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Home , Brandon Mann, Carlos Moncrief, Chad Green (outfielder), Chris Resop, Daniel McCutchen, Frank Herrmann

CCIINNCCIINNNNAATTII RREEDDSS PPRREESSSS CCLLIIPPPPIINNGGSS MARCH 1,, 2014

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY: MARCH 1, 2007 – THE FATHER AND SON DUO, MARTY AND , CALLED THEIR FIRST REDS GAME AS BROADCAST PARTNERS ON 700 WLW. THE TWO WORKED TOGETHER ONCE BEFORE ON A CUBS-REDS GAME IN THE EARLY 1990S FOR THE NETWORK. THEY BECAME THE FOURTH FATHER SON BROADCAST TEAM IN (JOE AND JOHN BUCK, HARRY, SKIP AND AND HARRY AND TODD KALAS).

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

Intensity is always Tony Cingrani's specialty Cingrani has one , and that's going all out By C. Trent Rosecrans

GOODYEAR, ARIZ. — Tony Cingrani gets angry every time he gives up a .

It doesn’t matter if it’s a exhibition game – like the one he will start Saturday against the – or against the St. Louis Cardinals.

As the Reds’ second-year starter sees it, it’s his job to not give up any hits and if he gives up a hit, he didn’t do his job. That makes him angry – and like a famous fictional character, you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.

“That’s how I get myself fired up. I need to throw harder, so I try to get super angry and throw it harder,” Cingrani said. “I’m not turning green – I’m trying to scare somebody and see what happens.”

Cingrani’s intensity even turned into a meme among Reds fans, with the “Cingrani Face” becoming synonymous with an intense, scary mug. Cingrani said he saw that, and even chuckles quietly about it. But that’s him on the field in a nutshell.

“(In spring training) you don’t really care about giving up hits and stuff, but I do, personally. Not stat-wise, I just don’t like giving up hits,” he said. “I don’t care (that the games don’t count), I don’t want to lose ever.”

Cingrani said he’d always been competitive, but his junior college coach, Steve Ruzich, took it to a new level. At South Suburban College in the area, Ruzich drilled that competitive fire into his players, and nobody took to it quite like Cingrani.

“His coach at Rice told me a story that when Tony first got there, the team was running poles, and he was busting from pole-to-pole and the coach overheard the other players tell him to take it easy,” Ruzich recalled. “He told me Tony looked at them and said, ‘I only have one speed.’ ”

That one is full-speed ahead. Whether it’s the he relies on while pitching or even his speedy stint through the minors, making his big-league debut in just his second season in the minors or his all-out hustle at the plate or on the bases. When Cingrani’s on a , he’s going full speed to the finish line, and he intends on being there first.

“That’s how I’ve always been taught, that’s how my dad played the game, that’s how my dad’s lived his life,” said Cingrani, who grew up in the Chicago area. “I’ve always been shown work ethic and that’s how I grew up.”

That work ethic led him to this offseason. While he’s from Chicago, played college ball in and pitches professionally in , he found a trainer he liked in Detroit, so in typical Cingrani fashion, there was no half-measure. He spent his winter in Detroit, strengthening his core, hoping to put the back problems that shortened his 2013 rookie campaign behind him.

“I’ve always had slight back issues, but I just did some random stuff last year with swinging and all that type of stuff. It compiled,” Cingrani said. “I guess I didn’t do my ab stuff right. It hit me that one game. I’ve had weird little things back there for awhile. It’s never anything bad. (This offseason) I just strengthened it, I just strengthened it a lot.”

Cingrani is already penciled in to the fifth starter’s spot, a position he earned last season by stepping into the rotation when was hurt and performing spectacularly.

Cingrani went 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 23 appearances, including 18 starts. As a starter, he had a 2.77 ERA and struck out 109 batters in 971⁄3 , striking out 3.03 batters per walk. Overall, batters hit just .196 with a .281 on-base percentage and a .368 against him. That’s one of the reasons Price is confident about his team – those numbers are from his fifth starter, something few teams can boast.

“He’s a big part of what we’re doing,” Price said. “As much as we talk about Bronson (Arroyo) not being here, we have to talk equally as much about Tony being here because for a guy who pitched – his stuff and the way he was feeling deteriorated over the course of the year, and even when he wasn’t feeling good – and for the most part he kept that lower back issue under wraps, we didn’t know it was something ... over the course of the season through pitching, is he was really good.”

Because the Reds play in Chicago and Milwaukee several times a year, Ruzich was able to see his star pupil in person several times. He was there June 11, Cingrani’s second start at . In the first, then-Cubs left fielder hit hit two homers off of Cingrani – and Ruzich knew the lefty would have something for Soriano this time.

“I was watching the radar gun and he was consistently 92-93, and then Soriano comes up and it’s 96,” Ruzich said. “He remembers everything. He wanted to beat him.”

