SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Now the Reds' remaining decisions get really, really interesting.
Cincinnati pared its roster by three more players on Saturday, when infielder Chris Valaika, outfielder Dave Sappelt and catcher Devin Mesoraco were reassigned to Minor League camp.
That left 30 healthy players in big league camp, with five more cuts needed by Opening Day on Thursday. Pitchers Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey are headed to the disabled list.
Sappelt was sent out despite batting .564 (22-for-38) with three home runs and 12 RBIs. He came into camp as a long shot, at best, but got more consideration as he kept hitting. Mesoraco, the organization's top catching prospect, batted .455 (15-for-33) with two homers and seven RBIs. Valaika, one of the organization's top middle-infield prospects, batted .310 (13-for-42) with one homer and six RBIs and made the most of his extended chance to make the club.
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All three of these young prospects did well at the plate in the Cactus League. I wouldn't be surprised to see all of them brought back up at some point this season. Dusty says that the Reds are planning on keeping 13 position players and 12 pitchers for the season opener against the Brewers.
4 pitchers are competing for the last two bullpen spots (Burton, Willis, Ondrusek, and Maloney). Burton has been almost unhittable in his appearances. Ondrusek and Willis have had their moments. Willis continues to have some control issues. I think Ondrusek can eventually become a solid set up man whether it will be with the Reds or not remains to be seen.
