System overview
While 2000 was a disappointing season on the field for the Reds, the farm system continues to improve. It isn't an exaggeration to say that the organization is in the best shape it has been in for 15 years. The system is very rich in position players, especially outfielders. Although the Cincinnati brain trust is quite "tool-oriented" in their scouting approach, the Reds have shown a willingness to teach their young hitters the importance of strike zone judgment. Young hitters like Austin Kearns, Adam Dunn, and Ben Broussard have excellent plate discipline.
GM Jim Bowden has also been aggressive in acquiring prospects in trades, the big transaction last year being the Denny Neagle trade with the Yankees, which brought Drew Henson, Jackson Melian, and Ed Yarnall to Cincinnati.
There are still some weaknesses. Pitching remains thin in the system. Financial constraints also exist, although the Reds have been creative in working around fiscal problems. Overall, however, this is a system on the upswing.
2000 Minor League W-L Percentage: .486 (ranked 19th)
2000 amateur draft
With four picks in the first two rounds, the Reds had a chance to make a big impact draft. Budget problems threatened to intervene, but the Reds used some creative work-arounds to get the players they wanted.
The first pick was David Espinosa, a high school shortstop from Miami. Scouts love both his hitting and defensive skills, projecting both speed and power as he advances. He may be moved to second base. He signed a major-league contract for eight years, worth up to $5 million. The second selection was Dustin Moseley, a high school pitcher from Arkansas. Moseley is very advanced, but didn't sign his contract until November, so that the Reds could make his bonus payment after the new fiscal year began.
Peppedine catcher Dane Sardinha was drafted in the second round. Like Espinosa, he signed a major-league contract. He is exceptional with the glove, and has a decent chance to be solid with the bat as well. Next came Ryan Snare, a lefty from the University of North Carolina, owner of a 90 mph fastball and a big curve. He also signed late, but should move quickly.
Third-round pick David Gil, a right-hander from the University of Miami, reached Double-A in his pro debut. He doesn't have star potential, but should help as a strike-throwing inning-eater. Scouts are also high on Dan Fletcher, a seventh-round pick from high school in Texas with a 94 mph fastball.
If Espinosa, Moseley, Sardinha, and Snare develop as expected, this will be an exceptional draft. Even if only two make it (likely Espinosa and Sardinha), it was still a coup considering Cincinnati's financial limitations.
Top prospects
1) Austin Kearns, OF: 1998 first-rounder, overcame disappointing 1999 season to dominate the Midwest League in 2000. Has power, plate discipline, hits for average, runs well for a big guy.
2) Adam Dunn, OF: Paired with Kearns last year, hit 15 homers, stole 24 bases, drew 100 walks. More athletic than Kearns, but not quite as polished.
3) Drew Henson, 3B: An awesome talent, ranked ahead of Kearns and Dunn on many lists, since he's already hit Double-A. I worry that he might choose football full-time, and his plate discipline needs work.
4) Ben Broussard, OF-1B: Missed half the season with injuries, but hit 14 homers and drew 72 walks when he did play. Could be ready to help by the end of 2001.
5) David Espinosa, SS-2B: See draft commentary.
Others of note
Brady Clark, OF: Too old to be a prospect in the conventional sense, but would make an excellent fourth outfielder. Gets on base, runs well, has gap power, works hard.
Gookie Dawkins, SS: Major disappointment with the bat in 2000, hitting just .231 with no power in Double-A. Still young enough to improve, but needs to recover this year.
Jackson Melian, OF: Acquired from the Yankees. Awesome physical tools, but hasn't put up good numbers. Still very young, but I'm not as high on him as some people.
Chris Reitsma, RHP: Acquired from the Red Sox. Overcame years of elbow trouble to be healthy and effective in 2000. Throws hard, usually throws strikes.
Ed Yarnall, LHP: Acquired from the Yankees. Disappointing in 2000, thanks to a back injury and mechanical problems, but a decent bet to rebound.
Other names to know: Jose Acevedo, RHP; Andrew Beattie, SS; Mark Burnett, 2B; Michael Coleman, OF; Paul Darnell, LHP; Lance Davis, LHP; Alejandro Diaz, OF; David Gil, RHP; Ty Howington, LHP; Brandon Larson, 3B; Brandon Love, RHP; Ryan Lundquist, OF; Rainer Olmedo, SS; Eddie Priest, LHP; Brian Reith, RHP; John Riedling, RHP; Jose Valdez, RHP.
John Sickels is working on the STATS 2001 Minor League Scouting Notebook. You can e-mail your questions to him at JASickels@AOL.com.
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