Redsminorleagues.com

Friday, June 30, 2006

6/29 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds lost 4-3
Jacob Long went 2-4 with a run
Justin Reed went 2-4 with a walk and a run
Rafael Sanchez went 2-4 with an RBI
Billings won 2-0
Billy Rojo went 1-4 with a triple, run and RBI
Maikol Mesa went 2-3 with a double and a run
Anthony Gressick went 6 innings, allowed 0 runs on 3 hits and 5 strikeouts
Dayton won 4-3
Adam Rosales went 2-4 with a double, run and RBI
Jay Bruce went 2-4 with an RBI
Josh Holden went 2-4 with a double, run and RBI
Sarasota lost 5-3
Tonys Gutierrez went 2-3 with a double, triples, walk, run and RBI
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Trevor Lawhorn went 2-4
Chattanooga lost 4-1
Joey Votto went 1-3 with a walk, run and a double
Anderson Machado went 2-3 with a walk
Ryan Hanigan went 2-4
Louisville won 3-1
Ray Olmedo went 1-4 with a double
Edwin Encarnacion went 1-2 with 2 walks and 2 runs
William Bergolla went 3-4 with a double, triple and 3 RBI
Mike Gosling went 5 innings, allowed 1 run on 4 hits, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Updated list of Reds signed draft picks

Below is a list of 2006 Drafted players that have signed. It will say what round they were drafted first, then their name, then position.
1. Drew Stubbs, OF
2. Sean Watson, RHP
3. Chris Valaika, SS
4. Justin Reed, OF
5. Josh Ravin, RHP
6. Jordan Smith, RHP
7. Justin Turner, 2B
8. Travis Webb, LHP
9. Jeremy Burchett, RHP
10. Josh Roenicke, RHP
11. Brandon Rice, RHP
12. Logan Parkeer, 1B
13. Kevin Gunter, RHP
15. Rafael Sanchez, 3B
16. Jamie Arneson, LHP
17. Chris Heisey, OF
21. Chris White, RHP
22. Adam Pointer, RHP
24. Tony Esquer, C
25. Mike McKennon, OF
26. Anthony Gressick, RHP
27. Keltavious Jones, OF
28. Tyler Hauschild, C
29 Jason Louwsma, 3B
30. Lee Tabor, LHP
32. Danny Dorn, OF
36. Nick Wandless, RHP

Little bit of news and notes on Bailey and Votto

Fox Sports did an article written by Dayn Perry on AA projected All-Stars. Here is what he said about Joey Votto

1B — Joey Votto — Chattanooga, Southern League (Reds)

Age: 22
Acquired: 2nd round, 2002, Richview Collegiate Institute (Toronto, ON)
2006 Top 100 Rank: Unranked


Votto was in the 2005 top 100, but he slumped last season. This year, he's had a tremendous first half at AA-Chattanooga: he's got a batting line of .318 AVG/.385 OBP/.568 SLG with 42 extra-base hits in 296 at bats. A number of great major leaguers once endured a lackluster season down on the farm (as Votto did last year), so there's nothing to say he won't become an impact talent in Cincinnati. Votto's very much back on track.

www.foxsports.com

John Fay wrote this peice about Homer Bailey in his most recent "Reds Notebook"

Bailey scorching Double-A
Reds notebook

Chief executive officer Bob Castellini is in charge of the Reds organization from soup to nuts.

He's also a fan. And fans want No. 1 prospect Homer Bailey in Cincinnati forthwith.

What does Castellini think?

"Homer Bailey is going to follow the course that Wayne (Krivsky) and (farm director) Johnny Almaraz and our baseball operations lay out," Castellini said. "I'm going to have no say about it."

Bailey, a 20-year-old right-hander, keeps getting attention because he has been a sensation since he was promoted to Double-A Chattanooga.

He's 2-0 and has thrown 12 shutout innings in two starts. Tuesday night, he did not allow a hit over six innings. "He's in the right spot," Krivsky said. "It's nice to see him get off to a good start."

Bailey's numbers are better since he was promoted. He was 3-5 with a 3.31 ERA at Single-A Sarasota before his promotion.

Matt Belisle saw Bailey throw while Belisle was on a rehab assignment in Chattanooga. "He just has a dominating fastball," Belisle said. "He's a guy with a huge ceiling."

Bailey also throws a curveball and a change-up.

"It's a good curve," Belisle said. "But when he's throwing 93 to 98 and spotting it, it doesn't matter what the other pitches are."

Reds manager Jerry Narron often kids about wanting Bailey to be called up. Would he really like him on the 25-man roster?

"At some point," Narron said.

Some point this year?

"We'll see how he keeps pitching," he said.

www.enquirer.com

6/28 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds won 7-6
Juan Fransisco went 2-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI
Angel Cabrera went 1-3 with 2 runs and a walk
Richie Gardner went 2 innings, allowed 0 hits and struck out 4
Billings won 4-3
Billy Rojo went 1-4 with a walk (hitting .441)
Drew Stubbs went 2-5 with an RBI, 2 stolen bases and a run
Chris Heisey went 2-3 with a walk, RBI and a run
Dayton won 6-4
Jay Bruce went 3-3 with a walk, 2 doubles, 2 RBI and a run
Mike Griffin went 2-4 with a run and 2 RBI
Zach Ward went 3 innings, allowed 0 runs on 4 hits and 2 strikeouts. Left early after a long rain delay.
Sarasota lost 8-3
Drew Anderson went 2-4 with a double
Philip Gentry went 2-3 with an RBI
Abe Woody and Zac Stott combined for 5 no hit innings of relief while walking just 1 and striking out 7.
Chattanooga lost 5-4
Joey Votto went 1-4 with a double
Aaron Herr went 1-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Chris Dickerson went 1-3 with a triple
Travis Chick went 6 innings, allowed 2 runs, 1 earned, on 6 hits, 3 walks and 6 strikeouts
Louisville won 4-2
Earl Snyder went 3-4 with a double and 4 RBI
Edwin Encarnacion went 1-4 (rehab)
Justin Germano went 7 innings, allowed 2 runs, 1 earned on 7 hits, 0 walks and 3 strikeouts

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Milb.com Article on Homer Bailey

Bailey pitches six hitless innings
Reds prospect hasn't given up a run for Chattanooga

