C. Trent

    Pregame 'Legs v. 'Birds 6.11

    Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 03:39 PM EST [General]

    Redlegs:

    1. Jay Bruce cf
    2. Paul Janish ss
    3. Ken Griffey Jr. rf
    4. Adam Dunn lf
    5. Edwin Encarnacion 3b
    6. Joey Votto 1b
    7. Jolbert Cabrera 2b
    8. Paul Bako c
    9. Johnny Cueto p

    Redbirds:

    1. Skip Schumaker lf
    2. Aaron Miles 2b
    3. Ryan Ludwick rf
    4. Rick Ankiel cf
    5. Troy Glaus 3b
    6. Chris Duncan 1b
    7. Jason LaRue c
    8. Braden Looper p
    9. Brendan Ryan ss

    * A day off for Brandon Phillips. Dusty Baker said Phillips didn't think he needed the day off, but Baker did.

    "It's a combination of things, but mostly a feeling," Baker said. "How many consecutive days, weather conditions, if your swing is out of sync, if you're committing early, not trusting your hand speed, that tells me you don't feel quick. There's a number of things basically. Guys will always say the opposite."

    "You also look at the schedule and who you're plaing and when you can afford to give them the day off," Baker said.

    * Jeff Keppinger is scheduled to play third base tonight in Sarasota, he DH'd last night. Although some speculated Keppinger could be back as soon as tomorrow, don't count on it.

    "There's a lot Kepp has to do, and you don't want his legs to fatigue and that's when you pull stuff," Baker said.

    Keppinger's bat certainly didn't seem to be a problem, going 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI in the first game of a doubleheader. Norris Hopper had one hit and a run.

    "He's going to play third (tonight) and with Jerry out, we need him to play short," Baker said. "It's not only at-bats, it's the length of time you're standing there, how much running you're doing. You've got to build up endurance. He's been working hard, it's just a matter of when he starts feeling his legs are no longer heavy and his legs are beneath him. (DHing) that's just hitting and timing, that's not cutting, stopping, going into the hole, jumping, getting out of the way of double plays."

    Hopper was going to play teh second game, but he was fatigued from playing in the second game.

    The Florida State League All-Star Break is this weekend, with the All-Star Game on Sunday. Keppinger may be moved to Louisville or Chattanooga for his rehab assignment. Both of those teams are on the road this weekend.

    * Here's the official word on Albert Pujols: "He received an MRI which showed a grade 1/2 strain. He will begin physical therapy within the next three days and is expected to be out a minimum of three weeks."

    0 (0 Ratings)

    I've been wondering when Brandon would get a rest, he's been looking like he's needed it for about a week.

    Phill
    June 11, 2008
    06:31 PM EST