And he did – striking him out twice as the Reds won 12-2.

In the end, Cingrani is supremely confident in his abilities. Like in his first road start in 2013, when he got in a little bit of trouble in the fourth against the Nationals. After a passed ball put a runner on following a leadoff , Cingrani gave up a , bringing up with runners on second and third and no outs. He threw three straight by Harper, who took as big of swings as you could imagine. After walking the next batter to load the bases, he struck out the next two batters, recording four in one inning.

“Confidence helps you in anything you do in life, especially this,” Cingrani said.

“You have to have confidence in what you do. I like pressure and all that type of stuff.”

Homer Bailey struggles in first Spring Training outing By John Fay

GOODYEAR, ARIZ. — didn't feel like the $105 million man in his first appearance since signing his big contract.

"Nah, not really," he said. "It felt the same as last year."

He didn't pitch like it either.

But he was OK with his first outing of the spring. He went two innings and allowed two runs - both on a home by Ryan Raburn.

"It was what I expected - just kind of off with everything," Bailey said. "I saw some good things, some not-so good things, things that need work."

Bailey retired the first four hitters he faced, getting three ground balls. He then walked Lonnie Chisenhall. Bailey fell behind Raburn 3-1 before he hit a high shot out to left.

"I threw two pitches for balls that we just off," he said. "In midseason, I'd make those pitches and get the ground ball I was looking for. One was a down and away and a two-seamer down and in. They missed by two inches. It's spring training. I'm not going to hit those every time."

Reds manager Bryan Price saw the same thing.

"That's a common theme early in camp - just trying to get your delivery together," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "And it's adrenaline. I thought for the most part we were really good at that today."

HEALING HANNAHAN: Jack Hannahan had offseason shoulder surgery. That's why he hasn't played in any games.

The surgery, which happened right after last season, was never announced by the Reds.

"He battled it last year," Price said. "He's going through rehab process. He's getting his swings, getting his ground balls, but he's still having to build up the throwing portion of the recovery. That's typically the big challenge in a shoulder surgery rehab.

"He's progressing. I know he'd like it to go faster, but the shoulder, in particular, takes time."

BROXTON UPDATE: Jonathan Broxton (elbow surgery) threw a 25-pitch on the Thursday.

"He's progressing really well," Price said. "Talking about schedules is always a challenge. But he's had no setbacks. We've ramped up his throwing since he arrived in Goodyear. He's playing catch everyday. Now he's got two under his belt. He looks great, his delivery looks good. We're really happy he's progressing so well."

Right now, Broxton is throwing bullpens every third day. They'll increase his pitch count and then have him throw every other day. That's the final step before getting into games.

LATOS UPDATE: Mat Latos (knee surgery) continues to add activity.

"His improvement has been substantial everyday," Price said. "He continues to do a lot more in the weight room and he's on the field more for extended long toss and some of the PFP ( fielding practice) drills. Introducing him to anything where he has to cut and plant on that knee, I think we're getting . I don't think we're there yet. The good thing is he's been able to keep his arm in shape through this process."

JUMBO EFFORT: Price was really happy with right-hander Jose "Jumbo" Diaz's outing Thursday.

"It was his 30th birthday and I believe this is his first major league camp," Price said. "That's a pretty neat combination: You get your first major league appearance on your 30th birthday and to be one of the more impressive pitchers."

Diaz pitched a scoreless inning. He was 3-4 with a 1.66 ERA and 13 saves for -A Louisville last year. He dropped his weight from 347 to 276 in the offseason.

"We're all excited about him," Price said. "He made a sincere effort to get his body in more baseball shape. . . The thing is it hasn't effected his velocity. He was up to 97 yesterday and really attacking the zone."

BAR 2.28.14: Will and be lifetime Reds? By C. Trent Rosecrans

I was reading this story by Will Leitch about and players staying with one team – of course, Leitch points out it’s not lamenting the fact players don’t stay with one team — it’s more likely that teams don’t want to stay with one player.

I remember people talking about how when George Brett and went into the Hall of Fame, how they could be the last single-team players to be inducted because of free agency.

Well, of course Jeter will get in and he’ll have only played for the Yankees. And since 1999, we’ve also had Bill Mazeroski (Pirates), Kirby Puckett (Twins), Cal Ripken (Orioles), (Padres), (Red Sox) and (Reds).

The current Reds have two players who could be in this position, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. has talked about his desire to retire a Red, but he debuted in and several players have only been Reds (and we’re talking position players, since pitchers, even relievers, don’t rack up these game numbers), but are still early in their team control years and haven’t even gotten into free agent years (both Votto and Bruce are signed beyond their initial free agency years).