6/27 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds lost 3-2
Justin Reed went 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI
David Scott went 2-4 with a run
Michael Jones went 1-4 with a run
Luis Montano went 5 innings, allowed 0 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts
Billings won 6-1
Chris Valaika went 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI
Jason Louwsma went 2-5 with a double and an RBI
Chris Heisey went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and a walk
Sean Watson went 4 innings, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and 5 strikeouts
Dayton won 8-3
Michael DeJesus went 1-3 with 2 walks, an RBI and a run
BJ Szymanski went 1-2 with 2 walks, 2 runs and a double
Bobby Mosby went 2-3 with a HR and 3 RBI
Josh Holden went 2-4
Sarasota lost 6-2
Drew Anderson went 2-4 with a triple and a run scored
Cody Strait went 1-3
Chattanooga won 7-1
Homer Bailey went 6 innings, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks and struck out 6
Javon Moran went 3-4 with an RBI. 10 game hit streak
Aaron Herr went 1-4 with 3 RBI
Miguel Perez went 2-4
Louisville won 3-0
Chris Denorfia went 2-4 with a double and a run
Edwin Encarnacion went 1-3 (Rehab)
Chris Michalak went 8 innings, allowed 5 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and 2 strikeouts

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Homer Bailey, 6 no hit innings in Chattanooga tonight

For the 3rd time this season Homer Bailey went 6 no hit innings before leaving the game. Twice he did it while in Sarasota, but tonight he did it against a more advanced AA team. Bailey has pitched 12 innings in AA and allowed 5 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks and struck out 13. Not a bad start by Homer at all.
Since the start of June, Bailey has been absolutely on! Lets take a look at his numbers since June began.

Home/Away Innings Hits Runs Earned Runs HR HBP BB SO Season ERA Season WHIP
Home 7 1 0 0 0 2 1 7 3.53 1.07
Home 7 3 1 1 0 0 0 8 3.31 1.01
Home-C 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 7 3.05 0.99
Away-C 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 2.83 0.94

Basically in June Bailey has these numbers: 0.34 ERA, 0.46 WHIP, 28 K's, 3 BB's in 26 innings pitched.
How Impressive is that?

Chattanooga Lookouts have 6 players named to SL All-Star team

Recently promoted to Louisville, Steve Kelly got more good new, as he was named to the Southern League All-Star team. He cant participate since he was promoted, but the other 5 Lookouts named to the team can.
1B Joey Votto
3B Aaron Herr
OF Noochie Varner
RP David Shafer
RP Jon Coutlangus
Were all named to the team. Very nice to see so many guys having great seasons.

Milb.com Article on Chattanooga 1B Joey Votto

Votto reclaiming top-prospect status
Canadian first baseman to participate in 2006 Futures Game

Two more draft signings

5th rounder Josh Ravin of Chatsworth HS and 10th rounder Josh Roenicke of UCLA have both signed and will be assigned to teams shortly.

Johnny Cueto to Sarasota; Daniel Guerrero to Dayton

Johnny Cueto has officially been promoted to Sarasota. Cueto who is 20 has dominated the MWL. Sent to replace Cueto in the Dragons rotation is Daniel Guerrero, a 20 year old out of Mexico who played 2 games with the Billings Mustangs. He went 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA.

DDN article on Krivsky and the Farm system

Fact-finding tour doesn't disappoint Reds GM Krivsky

DAYTON — Wayne Krivsky said he doesn't know how long it will take, but understand, he is on the job

Not only does the first-year general manager of the Cincinnati Reds want to make the Reds better, he wants to make the organization better.

To do that, Krivsky first juggled around some jobs. Now, he's on a fact-finding mission. Already he has visited Reds teams at Class AAA Louisville and Class AA Chattanooga.

For five days beginning last Thursday, Krivsky has sat in the stands at Fifth Third Field looking over the Class A Midwest League Dayton Dragons.

And not just during games. Most days he arrived well before batting practice, and while he did take a lot of calls on his cell phone, his eyes hardly left the field.

"I don't have a set time" on how long it will take to straighten out the Reds system, Krivsky said. "You have to have a real productive draft. You have to sign the right six-year free agents. You've got to make the right trades."

None of that was happening recently as the Reds system melted down to only one team — rookie Billings, Mont. — with a winning record last year.

It wasn't any better with the Reds, who were fifth out of six in the National League Central.

The Dragons have been used to this. They have finished out of playoff contention for three straight seasons — 13th, 14th and 14th out of 14 teams.

A six-game winning streak closed the first half for the Dragons at 35-35. Prior to Monday night's game, the Dragons were 1-3 with Krivsky watching.

"We've got players at every level," Krivsky insisted. "The people who come out with these rankings don't see every team. It's really subjective. I'm not disappointed at what I've seen."

Even though they're just hovering around the .500 mark, the Dragons are clearly better than they have been over the previous three seasons. More help may be on the way, too. Krivsky hinted he wouldn't be adverse to farm director Johnny Almaraz moving some of the new draft picks from the rookie Billings team to Dayton as soon as they are deemed acclimated to professional baseball.

Who might that be? Well, No. 1 pick Robert Stubbs, a center fielder from the University of Texas, was hitting .318 with three triples and four RBIs after six games, and closer Sean Watson, the second-rounder out of Tennessee, threw 32/3 innings in one game, not allowing a runner while striking out four. Oh, and first baseman Logan Parker, a 12th round pick from the University of Cincinnati, was hitting a monster .526 with a homer and four RBIs.

"You have to be careful you don't move players too quickly," Dragons manager Billy Gardner Jr. said. "If a guy fails, it becomes a mental thing. Players will tell you when they're ready to move (by the way they play)."

