POS

A 3-year veteran of the Reds, Adam has developed into a fine all-around player. One of the brightest Reds to wear the uniform and almost certainly the most vocal. A terrific leader on and off the field, whether barking out the play or leading team cheers. Picture Kevin Costner from "Bull Durham," but 11 years old and G-rated (occasionally PG-rated). Smart baserunner who scorches line drives when he's on. Adam has become our closer this season, a role he's relished and excelled at. Always has a grin (usually diabolical) and a scheme (also usually diabolical). Member of the York Pioneers All-stars. Ivan Rodrigues - Texas Rangers/ Trevor Hoffman - San Diego Padres Old School: Don Drysdale AKA - "AC", "Crash" Batted - .533 (16-30 - 10th)

Adam

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

Adam uses quick feet and a solid glove to be one of our better defenders, whether at second base or patrolling the outfield. Adam's arm has become quite strong in his second year with the team, to the point where he's seen some time at shortstop and pitcher. Adam's play without the ball has been excellent - both backing up plays and as a cutoff man. Offensively, Adam draws a ton of walks, and rarely misses the chance to move up a base with his speed. Has collected a handful of base hits, but could stand to swing more. David Eckstein - Anaheim Angels Old School: Freddie Patek AKA - "Amazin'" Batted - .063 (1-16)

Alexia

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

A young rookie, Alexia joined the Reds with decent skills and has improved in all areas of the game since the beginning of the season. Alexia's glove is already to the point that she's begun to see time at second base. A quick learner, Alexia runs the bases very well and always hustles. Her arm has gotten progressively stronger throughout the season. Has a bright future with the team. Will look for her first regular season hit in 2003, but batted .400 in the 3 games it took for the Reds to clinch a berth in the finals. Dave Berg - Toronto Blue Jays AKA - "ARod"

Andrew

Bats: Left

Throws: Right

POS

This soft-spoken rookie has been a big addition to the Reds. Butter-smooth defensively, Andrew vacuums up groundballs at shortstop, and is outstanding on one-hop throws to second base. A strong left-handed hitter, Andrew can pound the ball to all fields. His patience has improved to the point where he seldom offers at anything out of the strikezone. A crafty baserunner; stole the cycle earlier this year. Andrew's pitching has improved over the season, and he figures to be a mainstay of the pitching staff in 2003. Hard worker, but VERY quiet. Doubtful he'd say anything if his uniform caught fire. Eric Hinske - Toronto Blue Jays Old School: Babe Ruth AKA - "Boom Boom" Batted - .357 (10-28)

Bryan

Bats: Left

Throws: Right

POS

A brash, talented rookie, Bryan has very good fundamental skills. With his high socks, no batting gloves and fearless sliding, he looks like he'd be at home playing in 1906. A speed burner on the bases, Bryan's always a threat to score. Has a very strong arm, and looks quite comfortable behind the plate. Will pitch more innings in 2003. A slashing left-handed hitter with some power. Focus is constantly improving, which is good news for everyone except our opponents. Ichiro Suzuki - Seattle Mariners Old School: Ty Cobb AKA - "Spikes" Batted - .333 (7-21)

Dante

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

Another first year player, Dante took a pitch on the chin in our first exhibition game, against the Mets. Understandably, he was a little intimidated to get back in the box. To his credit, Dante hasn't let the incident beat him, and recently came within inches of a game-winning hit against those same Mets. Technically, Dante is a sound hitter, he simply needs to swing more. In the field, his glove and arm are getting there. He's quick to pounce on the ball, and doesn't hold on to it long. Dante's baserunning has come a long way since he tried to steal second with Alexia already there. Willingness to work and the ability to learn from mistakes are a nice combination. Will look for his first hit in 2003. Marty Cordova - Baltimore Orioles AKA - "The Enforcer"

Ishpal

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

The team's gentle giant at first base, there's nothing gentle about what Ishpal does to baseballs. Ishpal batted .419 a year ago, and has built on that this season, scorching line drives and sending towering shots to the hill in left field. Would have several homeruns if he batted left. Has had to settle for a boatload of doubles and triples. Ishpal has become one of the league's better pitchers this season, despite using a fraction of his potential arm strength. The winner of the 2001 Coaches Choice Award, Ishpal is also a member of the York Pioneers All-stars. Richie Sexson - Milwaukee Brewers/ Randy Johnson - Arizona Diamondbacks Old School: Willie McCovey AKA - "The Splendid Splinter" Batted - .735 (25-34 - 2nd)

