From Baseball America:

Cincinnati Reds
Signed: RHP Jon Adkins, RHP Jeff Kennard, LHP Adam Pettyjohn
Assigned to Hawaii Winter Baseball: LHP Philippe Valiquette, 1B Yonder Alonso

 

Kennard was released Sept. 8 by the Angels. He was the return from the Yankees for Jose Molina. Kennard throws in the mid-90s and has shown a decent slider. He had been fairly effective through AA, but was horrendous last season at AAA Salt Lake City. He was suspended for violating the performance enhancing drug policy in 2005.

Bruce at No. 1 and Homer at No. 1, fans and fannies. Here's the list:

1. Jay Bruce, of, Louisville (Reds)
2. Andrew McCutchen, of, Indianapolis (Pirates)
3. Wade Davis, rhp, Durham (Rays)
4. Reid Brignac, ss, Durham (Rays)
5. Jed Lowrie, ss, Pawtucket (Red Sox)
6. David Huff, lhp, Buffalo (Indians)
7. Neil Walker, 3b, Indianapolis (Pirates)
8. Denard Span, of, Rochester (Twins)
9. Charlie Morton, rhp, Richmond (Braves)
10. Homer Bailey, rhp, Louisville (Reds)
11. David Purcey, lhp, Syracuse (Blue Jays)
12. Kevin Mulvey, rhp, Rochester (Twins)
13. Matt Joyce, of, Toledo (Twins)
14. Brandon Moss, of/1b, Pawtucket (Red Sox)
15. J.A. Happ, lhp, Lehigh Valley (Phillies)
16. Jeff Niemann, rhp, Durham (Rays)
17. Brandon Jones, of, Richmond (Braves)
18. Collin Balester, rhp, Columbus (Nationals)
19. Brett Gardner, of, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees)
20. Chris Getz, ss/2b, Charlotte (White Sox)

   It's not that the Reds didn't have talent at Chattanooga. The Southern League simply was very deep in talent. Some Reds -- Valaika, Dorn, Heisey, Lecure, Manuel and Geronimo -- likely were strongly considered for the Top 20. Here's the list:

1. Clayton Kershaw, lhp, Jacksonville (Dodgers)
2. David Price, lhp, Montgomery (Rays)
3. Cameron Maybin, of, Carolina (Marlins)
4. Matt LaPorta, of, Huntsville (Brewers)
5. Alcides Escobar, ss, Huntsville (Brewers)
6. Chris Volstad, rhp, Carolina (Marlins)
7. Mat Gamel, 3b, Huntsville (Brewers)
8. Michael Saunders, of, West Tenn (Mariners)
9. Tommy Hanson, rhp, Mississippi (Braves)
10. Wade Davis, rhp, Montgomery (Rays)
11. Chris Coghlan, 2b, Carolina (Marlins)
12. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Montgomery (Rays)
13. Jordan Schafer, of, Mississippi (Braves)
14. James McDonald, rhp, Jacksonville (Dodgers)
15. Ivan DeJesus, ss, Jacksonville (Dodgers)
16. Jake McGee, lhp, Montgomery (Rays)
17. Angel Salome, c, Huntsville (Brewers)
18. Michael Brantley, cf, Huntsville (Brewers)
19. Adam Moore, c, West Tenn (Mariners)
20. Luis Valbuena, 2b, West Tenn (Mariners)

From Baseball America:

1. Rick Porcello, rhp, Lakeland (Tigers)
2. J.P. Arencibia, c, Dunedin (Blue Jays)
3. Logan Morrison, 1b, Jupiter (Marlins)
4. Jeremy Jeffress, rhp, Brevard County (Brewers)
5. Adrian Cardenas, 2b, Clearwater (Phillies)
6. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Vero Beach (Rays)
7. Sean West, lhp, Jupiter (Marlins)
8. Wilson Ramos, c, Fort Myers (Twins)
9. Scott Cousins, of, Jupiter (Marlins)
10. Michael Taylor, of, Clearwater (Phillies)
11. Todd Frazier, ss/3b, Sarasota (Reds)
12. Drew Stubbs, of, Sarasota (Reds)
13. Chris Valaika, ss, Sarasota (Reds)
14. Jose Ceda, rhp, Daytona (Cubs)
15. Juan Francisco, 3b, Sarasota (Reds)
16. Taylor Green, 3b, Brevard County (Brewers)
17. Cale Iorg, ss, Lakeland (Tigers)
18. Francisco Samuel, rhp, Palm Beach (Cardinals)
19. Jonathan Lucroy, c, Brevard County (Brewers)
20. Zach McAllister, rhp, Tampa (Yankees)

