Despite the age gap, or because of it, Cairo plans to use his three-day stay with the Dragons as a teaching opportunity.
“When you come back here, you want to make sure the kids watch you work,” Cairo said. “I just want to make sure I’m a model for them.”
There’s plenty about Cairo that should inspire a young player. He has played for nine major league teams and in 1,424 games. He has never been an All-Star or played in a World Series, but he has put together a 22-year professional career and has been an important utility player for the Reds for three seasons.
“It’s just a game. You’ve got to have fun,” Cairo said. “You’ve got to work. You’ve got to dedicate yourself every day. It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Work hard, and good things will happen. Listen to the right people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Cairo, the 20th big-league player to join the Dragons on assignment, hit cleanup Thursday and was 0-for-4 in a 5-4 loss in 10 innings to Lake County. He hopes to rejoin the Reds on Monday in Milwaukee.
“The main thing is to see a lot of pitches, get some at-bats and make sure my legs are 100 percent,” he said.
Players of the month: Two Kyles were named the Dragons players of the month for April. Outfielder Kyle Waldrop hit .271 with 10 RBIs. Reliever Kyle McMyne was 2-1 with a 1.69 ERA in 101/3 innings.
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