Notoriously slow in moving players, this year might be different for the Reds. They have already promoted two players — shortstop Paul Janish and closer Blake Hendley — on merit from the Dragons. Soon, Dayton may receive someone on merit from Billings instead of a rehab assignment player at extended spring training.

www.daytondailynews.com

6/26 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds were postponed

Billings lost 6-4
Billy Rojo went 2-3 with 2 walks and 2 RBI
Chris Valaika went 1-3 with an RBI
Chris Heisey went 2-4
Dayton won 3-0
Travis Wood went 7 innings, allowed 0 runs on 2 hits, a walk and 6 strikeouts.
Jay Bruce went 3-4 with a double
BJ Szymanski went 1-3 with a walk and a double
Eric Eymann went 2-4 with a double and a run
Sarasota lost 2-1 (11 innings) and 3-2 in a double header
Game 1
Paul Janish went 1-5 with a double and a run
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 2-4 with a double and RBI
Ramon Ramirez went 7 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 run, 0 walks and 7 strikeouts
Game 2
Tonys Gutierrez went 1-3 with an RBI
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 1-3 with a run
Cody Strait went 2-3
Chattanooga won 4-2 in 10 innings
Javon Moran went 3-5 with a run, double and RBI
Joey Votto went 2-5 with a HR and RBI
Aaron Herr went 2-5 with 2 RBI
Edward Valdez went 7 innings, allowed 2 runs on 8 hits, a walk and 6 strikeouts
Louisville won 10-2
Norris Hopper went 4-6 with a run
Chris Denorfia went 2-4 with 3 RBI
Earl Snyder went 2-3 with 2 walks, 2 runs and 2 RBI
Jesse Gutierrez went 2-3 with a run, HR and 2 RBI
Phil Dumatrait went 6 innings, allowed 1 earned run on 7 hits and 1 strikeout

Monday, June 26, 2006

Homer Bailey makes #3 on BA prospect hot sheet

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/hotsheet/261796.html

MLB.com article on Johnny Cueto

Dominant Cueto poised for stardom
Dominican righty wowing Class A teammates, Major Leaguers

Billings Mustangs RHP Daniel Guerrero wins Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week

Daniel Guerrero, Billings
2-0, 0.75 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO
Guerrero picked up a victory in each of his first two starts on the season. On Tuesday, the Mexico native allowed a run on two hits over six innings as Billings routed Great Falls, 12-2. Five days later, the 20-year-old fired six shutout frames as the Mustangs blanked Helena, 2-0.
Milb.com

6/25 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds had the day off

Billings won 2-0
Daniel Guerrero wwent 6 innings, he allowed 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and struck out 2.
Billy Rojo went 2-3 with a walk, scored a run and had a double
Chris Valaika went 2-4 with a run
Drew Stubbs went 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI
Dayton won 3-1
Johnny Cueto went 6.2 innings, allowed 1 run on 4 hits, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts
Jay Bruce went 2-4 with 2 doubles and an RBI
Eric Eymann went 2-4 with a triple
Adam Rosales went 1-3 with a walk and a run
Sarasota was postponed

Chattanooga lost 1-0
Tyler Pelland went 6 innings, allowed 0 runs, 4 hits, 2 walks and 7 strikeouts
Javon Moran went 1-4 (8 game hitting streak)
Joey Votto went 1-4
Noochie Varner went 1-3
Louisville won 2-1
Norris Hopper went 3-4
Ryan Jorgensen went 1-3 with an RBI
Steve Kelly went 7 innings, allowed 1 run on 5 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts

Sunday, June 25, 2006

6/24 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds lost 5-4
Jake Long went 1-3 with a walk
Michael Jones went 1-3 with a double and an RBI
Keltavvious Jones went 1-2 with 2 walks
Billings won 9-1
Billy Rojo went 2-4 with a walk and 3 runs scored
Logan Parker went 1-2 with 3 walks
Jason Louwsma went 2-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI
Angel Colon went 3-4 with 3 RBI and a walk
Dayton lost 9-0
Jay Bruce went 1-3 with a double
Craig Tatum went 1-3
Adam Rosales went 1-4
Sarasota won 5-4
Paul Janish went 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Trevor Lawhorn went 2-4 with a run and RBI
Sam Lecure went 6 innings, allowed 1 run on 5 hits, 0 walks and 6 strikeouts
Chattanooga won 4-3
Javon Moran went 1-4 with a walk (7 game hit streak)
Joey Votto went 1-4 with a run and a double
Anderson Machado went 3-3 with a run, double, HR and 2 RBI
Louisville won 2-1
Chris Denorfia went 3-4 with 2 RBI
Ray Olmedo went 1-4 with a run
Norris Hopper went 1-3 with a run and a walk

Saturday, June 24, 2006

A look at the Reds top pitching prospects in June

Name          Team    IP     H  ER  BB   K   ERA  WHIP
Zach Ward Dayton 33 16 4 5 34 1.09 0.63
Johnny Cueto Dayton 16.2 17 5 7 13 2.70 1.44
Travis Wood Dayton 21 13 8 10 21 3.48 1.09
Homer Bailey Chatta 20 9 1 1 22 0.45 0.50

Ward and Bailey both have been dominant this month. Bailey had a long layoff between his last start in Sarasota and the All-Star game and then his promotion to Chattanooga, so he has only made 3 starts this month.

Johnny Cueto, despite what his ERA says, struggled a bit. His WHIP is quite high and his strikeouts fell off compared to his season average so far. He was however hit unlucky with a BABIP of .327 in the month of June. Travis Wood saw his ERA climb a little, but outside of the walks, the rest of his numbers look pretty good.

Wayne Krivsky and Jerry Narron on Homer Baileys AA debut

John Fay wrote this as a part of his Reds Notebook
The way it's going, general manager Wayne Krivsky might make the club's minor-league report a classified document on the days Homer Bailey pitches.

Bailey, a 20-year-old right- hander, made his Double-A debut Thursday night. He threw six shutout innings in Chattanooga's 7-0 victory over Carolina.

He struck out seven, walked none and allowed five hits.

The question was put to Krivsky: Could we see Bailey with the Reds this year?

"You've got to slow down," Krivsky said. "Let's let him settle in at Chattanooga. I can't predict the future. He had a good first outing."

Bailey threw consistently in the mid-90s. His last pitch of the night was clocked at 98 mph.

"He was rested," Krivsky said. "That was by design. He only pitched one inning his last time out."

That was in the Florida State League All-Star Game. Bailey struck out the side on 12 pitches in that one inning.

Word of Bailey's outing got back to Reds manager Jerry Narron Thursday night.

Narron is convinced Bailey's stuff is good enough to compete on the big-league level. Narron kids that Krivsky blots out Bailey's line before sending the report to Narron.

"I don't need a report," Narron said. "I saw him in spring training."

