Springing a Leake

This spring most pundits pointed towards the Reds pitching depth as a reason they could repeat at NL Central Division Champions. Since that time three pitchers (Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey, Jared Burton) went on the disabled list with shoulder injuries. Another (Bronson Arroyo) came down with mono, and now Mike Leake was arrested for misdemeanor theft. Who knew Sam LeCure would be the most consistent starter in this early part of the season and he wasn't even projected on the roster when spring training started.

Leake IS innocent until proven guilty, but as this team struggles to beat teams like Pittsburgh and Arizona combined with its so-called number one starter regularly getting a serious case of goo during the first inning, the arrest is quite frankly the last thing the Reds need. Leake is scheduled to start Thursday against Arizona. Whether he does or not is up to the team. I feel for Dusty Baker. Between the injuries and the inconsistency of the pitching staff, I don't see where he has much choice.

Neither Cueto or Bailey is ready to return from the disabled list as each began their rehab assignments over the weekend with strong outings for Triple-A Louisville. So the only viable alternative is to have Leake take his normal turn Thursday. The only other option would be to let Matt Maloney get a spot start in Leake's sted. Either way with the upcoming road trip to St. Louis and Milwaukee (the two teams breathing down Cincinnati's neck for first place) looming, this version of the Big Red Machine could use a tune up to get back on track. Here's hoping the D-Backs are just what the doctor ordered.

I have every confidence if and when the legal process is resolved (and the Reds and Leake will not comment until it has been) the Reds organization led by Mr. Castellini will take the proper action. Perhaps Bengals owner Mike Brown should be taking notes.