I just returned from the Reds Caravan that took place at the Louisville Slugger Museum tonight. While I was only there for a brief time, I did manage to see some of the big shots from the Cincinnati Reds' and Louisville Bats' organizations. I even managed to finagle a few chicken wings and a bottle of Bud Light. Here are a few observations from my spot along the back wall:
- Stationed front and center were six guys who most Reds fans are familiar with: broadcaster Thom Brennaman, Chief Operating Office Phil Castellini, General Manager Walt Jocketty, outfielder Jay Bruce, top prospect and 2009 Louisville Bat Todd Frazier, and former Red/current Dayton Dragons' manager Todd Benzinger. All got a little bit of microphone time during a Q&A session.
- Jocketty, who was rocking a sleeveless argyle sweater that looked like something off a backgammon board, said that Aroldis Chapman was in Cincinnati, trying to get immersed to US culture.
- Benzinger, when asked if any players he has coached over the past few years stand out as prospects, mentioned 20-year-old shortstop Miguel Rojas. It also seemed as if Benzinger had a good size yap in his bottom lip the entire time, cementing his status as a lifetime baseball guy.
- When Frazier, who has played multiple positions over the past few years, was asked about his favorite position, he gave the team-friendly answer of "wherever I am playing is my favorite position." He did mention, however, that he grew up playing shortstop, and has always especially enjoyed that spot.
- When the panel was asked about the Reds' chances for success this year, Brennaman went the Jim Fassel route, guaranteeing the team's string of nine consecutive losing seasons will end in 2010.
Baseball wasn't the only matter discussed on the evening, as the Reds' community fund was promoting the Reds Rookie Success League, which is a free, co-ed, character building baseball camp for kids ages 6-12 in Louisville. The league will meet twice a week this summer between June 8th and July 14th at both Wyandotte Park and Petersburg Park. More info can be found at
metro-parks.org.
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