After getting through Dayton through Louisville earlier this week, today I wanted to look at prospects to watch, but for different reasons.
1. Drew Stubbs - CF
Reason to watch - The biggest reason to keep an eye on Drew Stubbs is his health. He had offseason surgery to fix a nagging turf toe injury he has had since he started with the Reds. He came on strong over the second half of last season (.303/.394/.517). He has been tearing the cover off the ball in spring so far with the AAA guys (though he won’t start there). It will be fun to see him turn things around this year with his health.
2. Carlos Fisher - RHP
Reason to watch - Fisher (Photo: Tim Evearitt) will be taking on a new role this year. The big right hander will be moving to the bullpen, likely adding to a strong suit of the upper minors depth already there. Fisher is suited well for the bullpen and his 91-94 MPH fastball may be able to gain a little extra if he is only going to be pitching an inning at a time.
3. Neftali Soto - SS
Reason to watch - Soto burst onto the scene last year as a draft pick out of Puerto Rico in the 3rd round. He hit the ground running last year, but slowed down late with an elbow injury that caused his season to end early. He may be fighting for some playing time in Dayton with a plethora of guys in the SS/2B/3B area between Dayton and Sarasota who will all be competing for playing time. Even if he doesn’t start out with Dayton, when he starts playing he will be someone to keep an eye on.
4. Denis Phipps - OF
Reason to watch - Tools wise, Phipps is near the top of the system. Experience wise, he is likely at the bottom. He has only played baseball for the last 4 years as he was a basketball player prior to that time. He could really be a good player if he can put his tools to use completely on a baseball field. His athleticism warrants that he makes this list as someone to really keep your eye on.
5. Josh Ravin - RHP
Reason to watch - I can’t say for sure where he will start out, but anytime you have a 20 year old with a 99 MPH fastball he is someone to watch. Last year he had some struggles with non arm related injuries off and on and struggled with his command and consistency. He has clean mechanics though that should lead to better control this year so long as he can keep healthy. Wherever he starts, he is definitely a guy worth keeping tabs on at least.
Friday, 21. March 2008
I hope Stubbs is the long-term answer in CF. If Bruce is ticketed for RF, the Reds will need someone like Stubbs to step up or they’ll have to go the trade or free agent route when Griffey’s gone.
Friday, 21. March 2008
Stubbs appears to be the LT guy for CF, it just might take him another year and a half to be that answer. I don’t think that bothers the Reds though at this point.
Saturday, 22. March 2008
It would be interesting to see the Reds push Stubbs and put him in Chattanooga. Sarasota makes sense and if he gets off to a good start, push him forward at the all-star break like another good Texan prospect we have in the system whose name escapes. Jay something or other? Playing with Louisville up till now is no big deal because most of the AAA rosters are still in big league camp. He is tearing the cover off of A/AA arms which is great to see.
Saturday, 22. March 2008
Yeah Jim, I think that is what is going to happen. Start in Sarasota and split the season there and Chattanooga. I am really looking forward to following him this year, I just wish more teams in the FSL had radio games broadcast (I believe only 2 or 3 teams do).
Monday, 24. March 2008
Where is Brandon Waring on this page he tore up Billings last year with a 319 average and 20 homers. Now hes starting the year in Dayton and i will be folowing him all year even though he gets no respect.
Monday, 24. March 2008
Tyler,
Waring was on the ‘Prospects to watch - Dayton Dragons’ list.
http://redsminorleagues.com/blog/2008/03/17/prospects-to-watch-dayton-dragons/
He gets plenty of respect, he just needs to polish up his plate approach a little bit and even he knows that. He has acknowledged his problems in the media, and he knows that sometimes he gets home run happy and he swings for the fences, which is what leads to some of his strikeout problems. Its always good when a player with work to do, knows what his problem is. Hopefully he can step up this year, fix the problem and still hit 25 or so bombs, although it will be interesting to see how long he stays in Dayton.
Friday, 11. April 2008
be able to cultivate much better the landlord will not be able mature lesbian first time is of none in buying and selling, the more common and ordinary transactions. hsnrihvjdrj