Alonso
First things first: Yonder Alonso, the Reds' first-round draft pick, made an 11th-hour agreement with the Reds. His major league contract is worth $4.5 million over 5 years and includes a $2 million signing bonus. Alonso was the No. 7 pick after putting up a .370/.534/.777/1.311 line in 64 games for the Canes, collecting 24 home runs as a left-handed first baseman. He most likely shoots up to No. 1 among Reds prospects.
But the fun didn't stop there. The Reds also announced the long-rumored signing of Venezuelan Yorman Rodriguez, a five-tool outfielder who just turned 16. He was ranked the No. 2 international prospect, and along with Juan Duran and Alonso, they make for the equivalent of 3 first-round draft picks signed in one year. It was a very good day for the future of the Reds.
On to the minor league games.
Richar
Triple-A: Danny Richar connected on his first homer for the Bats, a 3-run shot off Ryan Wagner, as Louisville won 3-0. Richar was acquired from the White Sox in the Ken Griffey Jr. trade. Ramon Rodriguez and Daniel Ray Herrera combined to strike out 8, allowing just 4 hits. Louisville still holds a 12-game lead over Toledo, is 29 games over .500 and has a magic number of 6 to reach the playoffs.
Double-A: Justin Turner was 2 for 4 in Chattanooga's 3-1 loss. Sean Watson struck out 2 in his inning and nearly has his ERA below 5, and Chris Heisey had a hit in his third of four games since being promoted to the Lookouts.
Mesoraco
High A: Dallas Buck struck out 4 and allowed just 1 hit in 5 innings in his debut for the Reds' system as Sarasota lost 1-0 in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Buck was one of three prospects collected for Adam Dunn in a trade with Arizona. In Game 2, Juan Francisco went 2 for 3 with a double and a homer in a 3-1 loss. Zach Stewart struck out 1 in his scoreless inning.
Low A: Devin Mesoraco was 4 for 5 in a 6-5 win for Dayton. Neftali Soto was 2 for 5, Jeremy Horst struck out 6 in 5 innings and allowed 2 earned runs and Aguido Gonzalez allowed another run but struck out 2 and earned his 4th save. All 10 Dragon hits were singles.
Rookie leagues: Evan Hildenbrandt struck out 6 in 6 innings but allowed 3 runs and earned the loss for the G-Reds, 5-1.