Cueto heading to Sarasota

[Luvsbaseball]

Just got the news..... That's all I know for now.

Leaves today for Sarasota...

[OnBaseMachine]

Zach Ward should have been the one getting the promotion, IMO. Don't get me wrong, Cueto has been incredible up to this point, but I was hoping he would spend the full year in Dayton and maybe get one or two starts in Sarasota at the end of the year if Dayton missed the playoffs (similar to what they did with Basham in 2002). Ward is two years older and needs to be in Sarasota or Chattanooga right now.

I wonder who will take Cueto's spot? Maybe Sean Watson?

[Luvsbaseball]

That's kinda what I was thinking. I agree with you Cueto has been lights out, but I thought since Ward was older he might get moved first.

[dabvu2498]

Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine

I wonder who will take Cueto's spot? Maybe Sean Watson?

FYI: Watson has not thrown since his 3.2 IP on the 22nd. Make of that what you will.

[icehole3]

Just waiting for his next start I'd imagine

[reds44]

Very nice.

[dabvu2498]

Originally Posted by icehole3

Just waiting for his next start I'd imagine

He didn't start the first time. It was a relief appearance.

[LoganBuck]

3.2 innings for a guy who has been a reliever, smells like they are stretching him out. I doubt he will pitch in Dayton this year but at least it looks like they want him to at least give starting a go.

[dougdirt]

Very interesting....I dont have a problem with it really. I do think Ward was a little more deserving and needing of the promotion than Cueto with his age and polish. Lets hope Johnny does well for the Reds.

[chicoruiz]

Wonder if the cultural thing had anything to do with promoting Cueto over Ward... I know Cueto's English is very limited; maybe the feeling was that South Florida would be an easier place for him to be.

[cincy09]

Guerrero will be taking his roster spot in Dayton

[reds44]

http://lance1360homer.com/blog.asp

The Cincinnati Reds have promoted RHP Johnny Cueto to the Sarasota Reds of the Florida State League. Cueto, who became the first pitcher in Dragons franchise history to start the Midwest League All-Star Game, had proven himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the MWL in 2006. The right hander was 8-1 with a 2.59 ERA in 14 starts with the Dragons and had struck out 82 batters while walking only 15 in 76.1 innings of work. Cueto threw the first no-hitter in Dragons franchise history when he turned the trick at Wisconsin on May 13th at Fox Cities Stadium in a rain shortened five inning game. He followed that start up with a 7.0 inning complete game, one hit shutout against the Fort Wayne Wizards on May 18th at Fifth Third Field. At the time of his promotion, Cueto ranked tied for first in the MWL in shutouts (two), tied for second in the MWL in wins (eight), tied for second in the MWL in complete games (two) and was ninth in the league in ERA (2.59). On the 2006 season, the MWL was hitting just .191 against him.
Taking the spot of Cueto on the Dragons active roster is RHP Daniel Guerrero. The 6'1, 190 pounder out of Tecuala, Mexico was signed by the Reds as a non-drafted free agent in March of 2005 and pitched in his first professional season in the Venezuelan Summer League for the VSL Reds. In 14 games, six as a starter, he posted a 2-1 record with a 3.08 ERA in 49.2 innings. The right hander struck out 42 and walked nine.

[Kc61]

I echo the view that Ward should move up to High A. Based on his age and performance, he should be in AA next year. Give him a warmup at Sarasota for the rest of 2006.

[johngalt]

Originally Posted by LoganBuck

3.2 innings for a guy who has been a reliever, smells like they are stretching him out. I doubt he will pitch in Dayton this year but at least it looks like they want him to at least give starting a go.

When talking about the draft, one of the sites (I believe BP) mentioned that a philosophy Toronto followed when Buckley was there was drafting college relievers with starter stuff because their arms weren't as overused for the most part as college starters were. I'm not sure where I stand on that, but it explains why they chose some of the college arms they did.

[Steve4192]

Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine

Zach Ward should have been the one getting the promotion, IMO.

I think this promotion speaks volumes about how the Reds view Ward & Cueto. My guess is they are grooming the kid with the big heater (Cueto) while the crafty groundball specialist (Ward) is going to have to kick the door in to get their attention.