6/23 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds won 4-1
Justin Reed went 1-4 with a run
Angel Cabrera went 1-4 with a walk and a run
Michael Jones went 1-4

Billings won 7-6
Billy Rojo went 2-5 with a double and 2 runs
Logan Parker went 2-4 with a run and an RBI
Drew Stubbs went 2-4 with a triple and a run
Jason Louwsma went 2-2 with a double, walk and RBI
Dayton lost 1-0
Zach Ward pitched 8 innings, allowed 2 hits and a walk while striking out 7. He didnt allow a run.
Adam Rosales went 2-4 with a triple
BJ Szymanski went 3-4
Sarasota won 9-8 in 10 innings
Drew Anderson went 3-5 with a run, walk and RBI
Paul Janish went 3-5 with a run, double and 3 run HR
Trevor Lawhonr went 2-5 with 2 runs
Chattanooga lost 2-1
Travis Chick went 6 innings, allowed 2 runs, 1 earned on 3 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts
Joey Votto went 2-4 with a double, RBI and his 13th stolen base of the year
Javon Moran went 1-4 with a run
Louisville won 4-1
Justin Germano went 7.2 innings, allowed 7 hits, 1 run and struck out 1
Chris Denorfia went 2-2 with two walks and an RBI
William Bergolla went 2-4 with a run

Friday, June 23, 2006

Other news and notes

Missing in action prospect Rafael Gonzalez made his first appearance of the year two nights ago. Glad he is back. He may have the best stuff in the system for a guy who isnt named Homer Bailey. He is playing with Billings this season.

Logan Parker is 7-10 on the season. Not a bad start to your professional career.

Chris Gruler appeared in a game yesterday for the GCL Reds. He went 2 innings without allowing a run.


Milb.com has a special article on Bailey's first start in Chattanooga

Lookouts' Bailey doesn't miss a beat
Former first-round pick makes impressive Double-A debut

Homer Bailey was impressive in his Double-A debut, allowing five hits in six scoreless innings as the Chattanooga Lookouts blanked the Carolina Mudcats, 7-0, on Thursday at BellSouth Park.

Bailey (1-0), the top prospect in the Cincinnati organization, retired the first five batters he faced. He finished his 98-pitch outing by hitting 98 mph on the radar gun.

The 20-year-old right-hander struck out seven without issuing a walk in his first start since a promotion from Class A Advanced Sarasota. In the Florida State League, the former first-round draft pick was 3-5 with a 3.31 ERA, allowing only 49 hits in 70 2/3 innings.

Before the game, Bailey and teammate Joey Votto were named to the roster for next month's XM Satellite Futures Game in Pittsburgh.

Carlos Guevara, Matt Belisle and Jon Coutlangus each pitched a scoreless inning to secure the win.

The Lookouts (3-1) scored a run in both the first and third against Mudcats starter Mannyl Olivera (3-4). In the opening inning, Noochie Varner's RBI single brought in Javon Moran and in the third, Miguel Perez's sacrifice fly plated Javier Colina.

Olivera went four innings, giving up two runs on six hits while striking out three and issuing three walks.

James Russ relieved Olivera and didn't fare any better, surrendering three runs -- all driven in by Rick Asadoorian -- on five hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Patrick Arlis collected two doubles for the Mudcats (1-3), who have lost three straight.

Milb.com

6/22 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds won 4-2
Enmanuel Cabrera went 2-2
Jacob Long went 2-4 with a double and a run
Michael Jones went 2-3 with a run, walk and RBI
Ryan Brown went 3-4 with a doule and an RBI
Billings lost 5-3
Chris Valaika went 2-4 with a double, HR and 2 RBI (3rd round 2006)
Drew Stubbs went 1-4 with a triple (1st round 2006)
Logan Parker went 2-3 with a walk (12th round 2006)
Sean Watson pitched 3.2 innings, allowed 0 hits, 0 walks and struck out 4
Dayton lost 10-7
Michael Griffin went 2-5 with a run and 2 RBI
Jay Bruce went 3-5 with a stolen base and an RBI
Eric Eymann went 3-4 with a double, run and 2 RBI
Sarasota lost 12-8
Tonys Gutierrez went 3-5 with 2 runs
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 2-4 with 2 runs and a double
Cody Strait went 3-4 with a run, a double and 2 RBI
Jay Garthwaite went 2-5 with 2 runs and a double
Chattanooga won 7-0
Homer Bailey went 6 innings, allowed 5 hits, walked 0 and struck out 7
Javon Moran went 2-5 with a run
Miguel Perez went 2-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI
Rick Asadoorian went 2-4 with a triple and 3 RBI
Louisville lost 10-2
Matt Kata went 1-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Chris Denorfia went 2-4

Nice article on former Red Brandon Roberts

Faces on the Field: Brandon Roberts
All-Star break more eventful than expected for outfield prospect

Homer Bailey successful in his AA Debut

Tonight Homer went 6 innings, allowed 5 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and struck out 7 batters while picking up the win for the Lookouts. He hit as high as 98 MPH on the radar gun (which by the way, was his last pitch of the game). For the season, Homer lowered his ERA to 3.05 and his WHIP dropped below 1. All in all I would say it was a good night for Homer and for the Reds. Now lets just hope they leave him there for the rest of the year.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

News and notes

Marc Katz wrote an article on the Dragons, it is worth reading. You can read it at the DaytonDailyNews.com

Blake Hendley was promoted to Sarasota. His replacement in Dayton has not yet been named.

Homer Bailey makes his AA debut tonight. You can listen online to the game at www.lookouts.com

Also just a little wondering here by me. Can Joey Votto make a run at the Southern League triple crown?
He is hitting .315, which ranks him 3rd, he has 14 home runs, which is 1st, and he has 46 RBI which is tied for 1st. I dont know if he will stay in Chattanooga long enough for it to happen, but its interesting to bring up. Oh, and Joey Votto is also 5th in the league in stolen bases, despite never having a season with 10 before this year.