In the subscriber-only write ups, all four receive plenty of praise, although Valaika and Francisco seem to get more than Frazier and Stubbs, each of whom is ranked higher.

   Coming in at No. 10, Neftali Soto. I thought he'd be higher, but there are some very strong prospects in the top 10.

   BA must not be sold on Brandon Waring nor any of the Dayton pitchers.

1. Mike Moustakas, 3b/ss, Burlington (Royals)
2. Neftali Feliz, rhp, Clinton (Rangers)
3. Jarrod Parker, rhp, South Bend (Diamondbacks)
4. Ben Revere, of, Beloit (Twins)
5. Brett Wallace, 3b, Quad Cities (Cardinals)
6. Engel Beltre, of, Clinton (Rangers)
7. Andrew Lambo, of, Great Lakes (Dodgers)
8. Philippe Aumont, rhp, Wisconsin (Mariners)
9. Derek Holland, lhp, Clinton (Rangers)
10. Neftali Soto, 3b, Dayton (Reds)
11. Danny Duffy, lhp, Burlington (Royals)
12. Craig Italiano, rhp, Kane County (Athletics)
13. Jordan Walden, rhp, Cedar Rapids (Angels)
14. Justin Jackson, ss, Lansing (Blue Jays)
15. Pete Kozma, ss, Quad Cities (Cardinals)
16. Corey Brown, of, Kane County (Athletics)
17. Juan Ramirez, rhp, Wisconsin (Mariners)
18. Danny Gutierrez, rhp, Burlington (Royals)
19. Kevin Ahrens, 3b, Lansing (Blue Jays)
20. Trevor Reckling, lhp, Cedar Rapids (Angels)

   Interesting. The Reds had no one in Baseball America's GCL Top 20, nor in the Pioneer League Top 20. That doesn't say much for the depth of the Reds 2008 draft.

   Billings, led by Alex Buchholz's .396 average, had five players hit better than .300, yet none made the list. The pitching staff had virtually no one to remotely consider. Neftali Soto spent much more time in the Midwest League, so I assume he'll be a top prospect there. Here is BA's Pioneer League Top 20: 

1. Wilin Rosario, c, Casper (Rockies)
2. Cutter Dykstra, of, Helena (Brewers)
3. Will Smith, lhp, Orem (Angels)
4. Devaris Gordon, ss, Ogden (Dodgers)
5. Luis Jimenez, 3b, Orem (Angels)
6. Delta Cleary, of, Casper (Rockies)
7. Bryan Shaw, rhp, Missoula (Diamondbacks)
8. Trevor Harden, rhp, Missoula (Diamondbacks)
9. Dexter Carter, rhp, Great Falls (White Sox)
10. Kyle Russell, of, Ogden (Dodgers)
11. Pedro Baez, 3b, Ogden (Dodgers)
12. Jose Perez, rhp, Orem (Angels)
13. Efrain Nieves, lhp, Helena (Brewers)
14. Rossmel Perez, c, Missoula (Diamondbacks)
15. Angel Castillo, of, Orem (Angels)
16. Wily Peralta, rhp, Helena (Brewers)
17. Erik Komatsu, of, Helena (Brewers)
18. Dan Hudson, rhp, Great Falls (White Sox)
19. Tony Delmonico, 2b, Ogden (Dodgers)
20. Michael Kohn, rhp, Orem (Angels)

