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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > December > 15 > Entry
Reds-Reds Futures to play at Fifth Third
To commemorate 10 years of their existence and 10 years affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, the Dayton Dragons came up with a novel idea.
The idea, which germinated last April, was so good that Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said, “A tremendous idead and I wish I had thought of it.”
Jocketty gave credit to the Class A Dayton Dragons for dreaming it up and presenting it to the Reds: An annual exhibition game before the season between the Reds and a Reds minor-league All-Star at Fifth Third Field.
The Reds bought the idea quickly and the first game will be played Saturday, April. 4, two days before the Reds open their 2009 season in Great American Ball Park.
“The only danger is they might beat us,” said Jocketty.
That could be so, especially after Reds director of minor league development Terry Reynolds tossed out a few names of possible minor-league participants.
“It is hard to nail down specific players at this point, especially pitchers who might have thrown a day or two previous o the game,” he said.
He mentioned: first baseman Yonder Alonzo, the team’s No. 1 draft pick in June; shortstop Chris Valaika, the Reds’ minor-league player of the year in 2008; shortstop/outfielder Todd Frazier; third baseman Juan Francisco, the teams minor-league hitter of the year; outfielder Drew Stubbs and catcher Devin Mesoraco, the team’s No. 1 draft pick in 2007.
“Most of these kids played in Dayton and this game will be a plum for them, a chance to show what they can do against the big team in front of everybody,” said Reynolds.
It is believed this is the first time any major-league team has played a game against an All-Star team made up of the club’s minor-league affiliates.
The minor-leaguers, called the Reds Futures, will come from Class A, Class AA and Class AAA teams.
REDS VERSUS REDS FUTURES
When: Saturday, April 4, 2009 (Time To be Determinted).
Where: Fifth Third Field, Dayton
What: Cincinnati Reds against an All-Star team of Reds minor-leaguers.
Tickets: First choice goes to season ticket holds, corporate partners and suite holds. If any tickets remain, the rest will be offered to those on the Dragons season ticket waiting list.
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Comments
By T Benzinger
January 1, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
I can’t tell you how very excited I am to move to Dayton. REALLY looking forward to this move to Dayton. Ahh, just the ring of that magical word in my ears makes my heart pound faster — Dayton! I bet it’s way more alive than my Kentucky hometown. aside from crack deals and shootings, what else do y’all do for fun there in the Gem City? And what does that Gem City stuff mean, anyway?By Gary Maloy Jr.
December 25, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
If Phil Rizzuto had played for any other team than the Yankees, he’d never have been considered. And you’re you’re right - if Rizzuto is in the Hall, the Larkin should be there. As should Davey Concepciion. Heck, Chico Cardenas compares favorably with Phil freaking Ruzzuto! As far as numbers - compare Concepcion with Smith. Compare Larkin with Smith. Aside from his defensive wizardry, his numbers are remarkedly better than other great shortstops of his era. One argument against Concepcion is that there are so many others from the BRM (Sparky, Bench, Perez, Morgan). SO WHAT!? They were arguably one of the two best teams ever. How many from the 1927 Yankees are in the Hall?! It certainly doesn’t look like Pete will ever been enshrined, so why can’t these writers honor those who deserve it? Hal - your comments?By Mike-Cinci
December 23, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
If Phil Rizzuto is a HOF’er (and he is) then Barry larkin should be a HOF’er too. I worry he won’t get the support of the media in the big markets.By Joel
December 23, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
News of Barry Larkin to MLB network brings up a very important topic. Is he a Hall of Famer? Barry Larkin was far and away my favorite Red of all time. Each and every summer, I would go to the ballpark with my Dad and sit wherever we could get seats, Red, Green, or Blue. In 2004, after his 19th season with the team, Barry Larkin retired. Five years have since passed, which means next year will be the first time Barry will be eligible to be voted into the Hall of Fame. Is he going to make it or is he destined to be sent to Cooperstown Shortstop Purgatory with Alan Trammell and our beloved Dave Concepcion? Let’s dive into the numbers: G: 2180 R: 1329 H: 2340 2B: 441 3B: 76 HR: 198 RBI: 960 BB:939 SO: 817 SB: 379 CS: 77 OBP: 371 SLG: .444 AVG: .295 Now maybe those numbers don’t jump off the page as a HOF shoe-in but this is a guy who led his team to a wire-to-wire season, upsetting the heavily favored Oakland A’s in the World Series, won an MVP award in 1995, had the first 30/30 season ever for a SS in 1996, went to the All Star game 11 times in 13 years, won nine Silver Slugger awards, and won 3 Gold Gloves. What? He only won 3 gold gloves? Impossible, he was the best defensive shortsop of his era! Unfortunately for Barry, a wizard named Ozzie was in the process of winning 13 consecutive gold gloves during the beginning of Larkin’s prime which also coincided with Ozzie’s twilight; by the end of the streak, most of the awards were given to him purely based on name. I have little faith that Larkin will be a first ballot HOFer, but in the era of steriods, free agency, and Marge Schott, we need to push for number 11 to be remembered in bronze. globalredsfans.blogspot.comBy HuberTucky
