[情報] Leake's debut on Sunday to be historic
CINCINNATI -- Mike Leake was born in San Diego. Reds manager Dusty Baker
likened the 22-year-old right-hander to a "little surfer."
Leake's laid-back Southern California persona was in full effect on Saturday
afternoon, one day before he's expected to make his historic Major League debut
for the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Leake, who was selected eighth overall by the Reds in the first round of the
2009 First-Year Player Draft, stood at his locker and addressed reporters prior
to Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs.
And, despite being a little more than 24 hours away from becoming just the 21st
player since the Draft began in 1965 to make his debut without appearing in a
Minor League game, Leake was calm and soft-spoken, displaying a demeanor not
befitting the rarity of his achievement.
"I don't really have nerves," Leake said. "I look at it as just another game.
Right now, I don't consider it to be any different. I guess, it really hasn't
sunk in yet."
Leake will be the first Reds player to skip the Minors since shortstop Bobby
Henrich, pitcher Jay Hook and catcher Don Pavletich made their debuts in 1957.
The last Major Leaguer to accomplish the feat was Xavier Nady in 2000, when he
was a member of the San Diego Padres.
"It's rare," said Baker. "Most players don't have the maturity level. He's a
competitor. He can locate as well as any young pitcher I've seen."
Leake last pitched on Monday in an extended spring game in Goodyear, Ariz. He
allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out
seven.
Leake has not yet been added to the 25-man roster and is prohibited from being
in the dugout during games. To this point, Leake has been relegated to watching
from the Reds' clubhouse.
On Sunday afternoon, the former Arizona State University star will venture on
to the turf at Great American Ball Park for the first time as both a Major
League player and that day's starting pitcher.
"It'll all hit me when I show up in a trivia question," Leake said.
Worth noting
The Reds' Opening Day infield boasted three Gold Glove winners (Scott Rolen,
Orlando Cabrera and Brandon Phillips) for the first time in franchise history.
The Cubs are in the midst of a stretch that will see them play eight straight
day games. ... The Cubs are 29-27 all-time at Great American Ball Park. ...
Aramis Ramirez went hitless on Saturday, but he's hit 26 home runs and 104 RBIs
in 526 career at-bats against the Reds. ... Right fielder Jay Bruce is in an 0
-for-16 slump, one off his career worst. ... Left-hander Aroldis Chapman will
make his pro debut for Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 118.167.110.227
Reds 近期熱門文章
PTT體育區 即時熱門文章
