Now that is some info right there. Great report.Originally Posted by Phhhl
I went to the ballgame today and this thread was on my mind. So, I decided to really watch Mesoraco, esepecially since I had good seats for observation...
I REALLY like what I have seen from Devin Mesoraco this year. Not just the excellent hitting for the first third of the season. I have always felt he would hit. But, there was a play in the game today that demonstrated what he is becoming... Runners on first and second with noone out. Roco pounced on a ball tapped in front of the plate and looked at third (no Santiago), looked at second (no Cozart) so disgustedly fired to first to get the only out he could. Then, he called time out and huddled the infield and it really looked like he tore into those guys a little bit for not covering their bases. Of course, later in the day, he made two spectacular plays at the plate to absorb some punishment and to get a couple guys out in a 1 run ballgame, without question the two biggest plays of the game. Sitting in row "K", section 127, my friend and I both heard him shout the F word when he bounced out leading off an inning late in the game. Didn't like that necessarily, but there is no question the guy's intensity is part of what makes him different. I think he is truly becoming a leader on the Reds, an informal role that nobody has really filled since Scott Rolen left a couple of years ago. He is growing into that role not just because of his attitude or intensity. Those things will not resonate when a player's talent does not match his "moxy". But Mesoraco's talent augments those qualities. His teammates are starting to understand that he is helping to win games even when he doesn't hit. I am becoming a big fan of Roco. There is no doubt in my mind that the Reds kept the right catcher in the Matt Latos trade.
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