Now, it’s still too early to be talking about the Hall of Fame — although all but three of the top 20 players with most games with one team are there (Davey Concepcion, Frank White and Lou Whitaker) are in (or going to be in the case of Craig Biggio, Jeter and ) — but it got me to thinking about Joey Votto, who still has 10 years left on his contract (and a team option for an 11th).

Votto’s played 890 games and could reach this list with 1,470 more games with the Reds. Thankfully those 10 years makes the math easy — he’d have to average 147 games over the next 10 years. Take away his late-season call-up in 2007, and he’s averaged 144.3 games a year over his first six seasons, including 162 in 2013 and 161 in 2011.

And then there’s Bruce, who is not too far from Votto with 829 games played with the Reds — and only the Reds. Bruce is younger, but he also isn’t signed anywhere near as long. He’s made it known he’d like to sign with the Reds long-term, but there’s a lot that could happen between now and 2017. Right now Bruce is 1,531 games behind Willie Stargell on the list. Since becoming a regular, the last four years, he’s averaged 155 games, which means he’d need to keep that average, more or less, for the next 10 years to reach Stargell.

Bruce has the profile that could help him there, in that he debuted young and plays in the outfield, although it’d be tough to transition late in his career to first base, because Votto’s signed to such a long deal.

Both could be helped if the next commissioner does what many expect and give the the designated hitter.

That doesn’t really mean much, but it does put in perspective just how many games all of those guys in the top 20 played with one team.

MLB.COM

Chapman strikes out all three batters he faces By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians and Reds both unleashed their closers for the first time this spring, on Friday afternoon. New Cleveland stopper John Axford and Cincinnati fireballer each turned in one shutout inning in the Tribe's 4-0 win at Goodyear Ballpark.

The Reds know what they have in Chapman, but this was Cleveland's first look at Axford in its uniform. Over the offseason, the Indians signed the lanky right-hander to a one-year, $4.5 million contract, after moving beyond the Chris Perez era.

Axford was thrilled to have the first outing out of the way.

"It felt good," Axford said. "I was sweaty, tired, anxious. All those things. Yeah, it was fun. It's the first time facing live hitters. That got those nerves going a little bit, but I think that always comes out in the first outing."

Axford made his Indians debut in the fifth inning, which began with a groundout off the bat of Brayan Pena. From there, the closer mixed in two strikeouts ( and Yorman Rodriguez) to offset the one walk he issued.

Last season, Axford lost his role as the closer for the Brewers after being one of the game's elite ninth-inning arms a few seasons ago. After finishing strong following a trade to the Cardinals, Axford said he is ready to prove he can be a solid closer once again.

"That's why I'm here, definitely," Axford said. "I definitely could've gone other places and done different things. I'm in Cleveland because it's proving to be a winning organization. Obviously, with [manager ] at the helm, too, I'm definitely looking forward to that. It's a great clubhouse and, obviously, an opportunity to close again was very important."

Chapman also took the mound in the fifth, breezing through the three hitters he faced for the Reds. Cleveland batters Jesus Aguilar, Matt Carson and Nyjer Morgan were all strikeout victims against the hard-throwing left-hander.

Cincinnati starter Homer Bailey worked the first two innings against the Indians, who came through with two runs on one hit against the right-hander. The big blow came in the second inning, when Tribe Ryan Raburn launched a two-run to left field off Bailey, following a walk drawn by Lonnie Chisenhall.

"It's kind of what I expected," Bailey said. "Just a little off on everything, first game out. I saw some good things, some not-so-good things or some things that just need work."

Indians outfield prospect Carlos Moncrief added a two-run single off Reds Robert Stephenson in the sixth inning.

Cleveland starter Zach McAllister enjoyed a quiet spring debut, turning in a pair of shutout innings to set the tone for the afternoon. The big right-hander finished with one strikeout and one walk. He was followed by right-hander Josh Tomlin, who is vying for the fifth spot in the rotation. Tomlin struck out two and walked none in two scoreless frames.

"Overall, I felt great," Tomlin said. "My arm feels good and my body feels good. That's the main thing I'm taking away from this one."

In the fourth inning, Cincinnati's Ramon Santiago led off by sending a low line drive into the right-center-field gap. Morgan -- manning center -- sprinted in, called off Raburn in right field and made a spectacular diving catch to rob Santiago of a hit. Off the bat, Tomlin did not think Morgan had a shot at the ball.

"At first, no," Tomlin said. "But then I saw him coming in hot. He's a great player. Seeing him lay out like that, it was fun to watch."

The catch got the attention of Morgan's skipper.

"Nyjer's kind of come into camp, you can tell he's a little bit on a mission," Francona said. "He's paying with a lot of enthusiasm. He's all over the place. That was a heck of a play."