   I would have thought Evan Hildenbrandt to be a lock for Baseball America's top 20 and Alexis Oliveras to have an outside chance. Here is the list, which is free to the public. The scouting reports are subscriber only:

1. Aaron Hicks, of, Twins
2. Kyle Skipworth, c, Marlins
3. Jefry Marte, 3b, Mets
4. Jason Knapp, rhp, Phillies
5. Michael Almanzar, 3b, Red Sox
6. Casey Kelly, ss/rhp, Red Sox
7. Sebastian Valle, c, Phillies
8. Zach Collier, of, Phillies
9. Jack McGeary, lhp, Nationals
10. Abner Abreu, 3b, Indians
11. Arodys Vizcaino, rhp, Yankees
12. Cesar Puello, of, Mets
13. Anthony Hewitt, 3b, Phillies
14. Esmailyn Gonzalez, ss, Nationals
15. L.J. Hoes, 2b, Orioles
16. Isaac Galloway, of, Marlins
17. Zeke Spruill, rhp, Braves
18. Destin Hood, of, Nationals
19. Derrik Gibson, 3b, Red Sox
20. Jarek Cunningham, 3b/ss, Pirates

A review of the 2008 draft might make an interesting draft day topic with seasons ending. The Reds had a mixed bag of results, although short-season performances have to be taken with a grain of salt. Here’s a look:

 

1. Yonder Alonso-1B-Miami

0-2-.235 .333 .294 in 17 AB at Sarasota.

Signed at the last minute. Can’t really tell much from this.

 

3. Zach Stewart-RHP-Texas Tech

Dayton: 1-2 0.55 ERA. 3 SV. 16.1 IP, 10 H. 13 K, 3 BB. 0.80 WHIP, .175 BAA.

Sarasota: 0-2 1.72 ERA. 2 SV. 15.2 IP, 15 H. 22 K 10 BB. 1.60 WHIP .259 BAA.

Impressive debut. Had some rough spots but much more good than bad. Appears as if he can move quickly through the organization.

 

1. 4. Tyler Cline-RHP_Cass HS

GCL: 0-3 9.72 ERA. 5 G, 5 GS. 8.1 IP, 11 H. 10 K, 7 BB. 2.16 WHIP. .314 BAA

Rough debut, but very small sample size.

 

1. 5. Clayton Shunick-RHP-N.C. State

Billings: 1-4 8.45 ERA. 10 G, 10 GS. 38.1 IP, 54 H, 38 K, 7 BB. 1.59 WHIP. .321 BAA.

Here’s hoping he was just tired from a heavy college load, because this was a terrible rookie season. The H:IP ratio was horrendous.

 

1. 6. Alex Buchholz-2B-Delaware.

Billings: 3-25-.409 .480 .636. 3-3 SB.

Very impressive debut, much more in line with his 2007 season at Delaware, rather than his disappointing 2008. He has to be the POY among Reds 2008 draftees among position players.

 

1. 7. Pedro Villarreal-RHP-Howard JC

GCL: 0-1 7.71 ERA. 2.1 IP, 6 H. 3 K, 2 BB. 3.43 WHIP. .4000 BAA.

Far too small a sample size to learn much.

 

1. 8. Cody Puckett-SS-Cal State Dominguez Hills

GCL 2-10-.269 .372 .373. 6-7 SB

Billings: 6-19-.314 .421 .552. 2-6 SB

Sarasota: 7 Abs, all zeros.

Pretty good debut. He’ll be interesting to follow.

 

1. 9. David Sappelt-OF-Coastal Carolina.

Billings: 7-33-.304 .359 .509. 6-9 SB.

I liked this pick a when it was made and Sappelt didn’t disappoint. The kid might have a future.

 

1. 10. Sean Conner-OF-Palm Beach CC

GCL 3-19-.218 .309 .352. 2-3 SB.

Not much to see here.

 

1. 11. Andrew Means-OF-Indiana

Billings: 3-16-.231 .271 .363. 6-6 SB

The Hoosier WR showed flashes.

 

1. 12. Kyle Day-C-Michigan State.

       1-10-.269 .369 .404.

