|
Post by Lark11 on May 5, 2008 11:49:32 GMT -5
What are Mesoraco, Ravin, and Lotzkar doing right now?
They haven't been assigned to a team, so I'm guessing extended spring training? Or, are they just working out at home? If they are at extended spring training, does that mean that are receiving daily instruction on their mechanics or approach? Trying to correct flaws? Does it mean they are playing scrimmage games or just working on drills? Do the Reds develop a physical training regimen tailored to each player in an attempt to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury?
I think it's an odd choice to have all three of these guys sitting around until the Pioneer League opens. But, I suppose Ravin could be working on repeating his arm slot, Lotzkar on developing additional pitches, and Mesoraco on a bit of everything.
|
|
|
Post by The Duke on May 5, 2008 11:52:49 GMT -5
They're all in EST. I don't know the specifics, but I do know they are in Sarasota and they have drills, workouts, etc. 6 days a week. However, it is near impossible to find news for EST as the Reds don't release any and no reporter cares enought to check it out and report. Cozart and Raph Gonzales were in EST because of injury, but Mesoraco, Lotzkar, and Ravin are all there to wait for Billings. Ravin could possibly get a Dayton callup because of injury, but because of their age I dout we see Mesoraco or Lotzkar before Billings starts, and that really really sucks.
|
|
|
Post by Lark11 on May 5, 2008 11:57:14 GMT -5
Yeah, it strikes me as very odd from a player development standpoint. However, IF it's done correctly, it COULD be beneficial.
This would be the perfect time to refine Ravin's delivery and put both him and Lotzkar on a "pre-hab" program to prevent injuries.
As for Mesoraco, I really wonder why the Reds chose to hold him out of A-ball. Could they be worried about his injury plagued performance from 2007? I remember a BA chat wherein they stated that they didn't think it would be any problem for Mesoraco, a 1st round pick, to start the season in A-Ball.
Unless it's handled right and they really get some good instruction in extended spring training, it seems like a real waste of a development season.
|
|
|
Post by The Duke on May 5, 2008 12:08:48 GMT -5
The more I read BA stuff, they always say play them right away. From what I have seen of Bruce and his K rates and OBP tendencies so far, he needs more AAA time so work on those two things.
As for Mesoraco, he is 19 years old, and C is the hardest defensive position in baseball. Not to mention it requires quite a bit of thinking as well. In an ideal world he is down there working with good veteran guys who were C's when they played and is picking up the nuances of calling a game, learning not to tip pitches to early, psych 101 (he deals with pitchers after all), and I would love to get Johnny B involved with special sessions every few weeks or so.
|
|
|
Post by Lark11 on May 5, 2008 15:06:11 GMT -5
I suppose, but I just fail to see how Mesoraco couldn't work on those things at low A-ball.
For me, keeping pitchers in extended spring training makes more sense, as you could implement throwing programs, work on the arsenal, tweak mechanics in a low stress environment, and limit the workload more effectively.
I'm not sure how much you can realistically do with a position player. Regardless, I'm chomping at the bit to see Mesoraco, Ravin, and Lotzkar in action.
I hope Mesoraco looks as good as advertised, because the catcher I wanted them to take is having a solid season thus far. I know Mitch Canham isn't projected to have Mesoraco's ceiling, but I really like his game and the intangibles he brings to the table.
|
|
|
Post by The Duke on May 5, 2008 15:14:09 GMT -5
Mitch Canham spent 4 years at Oregon State doing all those things I just mentioned and is 3 years older than Mesoraco. Mesoraco is getting his college baseball education right now, except he doesn't have that pesky thing called school getting in the way of his baseball.
|
|
|
Post by Lark11 on May 5, 2008 15:19:55 GMT -5
Mitch Canham spent 4 years at Oregon State doing all those things I just mentioned and is 3 years older than Mesoraco. Mesoraco is getting his college baseball education right now, except he doesn't have that pesky thing called school getting in the way of his baseball. Yes, Canham is ahead of Mesoraco, as obviously age and experience are the differences between college and high school players. To me, that's a big advantage to Canham, who spent 4 years at Oregon State playing baseball at the highest amateur level. He was instrumental in the Beavers 2 College World Series championships. That's a lot of quality experience that Mesoraco doesn't bring with him to the pro game, so Canham IS ahead of Mesoraco. Unfortunately, given the inherent risk in baseball prospects it's not guaranteed that Mesoraco will ever catch up. To me, the only thing riskier than a high school catching prospect is a high school pitching prospect. Let's just hope that Mesoraco matches or exceeds what Canham does in his career. Unfortunately, for now, all we have to go on are scouting reports, high school performance, and one injury plagued year of poor performance at the professional level. The latter two are largely irrelevant, so it's all based on scouting reports. I'm anxious to see him get on the field and start to bear those reports out as accurate.
|
|
|
Post by starpower25 on May 5, 2008 15:27:58 GMT -5
The Reds have so far IMO been to slow on moving kids along. With guys liek Frazier, stubbs Valiaka needing moved up now. Same goes for ravin and others
|
|