Homer Bailey: More Than Just a One Game Pitcher

Of course, just 30 minutes after I post my trade watch on the Cubs and Matt Garza, pitchers Scott Feldman and Carlos Marmol, along with catcher Steve Clevenger, were traded. Feldman and Clevenger are now Baltimore Orioles, while Marmol is a Los Angeles Dodger. The Cubs received relievers Pedro Strop and Matt Guerrier, starter Jake Arrieta, and international slots 3 and 4 (note: the international slot could be the biggest part of this trade with Cuban and Dominican Republic players being young and better than ever).

Those were the big trades. I’ll let you know if there’s more ahead.

The big event last night was Homer Bailey’s no hitter, the first one this year, and Bailey’s second no-hitter. The last time someone threw a no hitter in baseball was, of course, Homer Bailey! He’s the first person to throw two no hitters before anyone else since Nolan Ryan, the leader in no hitters. 

His first no hitter was a tightly contested battle with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett, but they won 1-0 and he threw the no hitter. That game actually guaranteed a non-winning season for the Pirates for the 20^th consecutive year (it looks like that won’t be the case this year though!). 

This time, Bailey threw a no-no against the defending champions, the San Francisco Giants (who, granted, are struggling big time lately). Bailey struck out 9, and allowed only one walk to start off the 7^th inning. He’s the fourth active pitcher to have two no hitters, joining Justin Verlander, Roy Halladay, and Mark Buehrle. The last Red to throw a no hitter besides Bailey before was Tom Browning in 1988. 

Last year there were 7 no hitters. Why has there been only 1 no hitter this year? Was pitching better last year?

No. It’s just a coincidence.

    

The real question is, why hasn’t anyone talked about Homer Bailey? The Reds have done an amazing job with their pitching staff over the last couple of years. Guys like Bailey, Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, and Bronson Arroyo have either improved their stuff greatly since joining the Reds or were brought up as a Red. Homer Bailey is a career 4.36 ERA, but the past two years have been ERA’s under 4.

He is only 27 years old, and, as we’ve seen these past two years, has had some commanding pitches. He’s not an ace to any organization, but is a great 3 or 4 man. His salary this year is $5.35 million, which isn’t too expensive, but also could be trade bait if the Reds need it. 

I can see Bailey getting better and better each year he plays now. Come postseason time for the Reds, it could be of huge importance. 

The Reds may be 3^rd in the NL Central, but they still have strong comfort in the Wild Card Spot, and could still do plenty of damage in the second half. They have the talent to do it.

Email me at statsbuddy42@gmail.com with any questions/comments/concerns.

-Evan Boyd