Roster Moves
Craig Tatum and Daryl Thompson were optioned to AA.
Link Rundown
Hal McCoy has up an article on Daryl Thompson.
James Avery is trying to help Canada qualify for the Olympics. He pitched well against South Korea.
Jonathon Mayo of Milb.com ranks the Reds as the 4th best system in baseball. Mayo doesn’t say much that others haven’t, but its still nice that the club continues to get its recognition for such a strong farm system.
John Fay has an article on Joey Votto that has some interesting stuff in it from Dusty Baker, who says that he isn’t likely to make a decision based just on spring training numbers (which he shouldn’t either).
Updates on some minor league players
Travis Wood has been pitching well in spring training and doesn’t seem to be feeling any issues with his arm. He was working 89-92 MPH in his most recent game and his changeup is already looking in game shape. He has added a new pitch this year, he is throwing a slider (but is said that it reacts in the way of a cutter) that has looked good. His curveball that was showing signs of life last year before the injury is picking up where it left off last season.
Devin Mesoraco has been hitting the ball very well in spring training so far. I don’t have stats to back that up, but from what I am hearing, he is impressing people down there.
Coming up
A look at each level and prospects who may be guys to watch at each level this upcoming season. Monday through Thursday I will do one daily for Dayton through Louisville.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Interesting … I thought Tatum would start out with Louisville … which is fine by me, I live in Mobile AL and the Lookouts will visit here a couple of times and I’ll get to see him play. They only have Kroski listed on the AAA roster … if Ross comes back healthy … does that mean Bako goes to the Ville?
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Thanks for the link about Avery. Any idea if either Lotzkar or Hildenbrandt is on the Canadian team?
Saturday, 15. March 2008
I doubt the two young guys are on the team…. just too young even if the skills are there. I know Lotzkar was on the junior national team with fellow first rounder Philippe Aumont last year.
When Ross gets back, I imagine Bako is packing his bags to go somewhere else.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Why did Thompson fall out of the BA top 30? I just got the handbook. Sergio who just got sold back to wherever he came from was #30?!?! Did you see how half of the list from last year didn’t even come close to making it again? I’m starting to lose faith in some of their projections. Then they put Burton at 12?!?! who pitched all year for the reds. Volquez, however, is not in the book. Just dissappointed alittle and wanted to vent to someone who might care.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
doug where do you get your info on the minor league guys, i checked all the official websites of our affiliates through milb.com and only the louisville one had anything to say, and not even a box score to go along with it
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Joe,
I honestly couldn’t tell you. There were varying reports on his stuff depending on who you talked to. BA is very high on ‘upside’ and not so much into polished guys who produce but aren’t likely to improve much at all. I think Thompson is a top 30 guy, but he had his ups and downs last year.
Tom,
I have some contacts both in and out of the organization as well as people who have been down in Florida who have caught some games and talked to some of the players.
Sunday, 16. March 2008
I was reading on MLB Rumors that the Rays were in the market for an outfielder with certain credentials and Ryan Freel’s name came up.By no means do I advocate dumping Freel , but do they have anyone in their minor league system -pitching wise- we might look at? Would it be worth the gamble to trade off his salary to make it a bit more palatable to release certain left-handed relievers who are past their usefulness?
Sunday, 16. March 2008
The Devil Rays have far and away the best system in baseball. I would try to move Freel for anything I could if someone took on his salary.