Reds third-base coach Berry diagnosed with cancer

Never good to hear about things such as this…

Reds third-base coach Mark Berry has been diagnosed with cancer in his left tonsil and on two lymph nodes on the left side of his neck.

Berry, 50, left camp last week to undergo a surgical biopsy and some tests to verify the cancer diagnosis. After returning to the team on Sunday, he informed the players in the clubhouse during the morning meeting….

...Berry is still deciding on the course of treatment. His options appear to either be surgery or seven weeks of radiation at University Hospital in Cincinnati.

If Berry chooses the radiation route, he would have to limit his work schedule with the team. He would not be able to travel or attend day games at home since he would be getting treatment.

Mark Prior in camp with the Reds

Back to the slag heap?

The minor leaguers reported to camp today. Among them was Mark Prior.

Yes, that Mark Prior.

Prior, a 32-year-old right-hander, has not pitched in the majors since 2006 because of shoulder problems. He’s made several comeback attempts since.

“He called me and said asked for a chance,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “I talked to Walt (Jocketty). (Prior) says he feels good. He feels like he has some unfinished business.

“This is gives him one more chance or a chance at closure.”

Ironically, Baker is often blamed for Prior’s injury. Prior went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and threw 233 innings (including playoffs) as a 22-year-old for the Chicago Cubs when Baker was the manager.

“They always want to blame somebody,” Baker said. “It’s usually someone at the top.”

H/T to Aaron Gleeman via HBT.

Baker was too busy overcoming stroke to brood about playoffs

Reds fans should forgive manager Dusty Baker for not brooding and moping as long as they did after the Giants won three consecutive first-round playoff games at Great American Ball Park in October to end the Reds’ season and move on to the National League Championship Series.