Loading ...Courtesy of reader Sultan of Swaff, some great pictures and an in-person scouting report from Sunday’s Dragons game. It’s exciting stuff, about one guy I’m pretty familar with and another pleasant surprise. (Anyone else going to a game? We’d love your reports and photos.) Here’s the Sultan:
Sorry no Brandon Waring pics (does his high K rate scare anyone else?), HBP the day before, but Frazier and Montano more than made up for it.
Here’s my take on these two:
Luis Montano–Having just seen Cueto pitch two weeks ago in Brewtown, I was astonished at how similar these two seem to be. First is their physical/mental attributes–both are generously listed as 6′ (doubtful). Both from the Dominican, both have similar demeanor on the mound. Second is their stuff. Montano has an identical repertoire (not quite Cueto-level fastball, plus changeup, average curve). 
Very heady pitcher who knows how to pitch backwards to overagressive hitters and change his approach as the game matures to keep them guessing. Not a max effort guy thankfully, which leaves him that extra gear when needed. On this day he had excellent command and his stats so far back that up. This guy is a prime candidate for a speedpass thru the system.
Todd Frazier–Not much to be said about this guy that hasn’t been written. He’s exactly as advertised. Solid body that can still afford to add some weight while remaining athletic. Gives a quality at-bat, not afraid to hit with two strikes, can turn around a plus fastball.
As a defender, average arm (he played third this game). Definitely not a shortstop. His intangibles are what intrigued me. Seems to love to compete, totally in his element on the field. He’s got some of the Mayor in him. It’s evident he’s the undisputed leader of this team. They’re going to miss him when he’s gone in, oh, a couple weeks.
Two players I’d wish I’d seen—Del Rosario. He’s the closer. Gaudy numbers so far. Devin Mesoraco. How is it a FIRST ROUND PICK isn’t ready for low A ball at 19? Something’s amiss here.
Just FYI, Del Rosario has been moved into the rotation, his first start was Saturday night. It’s my opinion that Frazier’s best option is the outfield.
there’s not really ROOM for frazier at shortstop if we want to see him as a red. the system is loaded with them. it’s pretty nice!
what do rookie ball guys do until their season starts? what is mesoraco doing now, working in the local hardware store? or do they actually practice now until the season starts? anyone know?
Extended ST…working out in Sarasota, intrasquad games, etc.
The Reds are apparently keeping Mesoraco down in extended ST to work with him on some defensive things. From what I have heard he is hitting well at this point but the Reds want him to improve some things defensively.
What do you think Frazier’s ETA in the majors is? Maybe 2010?
I’ve never laid eyes on him but I’m bullish on him. Sure seems like the guy can rake.
Drew Stubbs has me cautiously optimistic too. I sure hope the “Mike Cameron” comparisons will come through for him.
(How much better off would the Reds have been if they had just included Pokey Reese in the deal to Seattle instead of Cameron? Can you imagine an outfield of Cameron, Griffey, Dunn? We really need a super-athletic CF like him, I think.)
If Frazier keeps hitting like he is, they’ll find a spot for him. The guy’s a machine.
They have to find a position for Frazier…there is no doubt he can hit.
Doug’s rosy predictions about Stubbs look pretty darn good thus far this year, hope he keeps it up.
I’d take an OF of Dunn, Bruce, and Griffey.
Put Frazier in Left now .. no sense playing him at positions he wont be at down the road. An outfield of Frazier Stubbs Bruce sounds like a great opening day outfield to me for 2010.
Mesoraco will still only be 20 if he doesn’t get to Dayton until next season. Montano is 23 and Waring and Frazier are 22. Mesoraco has plenty of time to develop before he can be considered a “suspect”.
I think that’s a bit less true for a #1 pick. Those guys are expected to move quickly.
Funnest player to watch at Dayton is Jones. He runs hot and cold. There are “skills” there and it will be interesting to see how they translate as he climbs the ladder.
What is up with the guy in the last picture with the 1920’s A’s uniform on?