Fox 150

[reds44]

http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/story/5782608

11. Homer Bailey - RHP Reds - DOB: 05/03/86 - ETA: May 2007
Previous rankings: 2005 #73, mid-2005 #91, 2006 #65

3-5, 3.31 ERA, 49 H, 79/22 K/BB in 70 2/3 IP for Single-A Sarasota
3-0, 0.00 ERA, 7 H, 22/4 K/BB in 17 IP for Double-A Chattanooga

Bailey, the seventh overall pick in the 2004 draft, has taken a big step forward in the command department a year after walking 62 batters in 103 2/3 innings for low Single-A Dayton. Bailey's moving 94-97 mph fastball is one of the biggest weapons in the minors, and he complements it well with a hard curveball. Bailey's biggest fault now that he's stopped issuing free passes is his subpar changeup. He'll be capable of overpowering major league hitters when he arrives, but in order to fulfill his potential, he'll eventually need the third pitch. If the Reds remain in contention, Bailey could arrive before the end of the season. Regardless, expect him to be a rotation mainstay by mid-2007. He arguably has a higher ceiling than any pitcher on the list.

23. Jay Bruce - OF Reds - DOB: 04/03/87 - ETA: 2009
Previous rankings: 2006 #130

.322/.388/.581, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 73/33 K/BB, 12 SB in 329 AB for low Single-A Dayton

Another prospect for Reds fans to get excited about. Bruce, the 12th overall pick, has shot right to the top of the 2005 draft class by putting up outstanding numbers as a 19-year-old in the Midwest League. The Reds had him pegged as a future 30-homer guy when they selected him, but they couldn't have known he'd hit for this kind of average so quickly. Currently a center fielder, he should end up as a quality defensive right fielder in the majors. He's not likely to shoot through the minors, but he'll probably spend some time in Double-A as a 20-year-old next year. There's definite star potential here.

63. Joey Votto - 1B Reds - DOB: 09/10/83 - ETA: Aug. 2007
Previous rankings: mid-2004: #144, 2005: #105, mid-2005: #130, 2006 ---

.327/.403/.598, 19 HR, 56 RBI, 76/43 K/BB, 15 SB in 333 AB for Double-A Chattanooga

With his batting average and his walk rate both plummeting, Votto had a very discouraging 2005 in the Florida State League, hitting .256/.330/.425. Surprisingly, he's bounced all the way back and is actually putting up the best numbers of his career in Double-A this season. It remains to be seen whether his long swing will allow him to hit for average in the majors, but he's on his way to possessing 30-homer power. Another problem is that he's a below average defender at first base. The Reds will probably want him to spend most of 2007 in Triple-A before they consider making him a regular. A left-handed hitter, he'll likely be a platoon player initially.

104. Chris Denorfia - OF Reds - DOB: 07/15/80 - ETA: Aug. 2006
Previous rankings: none

141. Travis Wood - LHP Reds - DOB: 02/06/87 - ETA: 2009
Previous rankings: none

Reds are tied for 12th for most prospects on the list.