Reds Tidbits (2009 season)

[DaytonBuck]

I like AGonz at SS if he's healthy.

Who's the guy who was with the orioles, padres who's an OF and son a former MLBer? Black dude

Can Hernandez hit all? Is he a defensive guy?

[Jaxbuck]

Originally Posted by DaytonBuck

I like AGonz at SS if he's healthy.

Who's the guy who was with the orioles, padres who's an OF and son a former MLBer? Black dude

Can Hernandez hit all? Is he a defensive guy?

-If he's healthy (old guys don't seem to shake that injury bug when it starts)and about 3 years ago
-Jerry Hairston JR...good player but more of a utility hustle type, he also can't stay healthy
-He hits decently for a catcher(which means he can't hit) overall he's a slight upgrade at C. He and Hannigan make our catcher position MLB average at worst, which is a good thing.

[DaytonBuck]

What's the story on the catcher we drafted in the first round a couple years ago?

What's the current state of our farm system?

[jlb1705]

I think the C you are referring to is Devin Mesoraco. Last I saw (a good while ago) he was in low-A (Dayton). I would hope he's a lock for AA by now, but this is the Reds so I'm not counting on it.

My impression of the talent in the minors is that it's not as good as it was a few years ago - but that's what happens when you promote and/or flame out all of your prospects. I don't think there are any MLB-ready or near-ready players that we'll be hearing too much about. Then again, I don't follow it too intently (especially this time of year) so some of the guys on RedsZone may think differently.

The good news is that the Reds are finally diving head-first into scouting and signing young talents from Latin America. I don't think that too much stands out from the draft post-Bruce, so hopefully they're making up for it in Latin America.

[EDDIE GGGG27]

Here's your top 10 prospects in the Reds farm system according to the latest issue of Baseball America:

1. Yonder Alonso, 1B
2. Todd Frazier, SS
3. Drew Stubbs, OF
4. Chris Valaika, SS
5. Yorman Rodriguez, OF
6. Kyle Lotzkar, RHP
7. Neftali Soto, 3B
8. Juan Francisco, 3B
9. Juan Duran, OF
10. Devin Mesoraco, C

Frazier will turn out to be the best out of this group IMO.

Publication ranks Reds' top talents | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com

Here's video of almost every prospect on that list:

Video | redsminorleagues.com

[Jaxbuck]

Originally Posted by DaytonBuck

What's the current state of our farm system?

Thin at the upper levels because most of them have graduated up to Cincy, appears to be very deep and talented at the lower levels.

I agree with the poster who said overall the Reds focus on the farm is going well.

There is hope for the future but '09 is looking pretty damn bleak as the roster currently sits.

[EDDIE GGGG27]

Juan Francico looks like an emerging star in the Reds farm system. He broke The DR winter league HR record with 12 this year. His SO are high(Hopefully not another Left handed Adam Dunn) but seems to have great upside. Reds.com just did a feature story on him:

Francisco powering up in winter ball | reds.com: News

[Bucky Katt]

Originally Posted by EDDIE GGGG27

(Hopefully not another Left handed Adam Dunn)

Your thoughts here, jax?

[EDDIE GGGG27]

Im guessing he liked Dunn.

[Jaxbuck]

Originally Posted by Bucky Katt

Your thoughts here, jax?

Originally Posted by EDDIE GGGG27

Im guessing he liked Dunn.

I'm too old to be a star struck fan of any athlete. I get severly annoyed when people rip him for stupid reasons/just repeat what they hear Marty say all night every night.

For completely different reasons than the average Reds fan, I'm glad the guy is gone. Time for Marty and co to find a new whipping boy. My money is still on EE, he doesn't look like he "cares" when he makes a mistake. Combine that with an occasional walk out to your defensive position and watch out for the little man with the big hair.

[crazybuckfan40]

I hope so...He brings a vetran presence with some pop in his bat...

We could use a righty more than a lefty, but you gotta go after what is out there...

[stxbuck]

Originally Posted by jlb1705

Dollar hot dogs on Opening Day?

Discuss.

Eh, good for a snack, but won't stimulate an all out orgy of dog buying, unlike Dime Dog nights at Clipper Stadium....

[stxbuck]

Originally Posted by DaytonBuck

What's the story on the catcher we drafted in the first round a couple years ago?

What's the current state of our farm system?

I hope Mesoraco can do something, but he didn't exactly light 5/3rd Field on fire last year. Whatever happened to Dane Sardinha-he was supposed to be all that as a catching prospect-obviously didn't happen.

[jlb1705]

Originally Posted by stxbuck

I hope Mesoraco can do something, but he didn't exactly light 5/3rd Field on fire last year. Whatever happened to Dane Sardinha-he was supposed to be all that as a catching prospect-obviously didn't happen.

He's now the backup catcher for the Tigers.

I'm surprised he's not with the Nats somehow.

[EDDIE GGGG27]

Originally Posted by Jaxbuck

I'm too old to be a star struck fan of any athlete. I get severly annoyed when people rip him for stupid reasons/just repeat what they hear Marty say all night every night.

For completely different reasons than the average Reds fan, I'm glad the guy is gone. Time for Marty and co to find a new whipping boy. My money is still on EE, he doesn't look like he "cares" when he makes a mistake. Combine that with an occasional walk out to your defensive position and watch out for the little man with the big hair.

I do agree some of the criticizing Marty did of Dunn was unfair.