Cincinnati Inquirer beat reporter John Fay is reporting that Reds manager Dusty Baker is toying with the idea of using Homer Bailey in the bullpen.On another subject, Jocketty said, he, like Dusty Baker, is open to the possibility of Homer Bailey making the team as a reliever. "It's something we talked about," Jocketty said. "There's a possibility that (Bailey or Micah Owings) could be in the bullpen." Owings and Bailey are competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. Baker announced earlier today that Masset was out of the race. Speaking of Bailey, a scout said he was consistently at 93 mph in his last start. "He looks more free and easy," he said.The Homer Bailey as a big league starting pitcher idea is obviously failing. He was 0-6 in eight starts last season and had 18 strikeouts and 17 walks in 36.1innings. His 7.93 ERA also goes to prove the point that running with Bailey in your rotation is a bad idea.
However, his spring numbers have been interesting thus far. He's got a 2.45 ERA in 14.2 innings of work. Best yet, his strikeout to walk ratio is 4.00 (12:3 K:BB). Bailey is amiable to the idea of pitching from the bullpen. And if he can keep his spring strikeout rate going as the year progresses, Bailey could have the beginnings of a very good relief career.
If Bailey doesn't win the 5th rotation spot and he's not the closer (both statements are very likely true) his middle relief role doesn't garner much fantasy value. He's waiver wire material in all leagues. Fantasy GM's who use the Holds category can look at him earlier than most if he starts pitching effectively.