Jesse

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

A former Dodger, Jesse showed up for spring training by accident, then decided to stay with us, concluding that we have more fun than the Dodgers (hey, when you're right, you're right). Jesse can be a dangerous hitter, as he proved to his old teammates with a 3-3 night against them. Boasts a decent arm and a good arm, and has the potential to pitch or catch in the future. Needs to find his spark of motivation, as Jesse's play often lacks a sense of urgency. If he can marry his skills to some enthusiasm, he'll be quite a player. Orlando Merced - Houston Astros AKA - "The Body" Batted - .333 (5-15)

Joel

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

For Joel, the league's youngest player, 2002 has been a good learning experience - a chance to get his feet wet. He has a very strong arm, especially for his age and his glove's improving nicely. At the plate, Joel has a great looking swing, but he doesn't use it enough. Joel runs the bases well, and is fearless, whether sliding into third, or roughhousing with boys twice his age after games. An avid hockey player in the off-season. Looking for his first hit in 2003. Brent Abernathy - Tampa Bay Devil Rays AKA - "The X-factor"

Johnathon

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

It's no accident that John is the most improved Red since the beginning of last season. He's the first player on the field at virtually every game and practice, working with his dedicated (and very patient) Dad. Has the ability to play the infield, and has seen significant time at second and third this season. Has also made his pitching and catching debuts. John can hit against absolutely any pitcher in the league. Has a short, compact stroke, with surprising power behind it. Does suffer from the occasional lapse in concentration, but is constantly improving in that area, too. Edgardo Alfonso - New York Mets AKA - "Joltin' Batted - .276 (8-29)

Kyle

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

A versatile rookie out of High Park, Kyle can play several positions. Left-handed hitters are often said to have sweet swings. Kyle's a right-handed hitter, but he has that same type of picturesque swing. Doesn't get cheated on his swing, and hits the ball hard. A speed merchant on the bases, and a very heady runner, which makes for a deadly combination. Kyle has done a nice job eating up some innings this season, and will be a big part of the pitching staff in 2003. Looks good on the other side of the battery, too, showing tremendous hustle behind the plate. Outstanding attitude. Rafael Furcal - Atlanta Braves Old School: Frankie Frisch AKA - "The Showstopper" Batted - .250 (7-28)

Mike

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

In his second year with the team, Mike has become quite versatile, able to pitch, catch or play short as needed. A streaky hitter, but when Mike gets a hold of his pitch, he hammers it. Has a great eye, so he reaches base often. Once he's on, he's perhaps our fastest and most effortless baserunner. As Bill James wrote of Willie Mays, trying to catch Mike stealing is like trying to assassinate a squirrel with a lawnmower. Very smooth in the field. May actually be quieter than Andrew, though I'm not sure how we'd prove that. Jimmy Rollins - Philadelphia Phillies Old School: Maury Wills AKA - "Dr. Smooth" Batted - .150 (3-20)

Mitch

Bats: Right

Throws: Left

POS

A 3-year veteran, Mitch is perhaps the most low-maintenance member of the Reds, always upbeat, always ready to play, always gives an outstanding effort. Mitch hit an eye-popping .556 last season, and he's just getting better. Not the biggest player in the league, but creates great bat speed and hammers pitches everywhere for extra bases. One of our top pitchers for the second straight year, Mitch's fastball is that much faster and his control is that much sharper. Has added catching to his repertoire and has excelled at it. Oh yeah, he's a great baserunner, too. Will return next season, by which time, who knows, cloning may be legal. Nomar Garciaparra - Boston Red Sox/Barry Zito - Oakland A's Old School - Warren Spahn AKA - "Mr. September" Batted - .700 (21-30 - 4th)

Sean

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

A rookie, Sean's equipped with a good basic set of skills. His arm is such that he's already pitched a couple times, and should do more of that next season. Has made great progress as a hitter for someone who'd never faced live pitching before. Makes fairly frequent contact, and can drive the ball. Provided perhaps the biggest highlight of the houseleague tournament with a shot to the right field fence. Sean scooted around the bases as the relay throw sailed into the opposing dugout. Sean was credited with a homer. Speed and alertness make him a valuable asset in centre field. Led the league in hair. Vernon Wells - Toronto Blue Jays AKA - "Afroman" Batted - .148 (4-27)

Tyrell

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

A rookie with raw skills, Tyrell doesn't yet know his own strength. Has an unnaturally strong arm which, if it can be harnessed, will make him an awfully tough pitcher. Can throw out runners at the plate from left field with ease. Can also throw balls over the fence and into the nearby creek with ease, which is starting to get costly. A powerful right-handed hitter, Tyrell had very little idea what he was doing at the plate early in the year. He's worked hard and made vast improvements, especially in his concentration. Has hit some stinging drives, mostly foul, but foul balls become fair balls, and Tyrell could become one of our better hitters. Raul Mondesi - New York Yankees Old School: Kirby Puckett AKA - "Big Thunder" Batted - .087 (2-23)

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