Reds Crown Jewels

[Benihana]

One month into the season, lets rehash the Reds Top 10 prospects. My list goes something like this:

1. Homer Bailey RHP slight edge over Bruce because he will be in Cincy by the end of the year
2. Jay Bruce OF making a strong push for the #1 spot
3. Chris Valaika SS has done nothing but hit since being drafted
4. Joey Votto 1B very slow start has been disappointing
5. Johnny Cueto RHP walks have been a concern, but still only 20 years old
6. Sean Watson RHP looking like a 2nd round steal, time for Sarsota?
7. Carlos Fisher RHP been a surprise of the system so far this year
8. Juan Francisco 3B showing great power in low A
9. Drew Stubbs OF stronger in his 2nd season than his rookie campaign
10. Daryl Thompson RHP maybe the gem of The Trade?

HONORABLE MENTION

Travis Wood LHP
Sam LeCure RHP
Adam Rosales SS

[dougdirt]

Looks pretty good. I am working on updating my top 10 guys as well. I think Bruce is pushing Homer extremely hard for the #1 spot.

[Benihana]

Looks pretty good. I am working on updating my top 10 guys as well. I think Bruce is pushing Homer extremely hard for the #1 spot.

Thanks, while I do agree, its pretty tough to argue against a 21 year old with a 1.98 ERA in AAA.

[dougdirt]

Thanks, while I do agree, its pretty tough to argue against a 21 year old with a 1.98 ERA in AAA.

Of course its just as tough to argue against a 20 year old in the FSL with a .990 OPS and 18 XBH.

[bucksfan2]

I would wonder which prospects are untouchable and which the reds would be willing to part with.

[Benihana]

I would wonder which prospects are untouchable and which the reds would be willing to part with.

While no one is truly untouchable, I think it would be near impossible to get the Reds to move Bailey or Bruce. Anyone else is fair game.

[Kc61]

Now that Watson has been converted to starter, is it time yet to convert him back to reliever? Guy looks like he could be quite a closer.

[dougdirt]

Now that Watson has been converted to starter, is it time yet to convert him back to reliever? Guy looks like he could be quite a closer.

I hope you are joking. You dont take a guy with 4 pitches, 2 of them plus pitches with excellent control and turn him into a reliever....

[membengal]

Yeah kc, why limit him at this early point in his development?

[Kc61]

Yeah kc, why limit him at this early point in his development?

Joking about the timing. For now this is fine.

Still, given his very high strikeout rate and K/BB ratio, and given the Reds' needs, and also his background as a reliever, Watson seems like a possible top closer candidate to me.

Sometimes a great arm has to go to the bullpen for the cause. Otherwise, you wind up with a bullpen like. . .

Not for now, but maybe in the future.

[icehole3]

Im thinking Stubbs should be ahead of Cueto

[SirFelixCat]

I agree with Bruce #2...the guy is incredible, no doubt, but when you have a potential #1 ACE, he trumps any hitter, imo.


And maybe I've missed it, but how has Lecure been so far this season? Also, and I understand he's a reliever, but what about Medlock?

[dougdirt]

I agree with Bruce #2...the guy is incredible, no doubt, but when you have a potential #1 ACE, he trumps any hitter, imo.


And maybe I've missed it, but how has Lecure been so far this season? Also, and I understand he's a reliever, but what about Medlock?

Lecure has been better and worse this year than last year. At a glance his numbers look great. 4-0, 2.48 ERA, 31 strikeouts in 29 innings.... problem is he has also had 17 walks, but his last few starts he has shown much better control.

Medlock has been incredible. 1.50 ERA, 21k, 2bb, 18ip, 10h.

[The_jbh]

No one seems to be mentioning Rafael Gonzalez putting i together... pretty good numbers in dayton and they've always said hes got almost as good stuff as Bailey...

4-0 with a 1.93 era 28 innings 23 hits 19 Ks 7 walks... his K level is lower than u would like with that stuff but i like production

[dougdirt]

I am very impressed with Gonzo so far. Would like to see the K rate go up, but the improved control is great to see.