Micah Owings or Homer Bailey: Who Will Win the No. 5 Spot in the Reds' Rotation?

It is only 11 days until opening day and the Cincinnati Reds' No. 5 spot is still up for grabs as young Flame Throwers Micah Owings and Homer Bailey both battle to be in the rotation.

Micah Owings is not only a young flame thrower but he also has quite the bat as he gave Reds' fans a preview of his hitting ability as he went 2-for-3 in three plate appearances and one of those hits was the game winning RBI to beat his old team, Arizona.

This gives him an advantage because he can also be used in certain pinch hitting situations as well.

In 14.2 inning pitched thus far this spring, Owings has a astounding 1.23 ERA over 14.2 innings and four games, which include a 2-0 record with 16 strikeouts to a mere two walks and has given up two earned runs.

Homer Bailey is looking again this year to lock up the No. 5 spot as the No. 1 pick tries to show Reds' fans he deserves to be in the rotation.

In five games pitched, Bailey has posted a nice 2.45 ERA over 14.2 innings with a 0-1 record so far this spring. Homer has struck out 12 to only three walks and his location is better than ever.

There have been a few whispers that the Reds could trade popular Pitcher Bronson Arroyo and keep both as the respective four and five starters, but I don’t seem to see that happening. 

I believe Owings will come out as the No. 5 starter. His pitching is as about good as it gets and his hitting helps him a lot as well. Don’t be surprised if Dusty keeps Bailey on the Final 25 man roster and starts in the Bullpen. 

The Reds can use this to their advantage because the can use Bailey for long relief and he also can work a few quick innings and be a spot starter if needed.