Current Reds vs. Future Reds
Posted on 02. Apr, 2009 by Corey in Dayton Dragons Baseball, General Baseball.
For the first time in the history of the organization, the Cincinnati Reds will play two exhibition games against a collection of players made up from its own minor league system. Listed as a “Futures†game, the final 25 man roster will travel first to Carolina, then to Dayton to play a game against all All-Star cast of Reds minor leaguers.
The team and staff will leave Sarasota, Florida Friday morning on a plane for Zebulon, Carolina, home to the Carolina Mudcats the Reds new Double-A franchise. That evening the Reds will take on a roster of about 29 players from the Reds minor leagues. Following the game, the entire travel party, minus a few minor league pitchers who threw that night, will board a flight again to head to Cincinnati. On Saturday morning, the players will board a bus and head to Fifth Third Field in Dayton where they will play again at 3:05.
Following the game in Dayton, the Reds will head back to Cincinnati to prepare for the Monday season opener against the Mets. The “Futures†team will be broken up and players will be sent to their affiliates who open their season later that same week.
This game style will be a first for the Cincinnati Reds and upon research; it does not appear that any other Major League franchise hold events like this. The game in Dayton is an opportunity for the fans to see many former Dragons make their return to Fifth Third Field both on the “Futures†and the Major League roster.
Former Dragon Jordan Smith, who appears to be starting the season in Louisville, will get the start for the “Futures†team. The starting pitcher for the Reds is still up in the air.
There will be a few extra players on hand in uniform for the Reds to serve as backups if necessary. These players are most likely to come from the Triple-A Louisville roster. There will also be three Triple-A umpires on hand to call the contest.
The “Futures†team is also scheduled to be managed by Todd Benzinger, who will be in his first year with the Dragons. Hitting Coach Tony Jaramillo and newly named pitching coach Tony Fossas will also be on hand to coach.
The Reds will wear their Spring Training/Batting Practice uniforms for the game.
The roster for the “Futures†team is as follows:
|
Alonso |
Yonder |
1B |
|
Buck |
Dallas |
RHP |
|
Cozart |
Zachary |
SS |
|
DeJesus |
Misael |
RHP |
|
Denove |
Chris |
C |
|
Dorn |
Daniel |
OF |
|
Fisher |
Charles |
RHP |
|
Francisco |
Juan |
3B |
|
Frazier |
Todd |
LF |
|
Geronimo |
Ramon |
RHP |
|
Gonzalez |
Aguido |
LHP |
|
Heisey |
Chris |
CF |
|
Henry |
Sean |
OF |
|
Herrera |
Daniel |
LHP |
|
Manuel |
Robert |
RHP |
|
Mesoraco |
Devin |
C |
|
Partch |
Curtis |
RHP |
|
Rodriguez |
Yorman |
CF |
|
Roenicke |
Joshua |
RHP |
|
Smith |
Jordan |
RHP |
|
Soto |
Neftali |
3B |
|
Stewart |
Zachary |
RHP |
|
Stubbs |
Drew |
CF |
|
Tatum |
Craig |
C |
|
Thurman |
Mace |
LHP |
|
Valaika |
Chris |
SS |
|
Valiquette |
Philippe |
LHP |
|
Viola |
Pedro |
LHP |
|
Watson |
Sean |
RHP |
|
Benzinger |
Todd |
Manager |
|
Fossas |
Tony |
Coach |
|
Jaramillo |
Tony |
Coach |
As mentioned a couple of pitchers are most likely to stay behind after the night game in Carolina and as always, this is subject to change. Daniel Ray Herarra is still in big league camp at the time this is published, but was listed on the Futures roster.
Personally, I am super excited for this event and think it is a GREAT showcase of what Cincinnati Reds fans have to look forward to. What are your thoughts on this event?
You can reach Corey by adding a comment to any post or by email at Corey@coreybrinn.com
are you working at 5th 3rd today?
What will you be doing?
Who besides you is the hardest working man in spring training?
Corey,
I can’t wait for the game on Saturday (well Friday too, but I won’t be there Friday…will be there Saturday).
Doug-
This is going to be a great event and I am very excited…Only bad thing is I know the day will fly by…Wish we could slow down time and enjoy it..
Corey
To be honest mackdaddy, i feel the coordinators, pitching and hitting, are the hardest workers in spring. I am still amazed how they are able to find enough innings and at bats for everyone so that they can be evaluated. I hope to sometime this season be able to talk to these people and report back on it.
CB, if you pull that one off, u r the man
Dude, they play in carolina on saturday?
Sh*t I’m in pa this weekend
Just left the hurricanes rangers game it was AWESOME
“That’s another Carolina Hurricanes goal… WOOOOOOO!”
Can’t wait for the playoffs