Up next for Reds: Following a game off on Friday, leadoff man Billy Hamilton should be back on Saturday when the Reds host the Rockies at 3:05 p.m. ET at Goodyear Ball Park. Hamilton has successfully reached third base following each of his first plate appearances in his first two games. Tony Cingrani will start the game on the mound for Cincinnati with J.J. Hoover, Sam LeCure, Manny Parra and Chien-Ming Wang also being available from the bullpen.

Barnhart eager to soak up knowledge Catching prospect being tutored by veteran Miller By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- All expectations are that Reds top catching prospect Tucker Barnhart will begin the 2014 season at Triple-A Louisville. That, of course, will put Barnhart one rung down from the Majors and perhaps just one phone call away from a possible promotion.

Before the 23-year-old Barnhart can realize that dream and call his family and friends to make the two-hour drive from his hometown of Brownsburg, Ind., to fill to watch him, much work is left to be done.

"It's continuing to be consistent and just grow as a hitter," Barnhart said. "I need to continue to work defensively, get to know pitchers' styles and what they like to do in different spots of the game. It's going to allow me to mesh with them right away."

A 10th-round Draft pick of the Reds in 2009, Barnhart has become a familiar presence in the organization. This is his third big league camp, but first as a member of the 40-man roster. He's attended Redsfest each of the last three years and is a three-year fixture with broadcaster on the self-proclaimed "Rock Star" leg of the Reds Caravan tour.

"I feel like I've put myself in a good position," Barnhart said. "I feel like I've grown as a player on the field, but off the field as well. I'm very fortunate to be put in that situation. I've taken it and ran with it."

To help get him the rest of the way, Barnhart will be paired in Louisville with veteran Corky Miller, who has long been held in high esteem in the organization for how he handles pitchers and the nuances of the position.

Miller, 37, will be a catching guru to Barnhart -- there to be a sounding board, to answer questions, to set an example, to just be there in general. It's something he's done for other in the early parts of their careers, most recently for current Reds regular catcher Devin Mesoraco.

"It was the same thing that happened with Devin," Miller said. "It was not necessarily ball talk. It's communication from seeing each other, day in and day out. Hopefully it's more by example. I try to do everything right. I encourage him to ask me questions. It was tough for me, too, when you're pretty good at catching to pick someone else's brain. Sometimes you're afraid it might be different. He's a guy that likes to talk. He understands catching. It should be fun for us."

Barnhart expected not to be timid this season about approaching Miller, who has known him from spending past Spring Trainings together.

"He'll probably get sick of me and how many questions I'm going to ask. I'm very fortunate to able to learn from him," Barnhart said. "What some people don't realize with Corky is that his laid-back nature and everything is fantastic. But also it's how much he's teaching when that is going on. It's a very laid-back style but it's also 'You better get your stuff done or I am going to be all over you.'"

Barnhart can watch Miller's work ethic, show him how to handle being a backup catcher in the big leagues, if needed, monitor how he takes notes on pitchers and teach him how to react to situations.

Most of all, Barnhart can just gain experience from seeing more pitchers and hitters.

"You go to Triple-A and guys have different approaches at the plate," Miller said. "Some older guys have different philosophies on pitching, guys that maybe he hasn't caught on a regular basis. Usually, you have a little more command with the breaking pitches. You have little things that older guys would do that don't necessarily apply to A-ball or Double-A. The hitters' tendencies are a little more ingrained so it might be a little easier to set up hitters."

Last season with Double-A Pensacola, Barnhart batted .260 with a .348 on-base percentage in 98 games. He was second on the team with 19 doubles and third in RBIs. There were 45 walks and only 57 strikeouts.

Defensively, Barnhart successfully caught 37 percent of attempted basestealers. named him the organization's 10th best prospect and its best defensive catcher. After the season, he was invited to play in the Arizona Fall League, which is often a stop for future Major Leaguers.

"It was big. Just being around that type of talent was huge," Barnhart said. "I think it really prepared me for camp this year. Going out here, you know those guys are the top prospects in baseball. There's a feeling like you belong and you're seeing you're as good, or better, than some of the guys out there. It was a confidence-builder for me."

The Reds are set with catchers at the big league level with Mesoraco and Brayan Pena. Early in the season, Miller could get tapped if there is an injury. But Miller isn't on the 40-man roster while Barnhart is. If he is the one needed, Barnhart wants to know as much about the Major League pitching staff as possible this spring.

"It's good. this being my third camp. to be around guys that I've gotten to know," Barnhart said. "I will continue to work with guys and get to know them and what their tendencies are so if. and when. that opportunity presents itself, that I'm ready to go."

Yorman tested in Cactus League action By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One of the Reds' rising prospects, 21-year-old Yorman Rodriguez started in Friday's game vs. the Indians. Rodriguez led off and played center field.

