Q: What prospects should fans watch the most this season?
A: I could give you a ton, but the one you have to keep an eye on is Devin Mesoraco, catcher (first-round draft pick in 2007). For me, he's got everything, the bat, the glove, the intellect, toughness, instinct. There's not a whole lot to say, but keep your eye on him.
And the kid behind him, (Yasmani) Grandal (first-round pick in 2010). We could be real thick catching-wise. He’s a switch hitter, does everything good.
I’ll give you another one to watch for here is Billy Hamilton. He’s got leadoff mentality, great makeup, flies, good defensive player, second or short but you’ll see him at shortstop.
Q: How do you feel about the Dayton Dragons as the Reds' low-Class A affiliate?
A: They're obviously off the charts good and a model for other franchises. When I joined the Reds (August 2008) it was a joke that people at the Reds would say if you have a friend in town I can get you Reds tickets but not Dragons tickets. For us, it's important to put a good club on the field this year.
Q: The Dragons named former major leaguer Delino DeShields as their new manager last month. How do you like the pick?
A: We're excited about it. He was in (rookie league) Billings (Mont.) last year, and he was able to open that club up, so we're hoping for more of the same. I think he's a prospect, a managing prospect. He's gonna work his way to the big leagues, and I really like him.
Q: What is the Reds' international focus?
A: Our focus is more Latin America. I don't think we're ready to make the investment to heavily scrub the landscape in Asia or Europe, but we're trying to keep our finger on the pulse. We can't quite afford to do what the Cubs are doing and have a guy or two on the ground in Korea, Japan and have Asia blanketed.
Q: How much do you travel in a given year?
A: I think I flew about 100,000 miles last year, but other guys have done a lot more than that. I try not to figure it out, but I'm probably on the road half the time.
About the Author
