AUTHOR: Reds03 TITLE: A Rocky Road DATE: 5:36:00 PM ----- BODY:

"With the 7th pick of the 2004, MLB draft, the Reds take.... Homer Bailey." It looked as if the Reds had a sure ACE for the future. The 6'3, 210 pound right hander from La Grange Texas didn't start off right. In his first taste of the Bigs, Homer was 5-4 with a 5.76 ERA in just 45.1 innings. Control and pitch count were a problem, but he was just a rookie. The following year was a tough year for the flame throwing prospect. In just 8 games, he had pitched 36.1 innings and had an era of 7.93; not to mention an 0-6 record. In this span, he managed to strike out only 18 and walk 17. During the off season there was a report that the Reds traded Bailey to the White Sox for Jermaine Dye, but the rumor was denied. On May 23, of 2009 Bailey got another chance at glory, but could do nothing with it. He was roughed up by the Indians going 4.1, giving up 6, and walking 6. It looked as if the Reds and some of the oranization had given up on the 23 year old, until July 3rd against the Cards. In a game to close the gap on the Cards division lead, Bailey threw a 2 run gem through 7 innings, but got a ND after Pujols hit a GS off of David Weather. Until August 23, he had some ups and some downs. But from August 23 on, Bailey had an ERA of 2.03, 53 strikeouts, and 24 walks. This coming over a span of 9 starts. Not too bad for a guy who fans wanted traded for a bucket of balls. The question is, WHICH HOMER BAILEY WILL THE REDS GET IN 2010?

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