The No. 16 prospect in the organization last year, according to MLB.com, Rodriguez split last season between Class A Bakersfield and Double-A Pensacola. Combined, he batted .259 with 13 home runs and 66 RBIs in 129 games. Reds manager Bryan Price thinks he will get even better by just playing and developing.

"He's such a young guy. He really had a significant, breakout year for him," Price said on Friday. "At 21, we're really encouraged by what we're beginning to see as far as his athleticism, the power potential. He's a very good defensive outfielder. We want to integrate him into center. I think he's more comfortable on the corners in right and left.

"But he's shown us a lot -- his instincts, his running and throwing ability, a much better approach at the plate, more disciplined. He's definitely one of the guys we're excited about as far as his development and his chance to help us in the next year or two."

As young as Rodriguez is, he has been in the organization for five seasons. He was signed on his 16th birthday for $2.5 million, which was a record for a Venezuelan amateur player at the time.

"You start at 16, think about that," Price said. "You're getting your driver's license here. All you're thinking about is getting up the nerve to make a phone call and ask a girl on a date and pray that your parents will let you use the car on Friday. This kid is out there trying to figure out if he can handle college pitching and things of that nature. He's certainly had his challenges."

Hannahan recovering from shoulder surgery By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- There is a reason that backup Jack Hannahan has yet to play a game for the Reds this spring. It surfaced on Friday that Hannahan had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

The procedure was performed by team medical director Tim Kremchek a week after the 2013 season ended. Hannahan reported to camp a month early to begin a throwing program.

"I'm about four months out, and it's been a slow process. A lot slower than I'd like it to go," Hannahan said. "It's progressively getting better. I feel a lot stronger every day."

Signed by the Reds to a two-year, $2 million contract with a $4 million club option in December 2012, the shoulder injury might explain why Hannahan struggled to produce at the plate and throw in the field.

Hannahan, who turns 34 on March 4, batted only .216 with one home run and 14 RBIs in 83 games last season.

"I did it close to this time last year in Spring Training," Hannahan explained about his injury. "I was playing first base and dove for a ball. I felt a twinge in my shoulder."

Hannahan hadn't had an MRI exam on his shoulder until one after the season revealed a tear. Not knowing the severity of his injury, he simply stretched his shoulder before games and did his best to heat it up.

"Nobody feels 100 percent throughout a baseball season of 162 games," Hannahan said. "There are aches and pains. Every baseball player goes out and does the best they can. As far as playing third base, it was a lot different figuring out how to get a ball across the infield. Coming into this spring, swinging feels a lot better. I feel like I can stay through a baseball and there is still some discomfort throwing."

Hannahan has been able to take extra batting practice and ground balls to get himself ready, but there isn't a target date for him to play in the Cactus League.

"He's still having to really build up the throwing portion of the recovery," manager Bryan Price said. "That's typically is the biggest challenge in a shoulder surgery rehab. He's progressing. I know he'd like it to go a lot faster. The shoulder, in particular, takes time."

Broxton looks good in second bullpen session By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds reliever Jonathan Broxton threw 25 pitches in the bullpen on Thursday, his second mound session of camp. Broxton threw 15 pitches on Monday.

In August, Broxton has season-ending surgery to repair a torn flexor mass tendon in his right forearm.

"It went really well," manager Bryan Price said of the bullpen session. "Talking about schedules is always a challenge, but he's had no setbacks. We ramped up his throwing since he arrived in Goodyear. He's got two bullpens under his belt. He looks great. His delivery looks great. He feels good. We're really happy he's progressing so well."

Bailey: Pitches ‘were just off’ By Mark Sheldon / MLBlogs Mark My Word

It was a 4-0 loss for the Reds vs. the Indians on Friday. Story is on Reds.com/MLB.com but I’ve got some added information here to peruse.

*Manager Bryan Price was pleased overall with the pitching performances he saw today.

“That’s the common theme early in camp, just trying to get your delivery together and manage the adrenaline,” Price said. “Those are the big challenges. I thought for the most part, we were pretty good at it today.”

*Homer Bailey’s line: 2 ip, 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HR. Bailey didn’t feel his sharpest out there. After a one-out walk to Lonnie Chisenhall, he fell into a 3-1 count on Ryan Raburn before allowing a home run to left field.

“I threw two pitches for balls that were just off. In the season, I’d probably make those pitches or get the groundball that I was looking for,” Bailey said. “I threw a slider down and away and a two-seamer down and in. Missed by about two inches. It’s Spring Training, I’m not going to hit those every single time yet.”

*Asked if he felt any different pitching after signing his six-year, $105 million contract, Bailey replied: “Nah, not really. Same as it was last year.”

*Aroldis Chapman looked really strong in striking out the side during the fifth inning. Price had this to say:

“One thing we do know is we keep tabs on our guys,” Price said. “They’re working out and they’re ready to go. We have a visual inspection on a lot of them and we had a pretty good visual on Chapman. We knew he would be ready when he got here — regardless of what was suggested otherwise.”

