News for Homer Bailey - 2017 5x5 Mixed League - $260 cap

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Fri Jul 21 201716:12Reds looking for better command from young pitchers
CINCINNATI -- There was a popular graphic on the scoreboard at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium which displayed a ghost with the message "Walks will Haunt." In the past five games, Reds pitchers issued 28 of them.Manager Bryan Price attributed the control issues to his largely youthful rotation, currently comprised of two rookies and one second-year guy.But the Reds' veteran pitchers weren't immune to command issues on this homestand.Johnny Cueto, last year's Cy Young Award runner-up, walked six in four innings on Sunday afternoon, when seven Reds pitchers combined to walk 10, including four with the bases loaded in an 11-inning loss to the Cleveland Indians.Still, Price didn't mince words when discussing what his young pitchers need to do in order to establish themselves in a major league rotation."We've got guys coming to the big leagues trying to establish themselves as major league pitchers," he said. "One thing they need to prove is that they know how to command the strike zone. We're finding guys who can and guys who can't or won't. In some cases, we'll have to go in a different direction."This becomes even more vital considering Cincinnati's current situation. Cueto and veteran right-hander Mike Leake are likely to be traded prior to the July 31 non-waiver deadline.When 28-year-old right-hander Homer Bailey returns next season following elbow surgery, he could be the only member of the rotation older than 25.Through 91 games, the Reds led the major leagues with 316 walks, including six in Tuesday night's 5-4, 13-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs.It's a trend which can't continue, says the Cincinnati skipper."One thing's for sure -- if we're going to have more success here, it has to start with pitching," Price said. "You look at the Cubs. They're second or third in the league in ERA and they don't walk many guys. It's imperative that you command the strike zone."