in the Reds' starting rotation was passed over the past two weeks.
But bullpen sessions, he said, can simulate the real thing only so much.
"You can throw 200 pitches down there and it's not the same as going out there and getting one inning of work or even two outs," Mays said Friday. "When that adrenaline kicks in, it's a whole different ballgame.
"You don't get that throwing in the bullpen or getting to work without a hitter in there and worrying about giving up a hit or missing a spot."
The veteran right-hander last pitched for the Reds July 6, when he allowed six earned runs on nine hits over 51/3 innings against the Braves.
His lengthy layoff is scheduled to end today in what could be a make-or-break start against the Brewers at Great American Ball Park.
"Not being out there for 15 days, it's going to be tough," said Mays, 0-1 with an 8.82 ERA in three starts with the Reds this season. "Your touch pitches - like your curveball, your slider, your change-up - even your fastball, location ... is probably not going to be that good (today).
"It's just another mental hill that I've got to go over and go out there and just try to throw the ball over the plate."
Is this start an important one for Mays?
"Yes," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. "We need him to pitch well."
Even with pitchers Brandon Claussen and Paul Wilson on the disabled list, the Reds have options if they decide it's time to make a rotation change.
Reds long reliever Matt Belisle, a starter most of his professional career, is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday after being sidelined since July 10 by a strained lower back.
Triple-A Louisville pitcher Justin Germano tossed seven scoreless innings against Rochester on Friday night.
Germano is 8-6 with a 3.69 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance this season. Teammate Michael Gosling is 4-4 with a 4.04 ERA through 15 starts. Both are on the Reds' 40-man roster.
Mays, who was released by the Royals May 16 and signed by the Reds to a minor-league contract three days later, was recalled from Louisville June 6. He made three relief appearances for the Reds before moving into the starting rotation.
His first start, against the Mets June 21, was encouraging. Mays allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings.
But in two subsequent starts, against the Indians July 1 and Braves July 6, Mays allowed 14 earned runs on 20 hits and walked one more batter (seven) than he struck out (six) in 101/3 total innings.
"It's not easy to pitch under the circumstances he's been given," Narron said. "But that's part of being the No. 5 starter. That's what a No. 5 starter has to do.
"People don't look at it as, 'Well, circumstances weren't perfect for him.' It's what the results are. I think he's very capable of giving us a good outing."
In his fourth career appearance against the Brewers but first start, Mays said his goals will be to get ahead in the count on the least amount of pitches possible.
"If he keeps the ball down, he'll have good movement," Narron said. "If he keeps the ball down, he'll have a chance to get some groundballs and get some easy outs. If he doesn't, he's like everybody else - he's going to get hit."
Milwaukee Brew Club -128
I perceive Mays as a golfer and doesn't have the focus necessary to pitch a game today. When I practice on the range- Iam pretty focused but on the course- many distractions begin and your game can fall apart easily.
Mays does not have the right attitude coming in this game- he is already making excuses and that generally doesn't bode well. His strategy to keep the ball down is solid but I am sure that that has been his only gameplan in the past. He is washed up and the Brew will feast well today. At this vaue of -125 an the decent pitching of Bush- I am willing to bet it. Good Luck Today.
Joe Mays followed a regular throwing schedule even as his turn in the Reds' starting rotation was passed over the past two weeks.
But bullpen sessions, he said, can simulate the real thing only so much.
"You can throw 200 pitches down there and it's not the same as going out there and getting one inning of work or even two outs," Mays said Friday. "When that adrenaline kicks in, it's a whole different ballgame.
"You don't get that throwing in the bullpen or getting to work without a hitter in there and worrying about giving up a hit or missing a spot."
The veteran right-hander last pitched for the Reds July 6, when he allowed six earned runs on nine hits over 51/3 innings against the Braves.
His lengthy layoff is scheduled to end today in what could be a make-or-break start against the Brewers at Great American Ball Park.
"Not being out there for 15 days, it's going to be tough," said Mays, 0-1 with an 8.82 ERA in three starts with the Reds this season. "Your touch pitches - like your curveball, your slider, your change-up - even your fastball, location ... is probably not going to be that good (today).
"It's just another mental hill that I've got to go over and go out there and just try to throw the ball over the plate."
Is this start an important one for Mays?
"Yes," Reds manager Jerry Narron said. "We need him to pitch well."
Even with pitchers Brandon Claussen and Paul Wilson on the disabled list, the Reds have options if they decide it's time to make a rotation change.
Reds long reliever Matt Belisle, a starter most of his professional career, is eligible to come off the disabled list Tuesday after being sidelined since July 10 by a strained lower back.
Triple-A Louisville pitcher Justin Germano tossed seven scoreless innings against Rochester on Friday night.
Germano is 8-6 with a 3.69 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance this season. Teammate Michael Gosling is 4-4 with a 4.04 ERA through 15 starts. Both are on the Reds' 40-man roster.
Mays, who was released by the Royals May 16 and signed by the Reds to a minor-league contract three days later, was recalled from Louisville June 6. He made three relief appearances for the Reds before moving into the starting rotation.
His first start, against the Mets June 21, was encouraging. Mays allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings.
But in two subsequent starts, against the Indians July 1 and Braves July 6, Mays allowed 14 earned runs on 20 hits and walked one more batter (seven) than he struck out (six) in 101/3 total innings.
"It's not easy to pitch under the circumstances he's been given," Narron said. "But that's part of being the No. 5 starter. That's what a No. 5 starter has to do.
"People don't look at it as, 'Well, circumstances weren't perfect for him.' It's what the results are. I think he's very capable of giving us a good outing."
In his fourth career appearance against the Brewers but first start, Mays said his goals will be to get ahead in the count on the least amount of pitches possible.
"If he keeps the ball down, he'll have good movement," Narron said. "If he keeps the ball down, he'll have a chance to get some groundballs and get some easy outs. If he doesn't, he's like everybody else - he's going to get hit."
Milwaukee Brew Club -128
I perceive Mays as a golfer and doesn't have the focus necessary to pitch a game today. When I practice on the range- Iam pretty focused but on the course- many distractions begin and your game can fall apart easily.
Mays does not have the right attitude coming in this game- he is already making excuses and that generally doesn't bode well. His strategy to keep the ball down is solid but I am sure that that has been his only gameplan in the past. He is washed up and the Brew will feast well today. At this vaue of -125 an the decent pitching of Bush- I am willing to bet it. Good Luck Today.
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