[dougdirt]

The Reds typically don't promote guys from Billings to Dayton the first year they are drafted unless there is an overwhelming need. The Reds also believe that winning at the minor league level is important. Dayton is not going for the playoffs unless they win out the rest of the year. Billings is currently in first place with a 2 game lead and SMBn is arguably the best hitter on that team.

It won't matter one bit next year if SMB got 80 at bats in Dayton or not. Where he starts in 2013 is going to not be determined one ounce by how he would have performed in 80 at bats in Dayton in August of 2012. It isn't setting him back. And the Reds believe him winning with Billings is better for his development than him losing with Dayton.