POS

Anu was brand new to baseball at the beginning of the season, and he took to the game quickly. A natural athlete, Anu's throwing progressed quickly and after a save against the Dodgers in which he struck out the side, he became one of our regular pitchers. Also started catching late in the season. Hits with good power. Quick on the bases and always smiling, Anu will be a cornerstone of the 2007 Reds. Aramis Ramirez - Chicago Cubs AKA - "The Master of Disaster" Batted - .400 (10-25)

Brandon

Bats: Left

Throws: Left

POS

Another Rookie and one half of the "Killer B's," Brandon showed off a solid glove at second base. He might have the prettiest swing on the team. It's just about technically perfect, and once he starts catching up to a few more pitches, other teams are in big trouble. A .308 batting average still isn't too shabby. Brandon's arm came a long way this season, and he will certainly be getting a tryout on the mound next season. Grady Sizemore - Cleveland Indians AKA - "Brandomonium" Batted - .308 (8-26)

Brooke

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

The other half of the "Killer B's," Brooke's throwing and catching improved to the point that she began manning first and second late in the season, and should become a regular infielder in 2007. Has good speed on the bases and always puts forth a strong effort, in games and practices. Brooke unleashes a vicious swing from the right side, and notched her first career hit in 2006. She'll notch a lot more next season. Jeff Francoeur - Atlanta Braves AKA - "The Queen of Hustle" Batted - .048 (1-21)

Carlos

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

Carlos' confidence at the plate improved steadily throughout the season. He was never shy about taking a healthy swing at a pitch, and when he connected he showed some good pop. Yet another promising Reds rookie, Carlos' arm is quite strong, earning him a couple of chances to pitch this season. He also worked hard on fielding ground balls, and has the ability to play a solid second base. Juan Rivera - Los Angeles Angels AKA - "The King of Cool" Batted - .148 (4-28)

Cristian

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

The resident goof-off in the dugout (hey, SOMEONE has to do it), Cristian missed a chunk of the summer in the U.S., but he made it back just in time for the playoffs. Cristian hadn't played much baseball prior to the season, but showed off a good arm and ended up pitching some key innings for us. Also used a - shall we say - unorthodox swing to compile a nifty batting average and put the ball in play regularly. Cristian will move to Peewee in 2007. Frank Catalanotto - Toronto Blue Jays AKA - "Captain Charisma" Batted - .455 (5-11)

Derick

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

The Hardest Working Man in Youth Baseball. Actually, Derick's dad should probably hold that title, as he spent tireless hours pitching batting practice well before games, after games and practically every night in between. Derick was always at the park hitting, or pitching, and it paid off. Smacked some big hits in the playoffs, and showed great control for a rookie pitcher. It's no surprise that he was named the League's Rookie of the Year, just the third Red to win the award. Expect big things in 2007. Derek Jeter - New York Yankees AKA - "Tenacious D" Batted - .520 (13-25)

Jessica

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

If there was a more improved hitter in the league than Jessia, we didn't see them. After spending 2005 fighting a battle just to swing the bat, Jessica started winning that battle this year. Looks like a completely different player in the batter's box. Her batting average doesn't reflect some key hits in the playoffs, including a ball she crushed against the Dodgers. Still has the habit of stealing bases like a princess, and though she's fast, we'd like to see a LITTLE more urgency in her stride now and then. Jessica is developing a very strong arm and she has the potential to be an impact pitcher in 2007. Alex Rios - Toronto Blue Jays AKA - "The Princess of Power" Batted - .294 (5-17)

Joel

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

Joel improved all aspects of his game. A hustling defender, Joel made some nice plays in the outfield, but also made a habit of backing up his teammates, which is rare for players at this level. Joel began the year swinging the bat almost exclusively with his arms. As the season progressed, he started to use more of his body more often in his swing, and was rewarded with some impressive hits. Had a key single in the championship game. With a long stride, Joel is fairly quick on the bases, though he could stand to pay slightly closer attention when he's a base runner. Joel will move to Peewee in 2007. Rocco Baldelli - Tampa Bay Devil Rays AKA - "Joltin' Joel" Batted - .286 (6-21)