6/21 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds lost 6-3
Keltavious Jones went 0-2 with 2 walks and an RBI
Angel Cabrera went 2-3 with a walk
Billings lost 9-6
Logan Parker went 3-3 with 2 walks, 2 runs, a HR and 2 RBI
Billy Rojo went 1-3 with 2 walks
Drew Stubbs went 1-5
The bullpen gave up 7 runs in 4 innings

Dayton is still on the All-Star Break

Sarasota won 2-1 in 10 innings
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 2-3 with a walk
JD Roberts went 1-4 with a HR
Trevor Lawhorn went 1-3 with a HR

Chattanooga won 4-2
Javon Moran went 2-4 with a run
Joey Votto went 1-3 with his 14th HR of the year and 3 RBI to go with a walk
Noochie Varner went 1-3 with a HR
Edward Valdez went 6 innings, allowed 5 hits, 2 runs and struck out 5

Louisville had the night off

Homer Bailey mention

Dayn Perry wrote an article on the projected All-Stars for High A and you can read the entire article at foxsports.com but I have posted below the part about Bailey:

P — Homer Bailey — Sarasota, Florida State League (Reds)

Age: 20
Acquired: 1st round, 2004, La Grange HS (La Grange, TX)
2006 Top 100 Rank: #91

Bailey's mid-90s heater and hard curve are great pitches, but in past seasons he's struggled with his control and to develop his off-speed stuff. This season, however, Bailey sports a 3.31 ERA, improved control and more strikeouts than innings. It's good progress for one of the most promising live arms in the minors.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Baseball America talks about Jay Bruces monster All-Star Game

BA doesnt allow any type of copying and pasting of articles, so go read it at www.baseballamerica.com

6/20 Minor League Game Articles

GCL Reds won 10-8
Denis Phipps went 2-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI
Ryan Brown went 2-5 with 2 RBI
Jacob Long went 2-5 with 2 RBI
David Scott went 2-5 with an RBI
Billings won 12-2
Billy Rojo went 3-4 with a walk, run, double and an RBI
Drew Stubbs went 1-2 with a walk, HBP and 2 runs scored
Michael McKennon went 2-4 with a triple and a GS and had 7 RBI
Daniel Guerrero went 6 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 run and 3 strikeouts

Dayton is on the All-Star Break

Sarasota lost 6-5
Paul Janish was 1-3 with a walk and a run scored
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 1-4 with a run scored

Chattanooga won 3-0
Javon Moran went 2-3 with a double and a run
Aaron Herr went 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Noochie Varner went 2-3 with a walk
Steve Kelly went 4.2 innings, allowed 4 hits, 1 walk and 9 strikeouts
Louisville won 2-1
Norris Hopper went 2-5 with an RBI
Ray Olmedo went 4-5 and is now hitting .356
Matt Kata went 4-4
Phil Dumatrait went 7 innings, allowed 7 hits, 1 run and struck out 4

Jay Bruce named All-Star game MVP

Dragons' Bruce named MVP of All-Star Game

By Steve Batterson

Quad City Times

DAVENPORT, Iowa | The youngest player in the 42nd Midwest League baseball All-Star Game walked away with the biggest prize.

Dayton outfielder Jay Bruce, just 19 years old, finished off the Eastern Division's 7-1 win with a two-run homer in the ninth inning Tuesday night, punctuating his three-hit performance.

"I didn't come here looking to win anything. All I wanted to do was play well and help my team win," said Bruce, the Reds' first-round choice in the 2005 draft. Bruce is the first Dragons' player to win the annual Star of Stars Award presented to the game's most valuable player.

Bruce also singled, doubled and stole a pair of bases to complement the East team's dominant pitching performance in front of a crowd of 4,638 at John O'Donnell Stadium.

"This was definitely the type of game that meant a lot. Whenever you come out and play beside and against the best of the best in the league, you want to put your best game out there, too," Bruce said. "This is the type of game that can give me a lot of confidence heading into the second half."

Quad-Cities outfielder Colby Rasmus was the only West player to manage two hits, and his two-out single in the third inning was the last of the five hits the West managed against a group of 11 East pitchers.

"They had some good arms, and we knew that coming in," Rasmus said. "Their pitchers kept us off balance."

The East took a 1-0 lead in the top of first on a sacrifice fly by Jeff Baisley of Kane County.

Back-to-back doubles by Rasmus and Quad-Cities teammate Randy Roth made it 1-1 in the bottom of the first.

"That was pretty cool. It was just like playing any other game with Randy knocking me in,'' Rasmus said.

Bruce went to work in the third, collecting the first of his two hits with a one-out single.

He stole second, then scored what proved to be the game-winning run when Cory Patton of Lansing stroked a two-out single to right off the Swing's Jaime Garcia.

A pair of Fort Wayne batters, Kyle Blanks and Daryl Jones, followed with RBI singles to give the East a 4-1 lead that went unchallenged.

Garcia was tagged with the loss, giving up five hits and three runs in one inning, although he did record three of the 14 strikeouts recorded by the 16 pitchers Peoria manager Jody Davis managed to squeeze into the game.

Bruce opened the seventh with a double, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Dayton's Craig Tatum.

Two innings later, he left no doubt, taking a pitch from the Swing's Danny Borne over the fence in left.

"At the beginning of the year, I was struggling a bit against lefties, but tonight I showed what I could do,'' Bruce said.

You can read this article at www.daytondailynews.com also

Bruce delivers for MWL Eastern All-Stars
Dragon wins 'Star of Stars' after being disappointed in Derby

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Dragons performances in the MWL All Star game

Well Jay Bruce may have won the MVP of the game by going 3-5 with a HR, double, 2 stolen bases, 3 runs and 2 RBI in a 7-1 win for the East team. His home run landed in the Mississippi River, literally. Johnny Cueto started the game and pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 run. Eric Eymann, Craig Tatum, Michael Griffin and Blake Hendley also made appearances in the game. Tatum had an RBI.

Good article on Zach Ward

Zach Ward Off To Hot Start In Reds` Organization
By GWUSports.com Staff

DAYTON, Ohio – Despite being left off the roster for the upcoming Midwest League All-Star Game, Dayton Dragons’ hurler and Gardner-Webb product Zach Ward is as hot as any pitcher in the league heading into the break.

Ward, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound righthander, was rated the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 10 prospect heading into the 2006 season – his first as a pro – and has lived up to the preseason billing. The Kannapolis, N.C., native won again on Sunday night with 7.0 innings pitched, 11 ground balls, seven strikeouts and just one run allowed to push his record to an unblemished 6-0 for the Class A Dragons.

Ward was the Reds’ third-round selection in last June’s draft (90th overall pick).

Through 11 starts (13 total appearances), Ward is a dominant 6-0 with a 2.98 ERA, just one home run allowed and 66 strikeouts in 71.2 innings of work. His opponents are batting a frigid .196 against him this season, with an average of 11 ground ball outs per start leading the Reds’ minor league system. Ward’s WHIP ratio (walks-plus-hits, divided by innings pitched) of 0.98 ranks among the Midwest League leaders, as does his opponent batting average.