*Top pitching prospect Robert Stephenson took over in the sixth and made his debut. Stephenson got two quick outs and then encountered some trouble. First, there was a two-out walk and then a single with two strikes. He had Carlos Moncrief in a 0-2 count before allowing a RBI single. A second run scored when RF Juan Duran airmailed a throw meant for the plate into the third base dugout.

*First pitch temperature was 75 degrees.

DAYTON DAILY NEWS

Surprise! Hannahan had surgery By Hal McCoy |

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Jack Hannahan played the entire 2013 season with a sore shoulder — most likely a torn labrum. And that’s explains a lot.

That explains why the 34-year-old utility infielder hit .232. And it explains why he isn’t playing exhibition games yet.

A week after the season ended, Hannahan underwent an MRI and the torn labrum was discovered. He immediately underwent surgery from Dr. Tim Kremchek.

“I did it about this time last season during spring training,” said Hannahan. “I was playing first base and dove for a ball and felt a twinge in my shoulder. As the season progressed I knew ice and stim were not going to cure it. Playing third base was trying to figure out how to throw a ball across the infield.

“It has been four months since the surgery and it has been a slow recovery process, a lot slower than I want it,” said Hannahan. “I came to camp a month early to start a throwing program. I’m getting stronger every day. I’m swininging in batting practice just fine but there still is some discomfort throwing.”

“It was something he had to battle for the bulk of last year,” said Reds manager Bryan Price. “He is going through the rehab process — taking his swings, taking ground balls. So he is building up the throwing portion of his recovery. That’s typically the biggest challenge in shoulder surgery rehab.

“He is progressing and would like it to go faster, but shoulder surgery takes longer,” Price added.

FROM THE SOME Things Never Change Department: Aroldis Chapman made his spring debut Friday, pitching the fifth inning against the . And he did what he does so often when he pitches one inning. He struck out the side. His first pitch was clocked at 100 miles an hour and he threw several triple-digit fastballs and touched 101.

PITCHER JONATHAN BROXTON threw off a mound Thursday for the second time this spring as he continues his comeback from forearm surgery.

“He threw 25 pitches and it went really well,” said Price. “He has had no setbacks and we’ve ramped up his throwing since he arrived. He is playing catch every day. He looks great, his delivery looks great and he feels good.”

Broxton was on the disabled list twice last year and finally was shut down on August 22 for season-ending surgery. He made 34 appearances and was 2-2 with a 4.11 ERA.

“He has two days off between each mound session and we incrementally increase the number of pitches he throws,” said Price. “The next step would be throwing every other day. Then he’ll go into games.”

MAT LATOS CONTINUES his rehab program, yipping and yapping with a high-energy interplay with teammates and writers.

“He is doing fine, the progress has been substantial every day,” said Price. “He is doing a lot in the weight room. He is on the field a lot more for extended long toss and some of the pitchers fielding practice. We’re getting closer where he can cut and plant that left knee (surgically repaired), but we’re not there yet.

“That’s the next step that leads to throwing in the bullpen,” Price added. “The good thing is that he has been able to keep his arm in shape.”

OUTFIELDER YORMAN Rodriguez is in his sixth spring training camp with the and he is only 21. The Reds signed him out Venezuela when he was 16.

“He was here before I was,” said Price, who arrived as pitching coach five years ago. “You see him again and you say, ‘OK, this guy should be about 25, but he’s 21. Think about signing as 16. Usually at 16 you are thinking about getting your driver’s license and getting up the nerve to pick up the phone to ask a girl on a date.”

Rodriguez hit .267 at Class AA Peninsula last season, “A significant breakout season for him,” said Price. “At 21 we’re really encourage by what we’re beginning to see out of him. He has shown us a lot with his instincts and his running and throwing ability. He a guy we’re excited about being able to help us in the next year or two.”

IT IS A SPECIAL treat to watch former Reds stars like Tom (Mr. Perfect) Browning and Ken Griffey Sr. pitch batting practice.

Browning threw Friday morning and infielder Argenis Diaz bailed out on a high and tight pitch, to which outfielder Ryan LaMarre said, “Stay in there, we have ice.”

LaMarre then stepped in and hit one out of the park and Browning said, “You’re welcome.” Later Browning said, “Nope, I don’t throw any screwballs (his famous pitch). I’m out there to give ‘em confidence, like LaMarre.”

SPEAKING OF PERFECT games, and Browning owns the only one thrown by a Reds pitcher, former Reds pitcher remains the only major-league pitcher to throw back-to-back no-hitters.

But the Reds have one just like him, on a smaller scale. Robert Stephenson, the Reds No. 1 draft pick in 2011, threw back-to-back no-hitters to start his senior season at Alhambra (Calif.) High School.