       Not bad. So many catchers don’t hit a lick for a couple of years. Day did OK.

 

1. 13. Blaine Howell-LHP-Pensacola JC

GCL: 1-0 1.59. 11.1 IP 11 H. 16 K, 5 BB. 1.41 WHIP. .244 BAA

Sarasota: 0-0 0.00. 2 IP 1 H, 1K, 1 BB. 1.00 Whip .143 BAA.

I really like this guy and am surprised the Reds got him to sign. Solid debut.

 

1. 14. Lance Janke-RHP-San Diego Christian

Billings: 3-2 5.57. 10 G, 10 GS. 42 IP, 51 H. 31 K, 10 BB. 1.45 WHIP. .293 BAA.

Unimpressive numbers all around.

 

17. Frank Pfister-3B-Emory

GCL: 0-14-.236 .281 .293. 0-1 SB.

Not much to get excited about.

 

18. Chris McMurray-C-Cal Santa Barbara

Billings: 0-12-.229 .308 .271

Well, somebody has to catch.

 

19. Mace Thurman-LHP-Baylor

Billings: 1-0 0.54. 16.2 IP, 8 H. 18 K, 4 BB. 0.72 WHIP. .143 BAA.

Dayton: 1-0 5.40. 16.2 IP, 12 H. 27 K, 10 BB. 1.32 WHIP, .197 BAA

Very impressive, particularly the H:IP ratios and K numbers.

 

20. Tyler Stovall-OF-Central Michigan

Billings: 1-15-.348 .406 .478. 2-3 SB.

Really nice performance in 138 AB. Could be a sleeper, as he was a player who was better in college in 2007 than in 2008.

 

21. Theo Bowe-OF-Milford HS.

GCL: 0-6-.200 .288 .238. 6-6 SB.

Can run, but still has a lot of football player in him.

 

22. Byron Wiley-OF-Kansas State

Billings: 5-33-.331 .418 .638. 2-3 SB.

Another guy who was great in 2007 and terrible in 2008 in college. Adjusted to pro ball well. Has some talent. Could be a sleeper.

 

23. Will Hudgens-RHP-Memphis

Billings: 3-0 10.45. 10.1 IP, 14 H. 7 K, 2 BB. 1.55 WHIP. .326 BAA.

Hey, he went 3-0! That’s what matters isn’t it? Isn’t it. Maybe the Memphis QB should stick to throwing footballs.

 

24. Enrique Garcia-RHP-Miami.

Billings: 3-1, 5.72. 9 G, 4 GS. 28.1 IP, 35 H, 20 K, 16 BB. 1.80 WHIP, .345 BAA.

Hey, he went 3-0! Oh, never mind.

 

25. Raul Rodriguez-RHP-Simi Valley HS

GCL: 0-0 1.04. 8 G, 0 GS. 8.2 IP, 8 H. 4 K, 4 BB, 1.38 WHIP, .242 BAA.

Small sample, but a nice start for the youngster.

 

26. Mike Bohana-RHP-Kennesaw State

GCL: 0-4 4.35 ERA. 1 SV. 10.1 IP, 14 H. 10 K, 4 BB. 1.74 WHIP. .326 BAA

Billings: 0-0 3.29. 2 SV. 13.2 IP, 17 H. 17 K, 3 BB. 1.46 WHIP. .298 BAA.

Not much to get excited about.

 

27. Matt Stiffler-OF-Ohio.

Billings: 1-13-.224 .359 .341. 2-5 SB.

A RR favorite because of his name, not because of his stats.

 

30. Juan Carlos Sulbaran-RHP-American Heritage HS.

Signed late for $500,000 and did not play. Excellent signing by the Reds. I never thought they’d sign him away from the University of Florida.

 

32. Justin Freeman-RHP-Kennesaw State

Billings: 1-2 4.26 ERA. 15 G. 38 IP, 41 H. 42 K, 8 BB. 1.29 ERA. .275 BAA.

Mixed bag at best.

