4/23 Minor League Scores

[WrongVerb]

Saw video of Elly’s homer. He just sort of swatted half-speed at a ball and it went oppo over the Fence. He is strong. I’m not too worried about his k-rate. He has been forced to adjust to a new frame each year. As he matures it will be easier to settle on an approach and find consistency. I think he is far and away the best prospect in the system.

That's a really good point. I had never thought about the effect a growth spurt would have on a player's ability to judge pitches and swing properly at strikes, but it makes sense. Thanks for that.

[WrongVerb]

In 2-3 years, we could be seeing:

1B McGarry (least likely of these to make it)
2B Torres
SS Berrero
3B India
LF McClain
CF Siani
RF De La Cruz
CA Stephenson
DH Votto

And Allen and Hendrick knocking on the door as well.

[Tom Servo]

I'm pretty sure India will never be an impact bat either. I don't see an impact bat on the Reds' current roster beyond Votto. India and Stephenson are good bat-- above average bats, for sure-- but they're not, IMO, going to be the 900 OPS monsters you need to carry you deep into the pennant race.

That's why De La Cruz is the guy I look to first. That bat has a chance to be special.

I agree with you on the toolsy guys too-- Hendrick, Hinds, and Cerda just have to hit. Jay Allen is between the two-- I love everything about his production so far. Those numbers scream difference-maker, perennial All-Star. So, oddly, do Jose Torres'. But the scouting reports on both are rather lackluster. They're similar to McLain (though perhaps not as highly ranked due to level and pedigree).

I didn’t have such high standard for “impact”, I was thinking more OPS over .800 as opposed to .900

[757690]

The two most elite prospects the Reds have developed in the last 15 years are Votto and India. Neither were considered “elite” prospects when in the minors. In fact, they were the most common prospects included in posters trade proposals when they were in the minors.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I didn’t have such high standard for “impact”, I was thinking more OPS over .800 as opposed to .900

They're set up to have four or five bats at that 800 OPS level for 2023 or 2024: Stephenson and India already at the major league level, Barrero, McLain. Votto might get there again. Schrock's possible-- if his Spring Training presages a new level and not a couple of lucky weeks.

I'm fine with gambling on one of Siani or Hopkins as an OF bat (assuming they also have Fraley/ Friedl/ Senzel for that same spot plus the two backup berths). That means at least two OF spots need to be added from outside the organization. Perhaps De La Cruz can move two levels again. Perhaps Cerda can prove for real. Maybe Ivan Johnson gets healthy and shows off his power. But those are far longer shots than I'd be willing to make.

Regardless, I don't see the impact bat they'll need to compete for pennants. (At least for 2023.)