Spring Training Notebook 2-12-09.pdf

TODAY’S NEWS: Pitchers and catchers report to the City of Sarasota Sports Complex on Saturday, when they will undergo physical examinations in the morning followed by an afternoon workout…position players are scheduled to report Tuesday…today’s sightings include RHP Aaron Harang, RHP Jared Burton, OF Chris Dickerson, IF/OF Jeff Keppinger, LHP Arthur Rhodes, RHP Homer Bailey, RHP Nick Masset, RHP Josh Roenicke, LHP Daniel Ray Herrera, RHP Daryl Thompson, C Ryan Hanigan, IF Adam Rosales, IF Paul Janish and OF Norris Hopper…Reds clubhouse manager Rick Stowe is celebrating his birthday today.

CONGRATULATIONS…: To Reds Chief Operating Officer Phil Castellini, who this afternoon received the Wendell P. Dabney Award for Diversity from the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau for his efforts in bringing to Great American Ball Park Major League Baseball’s Civil Rights Game…Castellini received the award for his contributions to positive race relations in the region…the weekend’s festivities will be highlighted by the Reds’ 7:10 p.m. contest against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, June 20.

Unfortunately, I am not lucky enough to have MLB Network, but for those that are…

Reds outfielder Jay Bruce stopped by MLB Network studios today for an interview that will air on tonight’s Hot Stove, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.  Bruce sat down with Harold Reynolds and Sean Casey – Casey’s first interview as an MLB Network on-air analyst – to discuss his thoughts on the Reds’ 2009 season, his emergence on the scene in 2008, his thoughts on the Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn trades as well as this week’s news involving Alex Rodriguez.

…and feel free to make a call on my behalf to get MLB Network on the KY side of the river.

Spring Training Notebook 2-11-09.pdf

BASEBALL & THE PRESIDENTS: At 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, baseball historian Mel Marmer will conduct lectures on U.S. presidents and their relationships with the National Pastime…the lectures are free with Reds Hall of Fame admission…tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students…kids under 5 years old, active military members and military veterans are admitted free.

Spring Training Notebook 2-10-09.pdf

TODAY’S NEWS: The Reds invited C Chris Denove to Major League camp as a non-roster invitee, increasing to 8 the number of catchers in camp…pitchers and catchers report to the City of Sarasota Sports Complex by Saturday, have physical examinations that morning and will work out at approximately 1:45 p.m. that afternoon…position players report Tuesday.

OPENING DAY TICKETS: Through noon on Thursday, fans can register at reds.com for the chance to purchase up to 4 tickets for Opening Day vs the New York Mets…winners will be selected at random…they will be notified via email and will have the opportunity to purchase up to 4 tickets to the club’s 133rd Opening Day game…log on to reds.com for more details.

HAMILTON JOES: The Hamilton Joes baseball team, a new entry in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League named after legendary Reds pitcher and broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, will be introduced at a press conference Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Ryan’s Tavern on High Street in Hamilton…donations are $8 for adults or $15 per family…for more information, call (513) 893-2605.

2009 Opening Day Tickets Opportunity.pdf

Paint the Town Red Commercial

No, it’s not a promotion for Sherwin-Williams.  “Paint the Town Red” is a song by The Hotcakes, a band from New York City and will be the rally cry for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans.

The Reds have purchased the rights to the catchy tune for use in promotional material and ballpark entertainment for two years.  And personally, has been stuck in my head since the commercial recently began running on local TV stations.

The Hotcakes formed in 2007 and hope the exposure will help develop a fan base in the Cincinnati area. 

The full song:
Paint the Town Red.mp3

For more information, visit The Hotcakes webpage and Mark Sheldon of MLB.com’s article.

The off-season is officially over. Director of media relations Rob Butcher and his dog Manhattan are shown here at the Cincinnati airport checking in for this afternoon’s flight to Florida.

Later this week the rest of the Reds’ baseball operations department will report to spring training at the City of Sarasota Sports Complex. Manager Dusty Baker and the coaching staff will be there Friday, while pitchers and catchers will report Saturday for physical examinations and their first workout.

Welcome to Reds Internal Affairs!  Many of you know plenty about the Cincinnati Reds already, but I hope to give you my unique perspective that comes from working in baseball as a media relations intern.  As you can see from my bio on the right, this isn’t my first rodeo.

Over the course of this year, I hope to give you some insight into what it is like to work with a Major League Baseball team.  It is a unique experience that I have enjoyed over the years.

You can expect updates from me about my life at Great American Ball Park, interactions with broadcasters and media, interviews, Reds news and many other compelling topics.  Feel free to leave your comments and questions as well. 

Once again, welcome to Reds Internal Affairs.  Tell your friends.

-JM