Since struggling with his command in April, Ward has been as dominant as any pitcher in the Reds’ farm system. In his work since May 1, 2006 (50.2 innings pitched), Ward has a 2.48 ERA with 55 strikeouts, just 11 walks and 31 hits allowed. He has rolled 71 ground ball outs during that stretch, an amazing average of 12.6 per nine innings pitched. His WHIP ratio is an eye-popping 0.82 since May 1.

Baseball America included Ward for consideration on its popular minor league Prospect Hot List on June 12.

Dayton (35-35) has now won six straight after Ward’s Sunday dominance.

During his career at Gardner-Webb, Ward finished as the Diamond ‘Dogs’ career and single-season leader in strikeouts, and won 17 decisions in three seasons. He was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America selection for GWU in 2003, and earned first-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors on the mound as a sophomore in 2004.


www.gwusports.com

Lots of news and notes

Where to start today....lots of stuff.
The Billings Mustangs and the GCL Reds both begin their seasons today. Rookie ball, here we come! There are quite a few guys to keep your eyes on for both teams. Of course, I will be adding them into the minor league updates every day with game stats.

The Billings Gazette has a good article up about Drew Stubbs and the upcoming season. You can read it by clicking here

Homer Bailey will make his first start in Chattanooga on Thursday at home against Carolina. John Fay has a piece on Bailey in his "Reds Notebook". Lets just hope this part of his article is inaccurate about Bailey:
If Bailey's successful at Double-A, his next stop could be Cincinnati. Double-A players often get September call-ups.
I am a big fan of Homers, but to call him up anytime this year would be a VERY bad idea. Anyways, you can read the entire article by John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer here.

The Hardball Times has a piece up on the Midwest League All-Star break and they had to choose the All-Star most likely to succeed and this is what they said:
Justin Upton is the easy pick here, but I'm going with Dayton's Jay Bruce instead. Bruce is a five-tool player that was also among the most productive hitters in the Pioneer League last year. Bruce just turned 19 a couple months ago, and he already has over 60 extra-base hits as a professional in the Cincinnati Reds system.
You can read the entire article at www.hardballtimes.com

6/19 Minor League game articles

Dayton is on the All-Star Break

Sarasota won 11-3
Drew Anderson went 2-5 with a double and an RBI
Cody Strait went 2-2 with 3 runs scored, HR and 4 RBI
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Sam Lecure went 6 innings, allowed 7 hits, 0 walks and struck out 2 while allowing 2 runs
Chattanooga lost 5-0
Javon Moran went 1-4
Joey Votto went 1-4
Miguel Perez went 1-4
Louisville lost 6-0
Earl Snyder went 2-4
Matt Kata went 2-4

Monday, June 19, 2006

Joey Votto makes Baseball Americas Prospect Hot Sheet

After his amazing week that was, he made #3 on this weeks hot list. They dont allow you to copy and paste, so check out their site at www.baseballamerica.com

Joey Votto named Southern League hitter of the week

www.Milb.com

Joey Votto, Chattanooga
.519 (14-27), 5 R, 4 2B, 0 3B, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 1 BB, 6 SO, 0 SB, 1.111 SLG
Votto collected five multi-hit games this week, and has hit in eight straight overall. The highlight of his current hot streak came on Sunday, as he went 3-for-5 with two home runs to lead the Lookouts to an 8-7 win over Tennessee. The victory clinched the first-half North Division title for Chattanooga. Votto hit four home runs and four doubles on the week, and leads the Southern League in both categories.

Minor League news, notes and articles

The Dayton Daily News has a nice article talking about the Dragons making the playoffs in the second half, it hits on Zach Ward adjusting over the season and a recent problem with the line up. I will post some peices below.
Four teams from each of two divisions make the postseason. West Michigan (Detroit Tigers affiliate) and Lansing (Toronto Blue Jays) have already qualified, so it doesn't matter if they finish ahead of Dayton in the second half, which begins Thursday.

Dayton, South Bend, Southwest Michigan and Fort Wayne will be playing the 70-game second half to secure the final two spots, so the Dragons have to beat out only two of the other three to make their first playoffs since 2002.

So Dayton has a legitimate shot at making the playoffs if they keep playing well in the second half

Sunday starter Zach Ward pitched at Gardner-Webb University before he became a third-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Reds last season. A tender arm shut him down until this year.

He has already learned it's easier pitching to wood bats than aluminum used in college.

"Everyone told me the wood bat would be my best friend," said Ward, who early on tried to strike out everyone and pitch to the corners, like in college.

Wood bats must really be his friend after allowing just 1 HR in 70+ innings.
You can read the entire article here, at Daytondailynews.com

  • The Billings Gazette has a nice article up on the upcoming Billings Mustangs season. It also mentions that third round pick Chris Valaika signed and will be reporting to Billings.
You can read the entire article here, its worth the time.

6/18 Minor League updates

Dayton won 6-1
Jay Bruce went 2-5
Adam Rosales went 1-3 with a walk and 3 runs scored
Eric Eymann went 3-4 with 2 RBI
Zach Ward went 7 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and 7 strikeouts
Sarasota is still on the All-Star break

Chattanooga won 8-7 and clinched a playoff birth
Joey Votto went 3-5 with 3 RBI and 2 HR (13)
Javon Moran went 2-4
Aaron Herr went 2-4 with a walk
Louisville won 3-2
Norris Hopper went 2-4
Chris Denorfia went 1-3 with 2 walks
Matt Kata went 2-2 with a walk
Justin Germano went 6.1 ip, allowed 5 hits, 2 runs and struck out 3

Homer Bailey Promoted to Chattanooga

Like I posted yesterday, the rumor was that Homer Bailey was going to be promoted to Chattanooga, but no one would comment on it. Well today they did.

Three months ago during spring training, Cincinnati Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky offered a simple assessment of the expectations regarding the organization's No. 1 prospect.

"If Homer Bailey pitches this season with Sarasota, that will be good," Krivsky said in late March of the then 19-year-old. "And, if Homer Bailey pitches half the season with Class A Sarasota and the other half with Double A Chattanooga, that would be better."

Well, Krivsky is feeling better this morning as the now 20-year-old Bailey – Cincinnati's No. 1 draft selection in 2004 and who received a $2.3 million signing bonus – is on his way to becoming a member of Chattanooga manager Jayhawk Owens' staff.

That's what Krivsky confirmed to Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News during the Reds' home game against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Great American Ball Park when he said, "Homer Bailey's next start will be for Chattanooga."

