Josh Roenicke and his heater

[reds44]

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_109214.asp

Newcomer Josh Roenicke looked good pitching the ninth inning. He set the side down in order and struck out the final two hitters. His fastball reached 96 mph.

I don't know much a bout this kid other then he was 24 and pitching in High A ball. If his fastball is really 96, I assume he lacks any secondary pitch to go along with it.

Does anybody know more about him? A scouting report?

[redsmetz]

Originally Posted by reds44

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_109214.asp


I don't know much a bout this kid other then he was 24 and pitching in High A ball. If his fastball is really 96, I assume he lacks any secondary pitch to go along with it.

Does anybody know more about him? A scouting report?

I found this on the Reds (and Blues) website (posted there by Doc Scott)

2006 GCL: 1-0, 1.17 ERA; 7 G, 7.2 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 9 K
2006 Billings: 1-0, 6.32 ERA, 6 SV; 14 G, 15.2 IP, 10 H, 11 ER, 12 BB, 24 K

2007 prediction: Dayton

Son of former major-league outfielder Gary Roenicke. Josh is apparently quite an athlete, having worked out with the UCLA football team as a wide receiver. Also played outfield for the Bruins, but he posted a 2-3 record with a 3.46 ERA and four saves, notching 13 strikeouts in 13 innings. Power arm that profiles as a reliever (BA).

BA: “The fifth-year senior is son of ex-big leaguer Gary. Brent Rustich was the Bruins’ closer until he got hurt, and Roenicke took over for him while doubling as the team’s center fielder (he’s a plus defender there, but his bat is short). The 23-year-old Roenicke has shown 95 mph with his fastball and will spin a plus slider at times. His inexperience keeps him from repeating his mechanics consistently, but he’s athletic at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds and has arm strength, two good building blocks for pitchers.”

Signed a few games in to the short-season.

Roenicke actually did quite well in the PL; his first outing results in zero outs and something like six or seven earned runs. Most of the rest of the time out he struck people out by the fistful. Time to move up.

The prediction was that he'd start at Dayton, but jumped up to Sarasota.

[OesterPoster]

I can live with a reliever who throws mid 90's plus a slider.

[Doc. Scott]

Yeah, he was especially old when drafted, so he had to move quickly. The Reds must be happy with him, though, because they jumped him a level to High-A and he responded.

Sometimes the Pioneer League makes pitchers look worse than they really are (although sometimes the FSL has the reverse effect).

[BuckeyeRedleg]

My 2007 minor league breakout performer.

Liking it.

[The_jbh]

5th year senior... entered pro ball late... prob not a lot of mileage on the arm...

not a problem with him moving up slowly