Well today's the day we've all been waiting for boys and girls - Baseball America will spend the afternoon chatting about the merits of the Reds minor league system.
Without breaking the "pay" content rule - here is the top 10 with a quick synopsis of what was written by the BA staff.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/onlin...es/263238.html
1. Homer Bailey
Good - Best stuff in the minors. Fastball's late life makes it seem like it has an extra gear. Has two curveballs 12-6 & 11-5 versions both excellent pitches. Changeup is improved.
Bad - Most negative comments are just nitpicking. Needs to work on command and (I didn't make this up) work on being a hitter.
2. Jay Bruce
Good - One of the best hitters in the minors. Slightly above average speed. He's a "Gamer"
Bad - Needs to work on plate discipline.
3. Joey Votto
Good - Has power to all fields. Average Speed. Has a discerning batting eye.
Bad - Still raw at first base. Struggles against Southpaws at the plate.
4. Johnny Cueto
Good - Easy 3/4 delivery w/ fastball that can touch 96. Soto taught him a changeup that is now a major league average pitch. Also has a nasty slider.
Bad - Size doesn't bode well for future. Likes to challenge up in the zone which he'll get punished for at higher levels.
5. Drew Stubbs
Good - Dale Murphy-esq. Huge power, excellent speed & Gold Glove defense. Average arm
Bad - Can't really hit. Long Swing. Struggles to make contact & smart pitchers in rookie ball took advantage of him.
6. Travis Wood
Good - Probably has best changeup in the minors. Fastball went from 93-94 in HS to 87-91 in minors.
Bad - Needs to add strength, get his velocity back. Struggles with his curve.
7. Sean Watson
Good - Has a plus fastball that can top 95 & a plus knuckle curve in the 85mph range.
Bad - Can't locate fastball. No change up & slider is below average.
8. Milton Loo
Good - Five tool potential. Hits for average and has potential for power. Plus speed with strong arm.
Bad - Can't stay healthy. Hasn't shown he can drive the ball w/ wood yet.
9. Paul Janish
Good - Major league defensive SS w/ excellent footwork & positioning. Is learning to use entire field as a hitter. He's a "leader".
Bad - No real power. Contact only hitter. Bottom of the order type of player.
10. Chris Valaika
Good - Spray hitter. Bobby Crosby-esq. Gap power & strong arm.
Bad - Slow with limited range at SS. A future 2B. With Loo at SS at Dayton in 07, will probably skip ahead to Sarasota.
I'll do this just like I have in previous years. If any non BA subscribers want to get some questions in - post them here and I'll send them along. No guarantees - as it's totally random whether or not they get answered or not.
Chat starts at 3pm EST.
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