TODD FRAZIER APPROACHED me Friday morning and saw an unlit cigar in my hand. “You used to give me cigars,” he said. “Since the last time you gave me one I hit .234.” I promised to deliver two cigars on Saturday.

AH, TECHNOLOGY at its finest Friday morning. ESPN was using a drone flying over the practice fields and Friday morning to take video.

Videographer Dominick Orlando had the drone flying about 30 feet above the light towers and said, “It could go higher but I didn’t want to deal with any airplanes.”

There is an airport beyond right field at Goodyear Ballpark where at least 100 commercial airliners sit in a long row, mothballed and stripped for spare parts.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I was freezing when I was outside 10 minutes ago (it was 68 degrees),” said manager Bryan Price, an Arizona resident. Told there was another Storm of the Century predicted this weekend in Ohio, Price said, “We’re going to have the Storm of the Century here as well. We’re going to get a quarter-inch of rain.”

Price said there is an e-mail floating around that shows the aftermath of an Arizona storm. “There are four plastic chairs like you buy at Walmart and one is tipped over and it says, ‘We will rebuild.’”

FOXSPORTSOHIO.COM

Reds' Votto learns from criticism, but isn't changing approach Hal McCoy Ohio

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Joey Votto gets it, understands it, knows why some fans feel the way they do.

Votto is paid a bank vault full of money — a 10-year, $225 million deal — and with that comes high expectations and when those expectations aren't reached the howling and the sniping begin.

So Votto understands that some fans believe he should change his approach to hitting so that he doesn't walk so much and so that he will drive in more runs.

What Votto doesn't understand is that there are some people who should know better, who he thought knew the game, who believe he should change his approach.

By most accounts, Votto had another bang-up season in 2013 — .305, 24 home runs, a league-leading 135 walks and a league- leading .435 on-base percentage. And while 73 RBI is a fair number, it pales to the 113 he drove in during the 2010 season when he was National League Most Valuable Player.

To some, it wasn't good enough.

"It was unfortunate about the comments people made and it is more unfortunate when people who you think understand the game — people you wish would support you more — go in the opposite direction. The thing I was more concerned about was having the pressure of multiple different sources telling me to change my approach and putting consistent pressure on me."

Asked to whom he was referring, Votto said, "That one I'll probably keep to myself. It is never good to target anyone. But that's part of baseball, part of the job, part of the contract I signed. The criticism is part of how the game works. I accept it and learned a lot from it.

"I'm always trying to improve, always trying to figure out ways to get more out of myself," said Votto.

But changing his approach to hitting is not one of them, not after years and years of hard work to develop and refine what he has done so well for six full seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.

"It will be really tough for any hitter to go the plate thinking about anything other than the competition they are facing," he said. "You go up there thinking about an approach that satisfies multiple perspectives and it can be a real challenge overall.

"If I wasn't producing and having a satisfying result in my overall game I could understand the complaints," he said. "You know, overall, I think I had a successful year, despite the lack of one number (RBI). I like getting lost in an at-bat and getting the most out of every at-bat."

Votto paused as he pulled on his cap Friday morning for a round of batting practice before an afternoon exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians, then said, "I get it. I get it. It's OK. You know, it is only one year. I have a track record of success. Last season wasn't a huge drop-off. There were some things missing, but that happens with all players."

It was pointed out that hitters sometimes have no control over how a pitcher approaches a talented hitter like Votto, especially with runners on base. They pitch around him with pitches out of the strike zone. Is Votto supposed to get himself out by swinging at bad pitches?

"Some would like me to do that," he said. "Yeah, some would."

One of the people who is not asking Votto to change his approach, who is not asking him to swing at bad pitches, is manager Bryan Price.

"It is difficult to ask a guy who has worked so hard to perfect his game to make a big change like that," said Price. "And it is not fair to define a player on one year. Some of Joey's numbers were down a bit, but we know what he can do without him making changes. He has done it, more than a few times. And he'll do it again."

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Raburn homers off Bailey in spring debut By Gary Schatz

GOODYEAR, ARIZ. — Ryan Raburn hit a two-run home run off Homer Bailey to lead the Cleveland Indians to its second consecutive win against the Cincinnati Reds, 4-0 on Friday.

Lonnie Chisenhall, who is trying to hold on to the third base job in Cleveland, walked to set up the Raburn’s second-inning drive against Bailey, who threw his second career no-hitter in 2013.

Likely Indians closer Jon Axford walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning.

Cleveland’s competition for the No. 5 starter’s role is picking up. Josh Tomlin followed Carlos Carrasco’s sharp outing Thursday with a solid appearance of his own today: two hits and two strikeouts in two innings.

“The way Carrasco pitched yesterday and Tomlin today, I hope we have a tough decision by the end of spring,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.