Keyon

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

There's fast, there's FAST and then there's Keyon. He can straight steal on anyone in the league, so once he's on first, he's pratically on third. Also has the power to get himself to third, as he sent many an outfielder scurrying this year. Started pitching at about the mid-point of the season, and when he's on, he's as good as anyone in the league, with a fastball that's just about unhittable. Can play anywhere on the diamond and used his terrific speed to surprise runners who wandered too far from their bases. Keyon has a terrific attitude and should be one of the better players moving to Peewee in 2007. Our 2006 Coaches Choice award winner. Jimmy Rollins - Philadelphia Phillies AKA - "The Flash" Batted - .583 (14-24)

Marcus

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

What can you say? Hits a ton, and for power (team record 5 home runs), speed and intelligence on the bases, heady play and great range in the field, a lethal arm, whether pitching or catching - Marcus does just about everything you want on a baseball field. His best asset, though, is his attitude. He does everything he's asked, encourages his teammates - regardless of ability - and always gives his best. All of this is even more amazing after you've met his dad (we kid, of course). Is the first Red in history to win all three major awards, adding the Batting Title and MVP in 2006. Marcus moves to Peewee next season and we wish him all the best. Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals/Roy Halladay - Toronto Blue Jays AKA - "The Franchise" Batted - .778 (28-36)

Massimo

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

Yet another in the Reds formidable rookie class, Massimo has a great basic set of skills. He has a strong arm - just ask the Yankees leadoff man that tried for that double - a solid glove, and swing that went from the league's most gentle wave to a truly powerful hack. Now we just have to get him to use these tools consistently. Maybe he's too nice. Massimo could use a dose of killer instinct - maybe we could start to feed him raw steak before games, or lock him in a room with pack of angry squirrels - nah, he'd probably tame them. Massimo did show a lot of improvement over the season and should see significant time in the infield in 2007. Michael Cuddyer - Minnesota Twins AKA - "Monster Mash" Batted - .214 (3-14)

Samantha

Bats: Left

Throws: Right

POS

The strong silent type, Samantha anchored the Reds' infield with her play at first base with rock solid defense. Tough grounder? No problem. Scoop a low throw? Done. Pop foul? Inning over. She does have the arm to pitch and play third, and we'll do our best to move her around a little more next season. An excellent base runner, Samantha didn't make quite as much contact as she could have this season, but did hit with quite a bit of power, as most of her hits went for extra bases. If we can get her to be a little more aggressive at the plate, the sky's the limit. Lyle Overbay - Toronto Blue Jays AKA - "Slammin' Sammy" Batted - .226 (7-31)

Tope

Bats: Left

Throws: Right Left

POS

Combine raw athletic ability with hard work and determination and you've got Tope. He didn't figure out that threw left-handed until the regular season was half over, and yet he ended up pitching two innings in the championship game. His swing, while powerful, was pretty ugly early in the season, but he practiced hard, worked on his mechanics and started to pound the ball. The coaching staff started to say things like "if he ever gets his pitch and puts a good swing on it..." Fast forward to the final and, well, he got his pitch. That mysterious piece of debris that brushed the Space Shuttle? Tope's home run ball. Our Silver Slugger winner for 2006, Tope will be knocking down fences in Peewee next year. David Ortiz - Boston Red Sox AKA - "Big Papi" Batted - .556 (16-29)

Victoria

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

POS

Let's see... Can play any position on the diamond? Check. Inning-eater on the mound? Check. Solid hitter with a great batting eye and emerging power? Check. Speed to burn? Uh huh. Wouldn't say a word if a rabid wolverine attached itself to her leg? Yup. With all that, you could say that Victoria is the engine that powers the Little Red Machine. Did we mention that she threw out a pair of Cardinals at second in the Championship? Or that she stranded two more and struck out the side to keep the game within reach before the big comeback? Or that she catches Marcus' fireballs like grade-schoolers catch colds? She was an easy choice for the 2006 Gold Glove. Oh, and she has one more year left with the team. As to the rumours that the coaching staff is looking into cloning technology... no comment. Ivan Rodriguez - Detroit Tigers AKA - "The Total Package" Batted - .500 (10-20)

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