Chad Rogers entered the 2012 season as an afterthought. The most interesting thing about him at that point was that he survived a shark attack, requiring 60 stitches and pushing his signing back two months. After throwing out of the bullpen for Dayton in 2011, Rogers made the switch to the rotation in 2012 with impressive results. He split the season between Bakersfield and Pensacola and put up a sub-3 ERA over two levels with a 3.17 K/BB. Rogers will likely start the season back in Pensacola, but that has more to do with the Reds starting pitching depth at AAA than an indictment of Rogers.
We're in the home stretch now, gang. One more name to add today.
NEFTALI SOTO, 1B, 23
Highest 2012 Level: AAA (Louisville Bats)
Eye-poppingest Fact: 31 dingers and a .909 OPS in 2011.
Most Worrisome Fact: Only 14 dingers and a .713 OPS in 2012.
Alias(es): ???
Best Case Scenario: He could very likely end up a AAAA guy, maybe a 1B/DH for an AL club if he turns it around.
Being a 1B in the Reds organization is not the best strategy for making the big leagues. Neftali Soto was drafted as a SS/3B, but couldn't stick on the left side of the infield, which seriously limits his value. He is one of the only legit power hitters the Reds have in the upper minors, but his 2012 season was not a good one, striking out 116 times in 122 games and slashing .245/.313/.400. He still has time to figure it out, but this year might be a make or break year for Soto.
JOSH FELLHAUER, OF, 24
Highest 2012 Level: AA (Pensacola Blue Wahoos)
Eye-Poppingest Fact: 1:1 K:BB ratio in 399 PAs in 2012
Most Worrisome Fact: Lack of HR power
Alias(es): The Hellflower
Best Case Scenario: 4th OF with an outside shot at starting
AMIR GARRETT, LHP, 20
Highest 2012 Level: Rookie Leagues (Billings Mustangs)
Eye-Poppingest Fact: Tall, athletic power lefty who can touch 96 with his fastball; 50% GB rate (SSS)
Most Worrisome Fact: Relative lack of baseball experience due to unrealistic dreams of playing basketball which he should give up on and definitely commit to baseball because let's be honest, he's not making the NBA.
Alias(es): ??
Best Case Scenario: Above-average starting pitcher.
KYLE WALDROP, OF, 21
Highest 2012 Level: Low A (Dayton Dragons)
Eye-Poppingest Fact: Not a single thing stands out as of yet, but he is starting to put everything together slowly but surely.
Most Worrisome Fact: 151 strikeouts to 49 walks so far in his professional career.
Alias(es): Waldrop-Astoria; "Brick" Waldrop
Best Case Scenario: 4th outfielder with a chance to be a starter, maybe?
JON MOSCOT, RHP, 21
Highest 2012 Level: Rookie League (Billings Mustangs)
Eye-Poppingest Fact: 4.33 K/BB
Most Worrisome Fact: Low ceiling, unproven
Alias(es): Gopper; The Muskrat
Best Case Scenario: Mid-rotation potential. Mike Leake-type?
SETH MEJIAS-BREAN, 3B, 21
Highest 2012 Level: Rookie League (Billings Mustangs)
Eye-Poppingest Fact: 8 HRs in 46 games of pro ball
Most Worrisome Fact: 2 HRs his ENTIRE college career
Alias(es): 3-Brean Casserole
Best Case Scenario: "Generic cop out answer because I have no idea"