15 UP : 15 DOWN

Reds pitchers and catchers have reported to Goodyear, Arizona for the start of spring training. Among the pitchers, other position players showed up a week early, including Jay Bruce, Ryan Ludwick, Todd Frazier, Chris Heisey, Juan Francisco, Paul Janish, and Wilson Valdez. Shortstop Zach Cozart has been there longer than anyone as he spent much of the off season recovering from Tommy John surgery to his non-throwing elbow.

Right away the guys started noticing big changes around the team. Starting pitcher Homer Bailey packed on 15 pounds during the off season. Luckily, it’s not the 15 pounds you get eating twinkies and laying in a bean-bag chair. Bailey met with a nutritionist and set up a healthy meal and workout plan. He said he wanted more strength and durability for his upper body, and that is where most of the weight was packed on. So he says as he had to suck in to button his pants. Bailey, now 225 pounds claims he only gained 15 pounds; though his bio says 200. At 6’3” and 225lbs, Homer Bailey has an intimidation factor going for him and is planning on having the durability to play well into October.

Another noticeable weight change was seen in right fielder and slugger Jay Bruce. Jay didn’t pack on the meat like Homer Bailey. Jay Bruce slimmed down to a tone 210 pounds as he revs up for the season. Jay said he didn’t make any drastic changes; he simply cleaned up his diet a little bit. Like Homer, Jay plans on playing through the fall and to World Series, so endurance and durability are key factors. Jay explained that 15-20lbs off of your joints over 162+ games can make a difference. So far at Goodyear, Jay hasn’t hit the cages or fielded balls. He has been outside of the clubs weight room using his jump rope, working on cardio endurance and staying healthy.

Do we see the pattern here? These guys are gearing up for the long haul. The Reds attitudes aren’t taking them to the All-Star break and then a “we will see what happens” kind of thinking. These guys have their sights set on a pennant and a series. The Cincinnati Reds “Our time is NOW” outlook on the 2012 season can’t be any more obvious. Get ready Reds fans, in 2012 get used to hearing Marty say…

AND THIS ONE BELONGS TO THE REDS!