Merkcer to the DL, Herrera called-up

[missionhockey21]

Per Rotoworld:

Reds placed LHP Kent Mercker on the 15-day disabled list.
That was quick. Mercker, who had been on the disabled list for most of May with back soreness, appeared in two games after being reinstated, throwing two shutout innings. The injury hasn't been announced, but his back is likely the issue.

Reds selected the contract of LHP Danny Herrera from Triple-A Louisville.
Since being promoted to Triple-A at the end of April, the former 45th-rounder has allowed just three runs while while limiting opponents to a .183 batting average in 21 1/3 innings for the Reds. The lefty will take Kent Mercker's spot in Cincinnati's bullpen.

You have to wonder if Mercker can stay healthy this season.

[Doppelgänger]

I'm pumped to see Herrera, I hear he has nasty stuff. Not to mention I've also heard he looks like he is 12 years old.

[missionhockey21]

I'm pumped to see Herrera, I hear he has nasty stuff. Not to mention I've also heard he looks like he is 12 years old.

Nasty probably not in the way we typically associate with modern MLB pitchers. The kid works in the 80-84 range, tops, from what I heard and really relies on essentially confusing MLB hitters with a velocity they aren't used to seeing and a crazy big screwball.

He should be fun to watch if he can work that screwball in for low strikes. I am looking forward to it.

[Doppelgänger]

That is my kind of nasty

[missionhockey21]

It'll be fun to see, I just didn't want anyone thinking we're going to be seeing a big 6'7 dominating fastball hurler. His upside isn't the greatest, but he could be effective if he pitches smart.

[Doppelgänger]

Quite the opposite really, as he comes in at 5'8 and 140 pounds. According to the bats site. Lets just hope his stuff is still effective at the MLB level.

[Bon Bon]

Wow, when I read this thread starter I couldn't believe Kent Mercker is still in the league. I guess what they say is true if you are a lefty and you can get lefties out you got a job in the majors.

[missionhockey21]

Quite the opposite really, as he comes in at 5'8 and 140 pounds. According to the bats site. Lets just hope his stuff is still effective at the MLB level.

Yep, which makes me wonder a bit if part of the reason for his minor league effectiveness could be the surprise of seeing a guy that small in stature... it's not exactly common.

[redsrbetter]

Johnny Cueto says hello...

I am excited to see him as well. I have been wondering about that screwball since we got him.

[missionhockey21]

Johnny Cueto says hello...

I am excited to see him as well. I have been wondering about that screwball since we got him.

Cueto has 2 or 3 inches on him and probably 30-40 pounds, plus he (Herrera) has a young face.

[missionhockey21]

Oh and Mercker was placed on the 60 day DL.

[redsrbetter]

Oh man, I didn't know he was that tiny. Then Henry Rowengartner says hello.

[Banter]

Wow, when I read this thread starter I couldn't believe Kent Mercker is still in the league.

To be honest I have no clue why Mercker is on the Reds. He is virtually my neighbor in my hometown...but thats beside the point. Hes not that good and hes close to 1000 years old. I don't think hes a mentor for our younger pitchers and hes not that good, I say we spend the money elsewhere.

[redsrbetter]

He would be good in the media. They sure seem to love him. Surely he would do much better than this Doc Rogers puke.

[missionhockey21]

To be honest I have no clue why Mercker is on the Reds. He is virtually my neighbor in my hometown...but thats beside the point. Hes not that good and hes close to 1000 years old. I don't think hes a mentor for our younger pitchers and hes not that good, I say we spend the money elsewhere.

Welcome to the site Banter.

I'd have to disagree though. Not on the deserving of a roster spot, that is debatable, but he is the not worst pitcher we have thrown out there either. I do however believe Mercker is a good influence in the bullpen and one that is good for team chemistry. When you hear about keeping the bullpen entertained and on good feelings, Mercker is usually the root cause.

As for Hererra though, WOW! I know it's one outing, but that kid had ice water running through his veins last night. What a difficult situation to be placed in and he had such a presence of confidence about himself. Well done Danny!