The much-anticipated promotion was one of hot topics during this weekend's 45th Florida State League All-Star Game in Lakeland when Bailey needed only 12 pitches – 10 of which were strikes – to get his three batters to strike out swinging in the top of the second inning.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Bailey pitched well for the SaraReds during the first half as his deceiving record of 3-5 is followed by an improving earned run average of 3.31. In 13 starts, Bailey walked 22 and struck out 79 and opposing hitters have a measly .189 batting average.

Bailey's pitches were consistently in the mid-90 mph range and he continued to improve on his off speed pitches, particularly a tantalizing seemingly easy-to-hit curveball.

One of Krivsky's toughest assignments has been to keep the excitement regarding Bailey's tremendous potential on an even keel.

"He is very good and has so much potential. And, he's so young."

Phil Denis wrote this, read it all here at the Sarasota Herald Tribune

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Homer Bailey to be promoted?

Interesting tidbit from todays article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
LAKELAND – It’s rather commonplace for player promotions to be announced during Minor League Baseball All-Star Game weekends.

Though neither Cincinnati or Sarasota Reds officials would comment “on the record,” regarding one of the hottest rumors at Saturday night’s 45th Florida State League All-Star Game at breezy Joker Marchant Stadium, it revolved around the organization’s No. 1 amateur draft selection from 2004.

And, if SaraReds power-pitching right-hander Homer Bailey made his last appearance with the Class A-Advanced affiliate before moving up to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double A Southern League, it indeed was outstanding in front of 5,946 spectators.
www.heraldtribune.com

If neither side would comment "on the record" I want to know what they said off the record. Why write the article if they said "off the record" he was staying? It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days.

Louisville Courier Journal article on Phil Dumatrait

Dumatrait's win extra special
He has struggled since elbow surgery
By Brian Bennett
bbennett@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Philip Dumatrait's first Triple-A victory was one to savor.

The Louisville Bats' 24-year-old left-hander threw a complete-game three-hitter Thursday during a seven-inning doubleheader game at Richmond. He had not thrown a complete game since August 2003.

That came just a few months before he underwent Tommy John elbow surgery, which sidelined him for 2004. Dumatrait came back last season with his usual velocity but not his normal command; he walked 70 batters in 127 innings at Double-A Chattanooga.

"I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I was coming off major surgery," he said. "I pretty much got a new elbow."

Throwing strikes, especially with his fastball, has been the main concern for Dumatrait, whom the Cincinnati Reds acquired from Boston in the 2003 Scott Williamson trade. Ranked as the Reds' 12th-best prospect by Baseball America before the season, he was considered one of the few young pitchers close to reaching the big leagues.

But Dumatrait had to learn to stop nibbling at the corners and to start attacking hitters. He lasted six innings only twice in 10 Double-A starts as command issues drove up his pitch count. In his first two Triple-A starts Dumatrait also struggled to get ahead of hitters and put them away.

"Nobody knows for sure whether it's physically that he can't throw strikes or mentally that he doesn't throw strikes," Bats manager Rick Sweet said after Dumatrait's April 10 loss. Last time out Dumatrait walked only one batter in his seven innings. He'll need to keep that up as he adjusts to Triple-A hitters.

"These guys are older, have been around for a while and can swing it," he said. "If you make a mistake, they'll make you pay."

Click here to read the entire article at www.courier-journal.com

6/17 Minor League Game Articles

Dayton won 4-3
Jay Bruce went 2-3 with a walk, run and a double
BJ Szymanski went 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI
Travis Wood went 6 innings, allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts

Sarasota is on the All-Star Break

Chattanooga lost 6-3
Joey Votto went 1-4
Javier Colina went 1-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Dewayne Wise went 2-4 with a solo HR
Louisville won 6-2
Ray Olmedo went 3-5 with a double and RBI. Now hitting .353
Jeff Bannon went 3-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI
Jesse Gutierrez went 2-5 with 2 RBI

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Homer Bailey in the FSL All-Star game

Homer was the second pitcher in the game for his squad and he pitched 1 inning. He struck out all three batters he faced and his team went on to win the game. Former Reds teammate of Bailey, Brandon Roberts went 1-2. Roberts was recently traded for Juan Castro.

Draft write up

Doc Scott over at Reds (and Blues) has a nice peice up for all of the Reds recent draft picks, I highly suggest you check it out.
http://reds.mostvaluablenetwork.com/regular-posts/2006-draft-roundup/

6/16 Minor League Game Articles

Dayton won 5-2
Michael DeJesus went 1-3 with a walk and a run
Adam Rosales went 2-4
Bobby Mosby went 2-4
Robert Manual went 5 innings, allowed 4 hits, 1 run and struck out 7.
Sarasota is on a 3 day all star break. They resume play Monday.

Chattanooga won 8-0
Javon Moran went 3-5 with 3 runs scored
Javier Colina went 2-3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored
Joey Votto went 3-5 with a HR(11) and 4 RBI. Now hitting .317 for the season
Edward Valdez went 6 innings, allowed just 2 hits and struck out 6. Walked 1.
Louisville won 2-1
William Bergolla went 1-3
Earl Snyder went 2-4 with an RBI

Friday, June 16, 2006

Draft picks news and notes

The Reds have signed quite a few draft picks recently. Here is the list and notes on them if there are any:

25th round pick Michael McKennon out of UTSA signed.
27th round pick Keltavious Jones out of Darton JC signed.
29th round pick Jason Louwsma of Florida Gulf Coast signed his contract.
36th round pick Nick Wandless from South Carolina-Aiken also signed.

Ben Ihde, the Reds 34th round draft pick decided to be a draft-and-follow player and will attend Wabash JC.


18th round pick Ryan Wehrle, a draft eligible sophomore from Nebraska has decided he will return to Nebraska and will not be signing with the Reds.

