The Reds Can't Wait For Homer Bailey

The speculation over the weekend was that the Reds would be calling Homer Bailey up to start against the Indians on Saturday. The speculation was wrong. The official word came down from the front office today; Bailey will be making his start on Friday against the Indians. The Reds are pushing Matt Belisle back so that Bailey can start Saturday and that's probably the way that it should be.

The Reds aren't the only ones that can't wait for Bailey. Their fans are excited, too (and they should be). Red Reporter has this to say about Bailey:

But I will say that Homer Bailey coming up is pretty damn exciting. There literally hasn't been a Reds starting pitching prospect in my lifetime that I've been this hyped up about, and even though I am pretty sure he'll struggle for his first season I still can't wait to see him in Cincinnati.

It's tough to find bright spots this year, but Bailey's debut should be one.

Cincinnati.com is running a poll asking Reds' fans how many games they think Bailey will win. Right now, 31% say "more than 8." Given Bailey's youth, the Reds general propensity for losing games this year, and the amount of games left in the season, that's a bit optimistic. Then again, if he can settle in this year, the rotation of Arroyo, Harang, and Bailey will be a scary one in the coming years.