Jacob Long (6-2, 215) was drafted by the Reds in 2004 (44th Rd, 1308 overall) and in 2005 (37th Rd, 1112 overall) out of Modesto (CA.) JC and like Milton Loo, finally signed as a draft-and-follow prior to the 2006 draft. As we wait on the signing of Eddie Rodriquez (2006-20th Rd - Miami-FL), Long may be the only hope for a decent catching prospect in the entire Reds organization. Other current starting catchers in the system (per level) are Craig Tatum (Low A-Dayton), John Purdom (HI-A-Sarasota), Miguel Perez (AA-Chattanooga), and the Dane Sardinha/Ryan Jorgensen platoon (AAA-Louisville). Craig Tatum has had a bit of a resurgence with the bat as his OPS is currently .724, but he's 23 years of age, two full years removed from the draft, and doing it in low-A Dayton. Beggars cannot be choosers, however, as the others - Purdom (.554), Perez (.576), and Sardinha (.566) are not doing any better with the stick.
Jorgensen, with an OPS of .811 at Louisville may be the only immediate and competent back-up help for the big club, if two of David Ross, Jason Larue, or Javier Valentin are traded, let go, or injured. The reputation of Miguel Perez is that he is ready for the bigs defensively, but has a long way to go with the bat, as his .658 career OPS through four years and 1052 AB's suggest.
Stats for Jacob Long thru 6-27. 8 games (Rookie-Gulf Coast League):
5 G
17 AB
6 H
0 HR
2 RBI
.353 AVG
.353 OBP (0 walks)
.471 SLG
.824 OPS