Trevor Bauer and Aaron Harang also are in the mix for the final spot in the Indians’ rotation.

Cleveland scored two runs against Robert Stephenson in his first major league spring appearance. Stephenson was the Reds first pick in the 2011 draft.

Jay Bruce and hit consecutive singles in the fourth against Josh Tomlin for two of the Reds’ three hits.

Reds’ closer Aroldis Chapman struck out all three batters he faced.

“One thing we do know. They are ready to go. We keep tabs on our guys and we had a pretty visual on (Chapman),” Reds first-year manager Bryan Price said. “It was an early spring game but I like the energy and the effort by our guys today.”

Starting time The Indians’ Zach McAllister pitched two scoreless innings, walking one and striking out one. He already has secured a spot in Cleveland’s rotation.

“He was as advertised,” Francona said. “I’m sure as the spring goes on he’ll be sharper but he was pretty good today.”

Bailey’s only hit allowed in two innings was Raburn’s homer.

“I was off a little,” said Bailey who signed a six-year, $105 million contract Feb. 20. “I threw two close pitches to when I walked the guy (Chisenhall). They were 2 inches off. During the season, I probably make those pitches.”

Trainer's room Cincinnati reserve infielder Jack Hannahan had surgery to repair a torn labrum immediately after the 2013 season. He is hitting in the batting cage and building arm strength. ... Right-hander Mat Latos played long toss Thursday and participated in pitcher’s drills that do not require him to cut and plant on his left knee that required meniscus surgery Feb. 14. ... Jonathan Broxton, who had right elbow surgery in August, has pitched two bullpens this spring, including a 25-pitch session Thursday. He is playing catch every day and his throwing is being ramped up.

Cleveland right-hander Frank Herrmann, recovering from right elbow-reconstruction surgery, will throw a simulated game Sunday.

In the mix Tomlin spent the first four months of 2013 recovering from right elbow-reconstruction surgery. But he pitching 291⁄3 innings for several teams in the Cleveland system, including two with the Indians, as part of his rehab.

“My arm feels good. That’s what I’m taking from this,” Tomlin said. “It’s been a while since I competed. I was around the zone. I was a little amped up to start with but after the first batter I settled in.”

All the way from Japan Nyjer Morgan played for Yokohama in Japan in 2013. Morgan enhanced his chances of sticking with the Indians by making a long- running diving catch of a line drive to the right-center gap, robbing Ramon Santiago of an extra base hit.

“Nyjer plays with a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” Francona said.

TRANSACTIONS

02/28/14 RHP Endrys Briceno assigned to . RHP Calvin Drummond assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Yorfrank Lopez assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Jake Thompson assigned to Detroit Tigers. C Austin Green assigned to Detroit Tigers. 3B Dominic Ficociello assigned to Detroit Tigers. 3B Wade Gaynor assigned to Detroit Tigers. SS Dixon Machado assigned to Detroit Tigers. 3B Kevin Russo assigned to Detroit Tigers. OF Jason Krizan assigned to Detroit Tigers. OF Raph Rhymes assigned to Detroit Tigers. CF Austin Schotts assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Buck Farmer assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Chad Green assigned to Detroit Tigers. LHP Noel Arguelles assigned to . RHP Angel Baez assigned to Kansas City Royals. LHP Robby Scott assigned to . RHP Jeremy Kehrt assigned to Boston Red Sox. RHP Mike McCarthy assigned to Boston Red Sox. RHP Chris Resop assigned to Boston Red Sox. RHP Jacob Dahlstrand assigned to Boston Red Sox. RHP Luke Jackson assigned to . RHP Scott Richmond assigned to Texas Rangers. RHP Phil Klein assigned to Texas Rangers. RHP Daniel McCutchen assigned to Texas Rangers. RHP Randy Henry assigned to Texas Rangers. LHP Jimmy Reyes assigned to Texas Rangers. OF Ben Guez assigned to Detroit Tigers. LHP Brandon Mann assigned to Pirates. OF Willy Garcia assigned to . OF Carlos Mesa assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. 1B Matt LaPorta assigned to . OF Ben Verlander assigned to Detroit Tigers. 1B Aaron Westlake assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Frank Batista assigned to . RHP Ryan Searle assigned to Chicago Cubs. RHP Paolo Espino assigned to Chicago Cubs. C Tomas Telis assigned to Texas Rangers. RHP Wilsen Palacios assigned to Detroit Tigers. SS Walter Ibarra assigned to Chicago Cubs. 1B Dan Vogelbach assigned to Chicago Cubs. RF Dariel Alvarez assigned to Baltimore Orioles. RHP Ryan Dull assigned to . RHP assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Zach Neal assigned to Oakland Athletics. 1B Brett Wallace assigned to .