 

34. Bryan Gardner-LHP-Ithaca

GCL: 0-1 4.50 ERA. 18 G. 1 SV. 22 IP, 22 H. 25 K, 11 BB. 1.50 WHIP. .262 BAA.

OK.

 

35. Matt Fairel-LHP –Florida State.

DNP.

 

37. Randall Linebaugh-RHP-Baylor.

Billings: 1-2 2.45 ERA. 17 G. 18.1 IP, 16 H. 25 K, 6 BB. 1.20 WHIP. .239 ERA.

Fine debut. IF baseball doesn’t work out, a career in conservative talk radio might.

 

39. Mike Konstanty-1B-Albany.

Billings: 10-40-.268 .349 .525.

Clout or an out guy. Had a whopping 49 Ks in 183 AB.

 

41. Justin Walker-LHP-Lamar

GCL: 0-0 3.38 ERA. 2.2 IP, 5 H. 1 K, 2 BB.

Didn’t plitch enough to get a read on.

 

44. Kevin Coddington-C-Illinois-Chicago

GCL: 0-7-.275 .362 .333.

Also went 3-for-5 in one game at Billings. Was a nice value pick.

 

47. David Torcise-LHP-South Florida.

GCL: 1-0 1.48 ERA. 24.1 IP, 19 H. 10 K, 5 BB. 0.99 WHIP .221 BAA.

Very nice debut.

 

The Reds are sending eight players to the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League, which plays in October and November. The players are:

Charles Fisher-RHP-Louisville

Robert Manuel-RHP-Chattanooga

Pedro Viola-LHP-Chattanooga

Sean Watson-RHP-Chattanooga

Sean Henry-IF-Chattanooga

Chris Valaika-SS-Chattanooga

Justin Turner-2B-Chattanooga

Drew Stubbs-CF-Louisville

   Also going is Ted Power, who will be the team's pitching coach. Stubbs will be one of three center fielders on the team, joining Austin Jackson of the Yankees and Greg Halman of the Mariners. It will be interesting to see who gets most of the time in CF.

 

Since nothing else is going on today, from Baseball America:

Cincinnati Reds
Signed: RHP Justin Lehr (Doosan (Korea)), RHP Joe Valentine
Traded: 3B Aaron Herr to Phillies for future considerations
Acquired: 3B Aaron Herr from Phillies for future considerations
Place on suspended list: RHP Henry Arias, RHP Jeff Jeffords, RHP Luis Montano, LHP Jeremy Horst, C Devin Mesoraco, SS Kevyn Feiner, OF Denis Phipps, OF Justin Reed
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Todd Coffey, RHP Kyle Lotzkar, RHP Derrik Lutz, RHP Jordan Smith, LHP Tyler Pelland, LHP Lee Tabor, 3B Aaron Herr
Reinstated from DL: LHP Matt Maloney
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP James Avery
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Henry Arias, RHP Jeff Jeffords, RHP Marcus McBeth, RHP Luis Montano, LHP Jeremy Horst, SS Kevyn Feiner, OF Denis Phipps

The son of long-time Cardinals second baseman Tom Herr, Aaron Herr has struggled to find consistency, on both offense and defense, since being selected 40th overall as a shortstop by the Braves in the 2000 draft. Now 27 and primarily a third baseman, Herr has taken a long and winding road to Triple-A Louisville, passing through the Mariners, Cardinals, Reds and Indians organizations before coming back to the Reds in a June trade. Herr briefly spent time with the Phillies last week, though he never suited up for one of their affiliates, before being traded back to the Reds a day later. Upon his return, Herr was placed on the disabled list. Most of his career has been spent at the Double-A level (290 games), and he’s hit just .255/.309/.434 in 877 at-bats since becoming a Triple-A regular at the end of 2006.

Lotzkar, the Reds’ supplemental first-round pick in 2007, went on the DL with a hairline fracture in his right elbow. The suspensions listed above stem from Dayton’s July 24 brawl with Peoria. For their actions, Dragons Arias, Jeffords, Montano, Horst, Mesoraco, Feiner, Phipps and Reed all received three-game suspensions.