Cincinnati Reds' top prospects head to Arizona for Instructional League play
With the MLB season coming to end the Cincinnati Reds are preparing their top prospects for extended play.
When the Cincinnati Reds drafted Nick Senzel, there was mixed reaction by the Reds’ faithful. Since that time, Senzel has hit a combined .305 with a .398 OBP over two levels of A-ball. Now the third base prospect is heading the list of players headed to Arizona for Instructional League play.
After Senzel, the most anticipated players are the North American debut of the Cuban duo, Vladimir Gutierrez and Alfredo Rodriguez. Gutierrez is very similar to current Red Raisel Iglesias, but projects more as a closer than a starter. Rodriguez, meanwhile, played for the Reds in the Dominican Summer League. He looks like a defensive whiz with an offensive upside. Think more Edgar Renteria than Pokey Reese, but that’s the general area.
A surprise addition to the instructional league roster is 2016 draftee Taylor Trammell. After starting slow, Trammell showed great progress as the summer wore on. In 61 games for Billings he stole 24 bases, while getting on base at a .374 clip. Trammell needs to hit enough this fall for his defense to shine next summer.
Another 2016 draftee, catcher Chris Okey is also going to Arizona to play. His draft position was just 8 slots behind Trammell. Okey is a back-up catching prospect, which may allow him to reach the majors more quickly than an everyday prospect.
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The Reds are sending their quiet free agent signing, too.
The Reds’ best kept secret of a signing, outfielder T.J. Friedl will be on the team as well. He signed after the draft because of slightly disputed eligibility. Although he got off to a late start in Billings, he showed an impressive bat and an impressive ability to get on-base.
Second-year pitcher Tony Santillan will continue his year after splitting the regular season between Billings and Dayton. He is a big league starting pitcher prospect, but has to harness his control. He won’t arrive in Cincinnati until 2019.
One to watch in Arizona is starting pitcher prospect Nick Travieso. He is one of the most polished pitchers in the low minors. Travieso needs to work on going deeper into games. He also needs to stay healthy. He made 23 starts this year in Pensacola. The big league could have used him this week.
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It’s an exciting time of year to look back. Look at all of the prospects that are coming up the pipeline. Maybe none of these will be in Cincinnati soon, but others will. Just remember Amir Garrett and Jesse Winker will be in Arizona for spring training in February.
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