Baseball America's Jim Callis

[The Duke]

Ben (Centerville, OH): Do you think the Reds 2007 1st rd pick Devin Mesoraco starts in extended spring training, rookie ball, or Low A Dayton?

Jim Callis: (2:10 PM ET ) I'm going to guess Low A Dayton, that would be the natural progression. As a first-round pick, no reason he shouldn't be ready for a full-season league.

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Ben (Centerville, OH): Lightning Round: Better 2008: Edison Volquez or Johnny Cueto?

Jim Callis: (2:45 PM ET ) Johnny Cueto.

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Karl (Chicago): Poreda or Homer Bailey?

Jim Callis: (2:56 PM ET ) Bailey, easy call for me.

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Tim (St. Louis): Reds contend for NL Central title in 2009?

Jim Callis: (3:01 PM ET ) Yes. Maybe even this year if things break right for them.

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[starpower25]

Duke at this rate callis might invite you to thanksgiving dinner next year. I bet he talks to you more then his own wife right now......lol

[The Duke]

starpower25 said:

Duke at this rate callis might invite you to thanksgiving dinner next year. I bet he talks to you more then his own wife right now......lol

All it takes is a good 10-15 intelligent questions every week, and I seem to almost always get a response at this point. I've been asking where Duran would rank in the Reds top 30 for the past couple weeks, but he has't answered that one. I would guess around #8 or #9 right now.

[starpower25]

Duran is only 16 so we will not know for at least a year as I dont think they ever rank kids less then 17 for one reason or another. I think they want to see them play in the states first.

[The Duke]

starpower25 said:

Duran is only 16 so we will not know for at least a year as I dont think they ever rank kids less then 17 for one reason or another. I think they want to see them play in the states first.

That makes sense, and he should play for the GCL Reds and Billings Mustangs next year as a 17 year old, and then hopefully on to Low A Dayton in 2010 as an 18 year old.

[starpower25]

Look for him to stay out of state this year and at 17 like you said he will play in GCL reds. he is at least 5 years away.

[The Duke]

And after 5 years he will stil only be 21