Dayton has their roster out and it will look like this:
Catcher
- Jake Long
- Jason Bour
- Tony Esquer
Infielders
- Angel Cabrera
- Brandon Waring
- Brett Bartles
- Kevyn Feiner
- Mike McKennon
- Todd Frazier
Outfielders
- Brandon Menchaca
- Denis Phipps
- Justin Reed
- Keltavious Jones
Starting Pitchers
- Jamie Arneson
- Scott Carroll
- Matt Klinker
- Andrew Bowman
- Curtis Partch
Bullpen
- Enerio Del Rosario
- Jeff Jeffords
- Jeremy Horst
- Joseph Krebs
- Luis Montano
- Philippe Valiquette
- Terrell Young
Roster make up
The Reds had 3 first round draft picks last year and two of them are missing from this team and will begin in extended spring training. Devin Mesoraco and Kyle Lotzkar will both be in Sarasota until the short season begins. The other first round pick will be the biggest prospect on the team, Todd Frazier, who will man shortstop. There is a lot of power in the infield while the outfield is full of tools between Justin Reed and Denis Phipps. The rotation will be led by 3rd round pick Scott Carroll.
Players to watch
Pitcher - Scott Carroll
The highest draft pick of the staff and potentially the best pitcher of the bunch. He is a little older than most 2007 picks but he could be one who could move up quickly with success.
Hitter - Brandon Waring
Obviously Waring has the power (noted by his 20 HR in Billings that set a new record), but the rest of his game is what is what needs watching. He has a strikeout problem that he needs to work on that will be key for him. Combined with Frazier, they could light up the Dayton scoreboard.
Monday, 31. March 2008
You mentioned last week that Cozart would end up at Sarasota playing shortstop which appears to be the case. You added that Valaika had been moved off SS but you did not mention to where. Is it 2B (presumeably not 3B since Franscisco is there)? If it is where does Justin Turner play. I had the impression that he would a legit prospect but perhaps I am wrong. thx.
Monday, 31. March 2008
I love the offense on this team. Frazier, Waring, Reed, Menchaca, Phipps, K Jones, and Bartles. This team has some pop to it. I know Frazier is going to hit. I’m very interested in seeing how those others do against A ball pitching.
Not as jazzed about the pitching. For me, Carroll is the only interesting starter. Not much hype on those others.
In the pen I’m still waiting on Young and Valiquette to do something. I live in SC and know that Jeffords was pretty good for USC last year which was a very good college team. Can honestly say that I barely recognize the other names in the pen from last year.
Monday, 31. March 2008
For some reason I am intrigued by Andrew Bowman. Seems to have a good mix of stuff and size despite the underwhelming pro debut. Plus hes a lefty.
I am more than a little dissapointed not to see Soto, Lotzkar, or Mesoraco in Dayton. Does this mean they wont make it to Dayton until 2009? I understand Lotzkar being held back more than I do Mesoraco. His innings need to stay down and his breaking pitches could probably use some fine tuning.
I am assuming the opening day line up would be Bour at catcher, McKennon-Bartles-Frazier-Waring around the infield, and Reed-Menchaca-Jones in the outfield. Im not quite sure who would start at 2nd and catcher. The Reds seem to be acting incredibly conservative with their draft picks. Ill bet they have the most talented extended spring training squad in Florida.
Tuesday, 1. April 2008
Chi Redsfan,
There were rumblings that Cozart could start the season on the DL. I think that is what is going to happen at this point. Valaika moved off of SS and played 2B last year in the Hawaiian Winter League. Terry Reynolds said it was where he would likely end up. That said, my bet is Valaika is back at SS with Turner at 2B in Sarasota this year. Turner is a legit prospect, although he does play a bad position in the system with Phillips just signing up for a nice extension.
Joe,
The pitching staff appears to be one that is really going to need that offense to light up the board, but maybe we will all be surprised at the results.
Kyle,
I am pretty much with you on everything you said in your post.
Tuesday, 1. April 2008
Thx.
Did u have any reaction to Gardner being cut loose. I know he had been well-regarded, then hurt, then had some success last year.
Tuesday, 1. April 2008
It sucks a little bit as I liked him, but I hope he gets a chance to actually pitch in Milwaukee one day.