December 21, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
Boston wil keep Youk with a nice fat multi-year deal. They love the guy. Another one the Reds scouts really blew…hometown boy who wanted to play for the Reds. Gads.By jason
December 20, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Hal…with the possibility of Boston signing Tex., could there be a possibility for the Redlegs to try to work a trade for Kevin Youkilis to play 3rd base? What would such a deal realistically cost the team?By Mike-Cinci
December 20, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Rivera stays with Angels with a 3 year deal. The only free agent right hand hitting outfielders left are Baldelli, Taveras, Hairston. Rays could choose to keep Baldelli now. If healthy Baldelli would be a nice pick-up but there will be more interest from all teams now. Jocketty may be reluctant to give multi-year deals feeling Stubbs will be ready in 2010. I think the Reds must sign Hairston. He can play the infield and outfield but his durability is a big question mark. Will Nix surprise and become a starter. Will EE get a contract or go to arbitation? Reds need a hitter so they can move Phippips out of the clean-up spot.By HoosierVirg
December 18, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
I was at Redsfest and didn’t hear anything, even talked to Bronson and he was good to my grandson and myself. Funny thing about the internet anyone can post anything and all of a sudden it takes on a life of its own without any fact to it.By alter-red
December 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Jim, I saw those comments on some blogs and would like to know what happened. Kids can be confused enough without someone making crazy remarks. Someone asked about it on Fay’s blog at Cincinnati.com and got censored. That was a real shame. Makes it look like same ol’ song and dance in Cinci. I thought Marge was gone.By alter-red
December 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Jim, I saw those comments on some blogs and would like to know what happened. Kids can be confused enough without someone making crazy remarks. Someone asked about it on Fay’s blog at Cincinnati.com and got censored. That was a real shame. Makes it look like same ol’ song and dance in Cinci. I thought Marge was gone.By Y-City Jim
December 18, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Hal-What do you know about the alleged off-color comments made by Bronson Arroyo this past weekend at Redsfest? The media seems to be saying nothing about it but several blogs have brought it to light.By Harry the Horse
December 16, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Hey an added bonus: Jermaine Dye will be throwing out the first pitch!! That’s the closest he will ever get to a Reds dugout….By rockieredsfan
December 16, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
The Colorado Rockies and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA of the Rocks) have done this a few times and it not only is consistently sold out, but fans get autograph opportunities they normally might not have. I like the “minor league All Star team” format. The Reds should think of alternating the game annually at their A, AA, and AAA stadiums which is what the Rockies have done in the past. A great way for fans who othewise cannot see the Reds at GABP.By dragonmaster
December 16, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Let them play the Bengals too. Might be some top prospects for them too. Great idea!By Johnny Kuwait
December 16, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
I’ve been a Red’s fan since the 50’s as a brat at Wright-Patt. Live in Fla, but presently in Kuwait as a USAF contractor. If I could get a ticket for that game, I would fly home for it.By jim m.
December 15, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
I love the game idea. dont like the thought I have no chance to watch it in person :( now if they played this game in Cincinnati at Great American Ball park.. heck the Reds could share some of the revenue with the Dayton team, AAA team and AA team for their players participating.. and i bet the game would sell out!! and would be a huge hit as a exhibition game.. plus give Reds fans a chance to watch it here in Cincinnati! So the idea is great, the place they play it isnt..By Y-City Jim
December 15, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Should be a good deal for the Dragons faithful. It would be nice to see something similar played at GABP. On another subject, did anyone hear anything about Bronson making some “off-color” remarks at Redsfest this weekend?