Roster Moves made today

Today the Reds sent Jay Bruce, Drew T Anderson, Josh Roenicke and Marcus McBeth to their respective minor league camps. It wasn’t really a surprise that it happened, but I would expect all three of them to start the season in Louisville with the Bats.

Mesoraco impressing

Mark Sheldon of Reds.com has a ‘Minors Report’ feature on Devin Mesoraco, last years #1 pick for the Reds. It talks about him getting acclamated to spring training and how his talk went with Johnny Bench.

Jonathon Mayo of Milb.com tabs Mesoraco (photo: Cliff Welch/MiLB.com) as one of the top 10 players to watch for in the Midwest League this year. Here is what he has to say on him:

5. Devin Mesoraco, C
Dayton Dragons (Reds)

Throughout the Draft season, the buzz coming from Groundhog country got louder and louder. Mesoraco, the catcher from Punxsutawney, began the spring as a so-so prospect, then exploded by showing five tools from behind the plate. His pro debut was less than thrilling, but rest assured he’ll learn from that experience and take it into his first full season. Dayton’s Fifth Third Field is reason enough to make a journey there, but watching this kid hit, hit for power and show off a cannon of an arm should provide even more incentive.

The rosters aren’t close to being out yet, so this is all assumption on my part on who will be on the roster. I am going to list 4 players to watch for each team (assuming they are assigned where I believe they will be assigned) and give a quick reason or two to really watch this guy.

1. Jay Bruce - OF

Reason to watch - Bruce (photo: Tim Evearitt) is the best prospect in baseball, but there are a few things he could improve on. I don’t expect him to be in Louisville long, but while he is there he is the number 1 guy to keep an eye on both in terms of talent and in terms of importance.

2. Homer Bailey - RHP

Reason to wach - Bailey appears to be healthy this year aftet struggling with groin issues for the better part of last year. The pressure won’t be on him as much this year with a little more stability in the Reds rotation. Bailey could work on his control a little bit as well as his offspeed stuff (change up more than curve). Getting consistent is more important for Bailey than the overall results in Louisvile.

3. Josh Roenicke - RHP

Reason to watch - Roenicke could be the future closer, but he could step up as soon as this year to really add to the Reds bullpen. He will likely begin in Louisville as the closer to work on his overall stuff and get his innings in under pressure. Stuff wise, he is a top notch closing prospect but he could likely use a little seasoning before being put into situations under pressure in the majors.

4. Tyler Pelland - LHP

Reason to watch - Being a left handed relief prospect is something that the Reds could use if someone like Mike Stanton struggles at the big league level. This will be Pellands first full season as a reliever but he has already spent time in AAA with success. Having a strong season will really help boost the pressure on the Reds bullpen guys to succeed.

Yesterday I covered the Chattanooga Lookouts, Tuesday I covered the Sarasota Reds and Monday I coverd the Dayton Dragons. Tomorrow I plan on covering some of the other guys to keep an eye on for different reasons.