Billings Mustang Notes

According to the Billings Gazette Drew Stubbs, Sean Watson and Chris Valaika will all start their seasons off with the Mustangs (Valaika has not yet signed). 6 of the first 10 picks are scheduled to start their season in Billings this year.
As of Thursday, five players from last year's Mustangs team will return this season: Pitchers Rafael Gonzalez, James Morris and Logan Ondrusek; and infielders Kevyn Feiner and Yoni Lasso.
To read the entire article click here to go to the Billings Gazette Website

6/15 Minor League Game Articles

Dayton won 2-0
Mike Griffin went 1-4
Bobby Mosby went 2-3 with a HR and 2 RBI
Johnny Cueto went 6.2 innings, allowed 0 runs, 3 hits, 3 walks and 2 strikeouts
Sarasota won 9-4
Drew Anderson went 3-5
Jay Garthwaite went 2-4
Jeremiah Piepkorn went 3-4 with 2 runs and an RBI
Chattanooga won 5-1
Anderson Machado went 2-4
Joey Votto went 3-5 with a HR (10) and 2 RBI
DeWayne Wise went 3-4 with 3 doubles
Louisville won 8-1, 6-0 in double header
Matt Kata went 5-7 with a HR and 5 RBI
Norris Hopper went 2-5
Phil Dumatrait threw a complete game, going 7 innings, alloweding 3 hits, 1 unearned run, walked 1 and struck out 4.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Sarasota OF Brandon Roberts, traded

Brandon Roberts was traded today for Juan Casto to the Twins. Brandon was named a Florida State League All Star, but has recently seen his average drop well below the .300 mark he had hovered around all year. Brandon was one of my more favorite draft picks last year and is a stolen base machine. I wish him well with the Twins.

Lots of Minor League News and Notes

  • Sean Watson, the Reds second round pick has signed.
  • Travis Webb, a LHP selected by the Reds in the 8th round out of Washington State also signed his contract.
  • CincinnatiReds.com has a nice article up on Jay Bruce

He was chosen to start in the outfield at the Midwest League All-Star Game in Quad Cities, Iowa, on Tuesday. Through Wednesday, Bruce was batting .291 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 63 games. He is in the top five in the league in home runs, RBIs, doubles, triples, runs and slugging percentage, and he is in the top 10 in hits.

"As far as the physical tools of hitting, he's got them all," said Dragons manager Billy Gardner of the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder. "He's got good bat speed, very easy power. He has the ability to hit to all fields. He's got a very large upside with the bat.

"The biggest thing with him is being able to deal with adversity, [which] he hasn't faced yet."

All of Bruce's success has come despite a nagging shoulder injury he sustained a month ago, which he now insists is fine.

You can read the entire article here at www.cincinnatireds.com

6/14 Minor League Game Articles

Dayton had the night off

Sarasota won 2-1
Paul Janish went 1-4 with an RBI
Adam Rosales went 1-3 with an RBI
Jim Paduch went 6 innings, allowed 1 run on 6 hits and 6 strikeouts.
Chattanooga won 8-4
Anderson Machado went 2-5 with 2 RBI
Javier Colina went 2-5 with a HR and RBI
Joey Votto went 2-4 with a walk, double and run scored
Louisville had the night off

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Carson Kainer, 14th Round pick needs Kidney transplant

14th round Draft Pick Carson Kainer will be returning to Texas for his Senior season rather than signing with the Cincinnati Reds. The reason is that he needs a kidney transplant. Hope things go well for him and his family.

Reds sign #1 Draft Pick Drew Stubbs

Yeah, things went rather quickly between the Reds and Stubbs. Signed today in his hometown for $2,000,000. He will start off in Billings playing for the Mustangs.
You can read an article about it here

Little Minor league news

  • Jeff Stevens, 2005 6th round draft pick was traded to the Cleveland Indians yesterday to complete the deal for Brandon Phillips that took place in the middle of April. If the Indians were interested in Stevens, they had to wait until at least 1 year after he was drafted to get him. MLB does not allowe draft picks to be traded until 1 year after they are drafted.
  • Matt Belisle is scheduled to pitch in Dayton on Thursday for a rehab assignment on his way back from the DL.
  • Justin Curry, the Reds 33rd round pick this year, who had a scholarship to play football at North Carolina has notified UNC that he will not be attending school there to persue a baseball career. However, he will not be signing with the Reds right away. He was drafted with the "draft and follow" idea and will be attending Young Harris Junior College. When a player goes to JC, he is eligible to sign a contract from the previous years draft up to 1 week before the following draft, or 48 hours after his last JC game is played, whichever comes last. It sounds like he wants to sign with the Reds, so hopefully this works out well for them.
You can read an entire article on it from scout.com here

6/14 Minor League Articles

Dayton won 5-2
BJ Szymanski 1-4 with a HR and 2 RBI
Chris Denove went 1-3 with a HR
Jay Bruce went 2-4 with a run
Zach Ward went 6 innings, allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts
Sarasota lost 3-2
Adam Rosales went 2-3 with 2 doubles and an RBI
Jay Garthwaite went 1-3
Sam Lecure went 5 innings, allowed 1 unearned run on 3 hits, 3 walks and 4 strikeouts
Chattanooga had an off day

Louisville won 3-2
Norris Hopper went 3-5 with 2 runs
Bergolla, Denorfia and Snyder all went 2-5
Justin Germano went 6 innings, allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Baseballanalysts.com peice featuring Chris Denorfia

Bryan Smith at www.baseballanalysts.com (which you should really check out because the stuff they put out is amazing) wrote an article on guys in AAA who are currently deserving a spot on a major league roster, but are blocked by guys on the big league teams. Chris Denorfia is a perfect example, and thus, he was included in their article.
You can check out the article at www.baseballanalysts.com

6/12 Minor League Game Articles

Dayton won 1-0
Jay Bruce went 1-3
BJ Szymanski went 1-3
Carlos Fisher went 7 innings, allowed 0 runs on 3 hits, 1 walk and 10 strikeouts
Sarasota was rained out

Chattanooga lost 4-1
Joey Votto went 2-4 with a double
Noochie Varner went 2-4
Louisville won 9-1
Chris Denorfia went 4-5 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI
Earl Snyder went 1-4 with 2 runs, a HR and 2 RBI

Monday, June 12, 2006

Zach Ward and Jay Bruce make the Prospect Hot List

Baseball America makes a list of prospects every Monday who have been doing well lately. Well in the newest list, Jay Bruce and Zach Ward are both "in the team photo". You can check it out at www.baseballamerica.com

Jay Bruce named Midwest League Hitter of the Week

Midwest League
Jay Bruce, Dayton
.483 (14-29), 4 R, 7 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB, 5 SO, 1 SB, .724 SLG
Half of Bruce's 14 hits this week went for two bases, and the 19-year-old Texan now leads the Midwest League with 23 doubles on the season. The Dragons won just two games this week -- both against Lansing -- and Bruce played a key role in each. The right fielder went 3-for-5 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored on Wednesday and 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored on Friday.

Read about all the Minor League hitters of the week at www.MiLB.com