All Things Bubba

The Reds played two split-squad games today. One was away, against the Tiggers, and one was home, against the Astros. The Astros game had the stronger squad, as you might expect. (Players don't like to go on road trips if they don't have to, and the higher up on the totem pole you are, the less likely you'll be asked to get on that bus.)

Andy Phillips had to get on the bus. He came in in the 6th at 2B. He was 2 for 2 with a walk, a RBI, and a run scored.

He's hitting a respectable .292 now, and slugging .417. His OBP could use some improvement...but I suspect that doesn't matter to the Reds. They're kind of old school. Dusty likes players to be aggressive at the plate.

Janish got to stay home. He came in at 2B, and was 0 for 1 with a walk and a run scored. It was a crazy game. Houston led throughout, and was ahead 4-0 going into the bottom of the 9th. The Reds scored all 5 of their runs in the 9th inning, winning the game on a walkoff double by Alvin Colina.

Jason Guarente is coveting Bubba for the Lancaster Barnstormers. The Barnstormers are an Atlantic League team. These days, a lot of good players use the independent leagues as a way into (or back into) MLB. The MLB teams do send scouts to independent league games. (The Yankees signed Edwar Ramirez out of the independent leagues.) The Atlantic League in particular has had some pretty big names.

Dunno if Bubba would consider it, but I'd be happy to see him play anywhere. (If he's healthy enough.) And Lancaster would be pretty good for my personal convenience. ;-)

I think I've pretty much decided to go to Florida next week. I will probably drive, unless a really good airfare appears. It's a long drive, but it will be cheaper, even given the price of gas and a hotel room on the way, since I won't have to rent a car.

And I'm in the mood for the spontaneity that driving allows. Life has been rather rigidly scheduled lately, and I like the idea of wandering around without having to be anywhere in particular. I might stop for awhile in Raleigh, NC. Though I was born and mostly raised in Hawai`i, a few years of my childhood were spent in Raleigh. (While my dad got his PhD from NC State - Go Pack!) I'm curious about what it looks like now, compared to my memories. I know Raleigh's grown like crazy. Will I even recognize it?

In Florida, I'm hoping to see Bok Tower. It's supposed to be stunningly beautiful and otherworldly, with the tower's carillon bells sounding through the mist.