Mike Easler is in town with the Vegas 51's to play our beloved Portland Beavers. He's been in their system a couple of years, got promoted up to AAA hitting coach this year.
I grabbed him for a quick hello, really a nice guy. He lit up when I started talking Reds. He said he enjoyed his time with the team, really like Tim Naehring.
Asked who to keep my eyes on with Vegas...has glowing things to say about Matt Kemp.
Asked him the same about the Reds...he really thinks Joey Votto is going to be a stud.
I then asked him what he thought about Josh Hamilton. "the left handed pitcher, right?" he asked. "No, the former #1 pick of the Rays that's battled with drugs and alcohol....picked up by the Reds in rule V and tearing it up" I replied.
"Haven't heard about him" was his reply.