Reds insider
By John Fay
Enquirer staff writer

The Reds have been saying for years that they have good pitching in the minor leagues, but it's at the lower levels.

Eventually, you'd expect those good, young pitchers to matriculate to Double-A and Triple-A.

This might be the year.

Elizardo Ramirez and Steve Kelly have been outstanding for Triple-A Louisville. Last year's minor-league player of the year, Richie Gardner, is at Double-A.

But the real key to the Reds' depth is at Single-A Sarasota, where Bobby Basham, Phil Dumatrait and Josh Hall are. All three will be ready for higher competition when they are recovered fully from their arm surgeries.

"If we can get them back in the fold, it would really help our depth," director of player development Tim Naehring said.

"Our depth has improved without question," general manager Dan O'Brien said. "It's not where we want it to be or where we need it to be, but it's better."

Ramirez, a right-hander, is only 22. The Reds got him in the trade for Cory Lidle last year.

He was rated the Phillies' eighth-best prospect by Baseball America. He went 22-4 with a 1.36 ERA in his first three years as a professional. He made it to the big leagues briefly last year - going 0-0 with a 4.80 ERA in seven games with the Phillies.

He has pitched seven shutout innings in both his starts at Louisville. He has allowed 11 hits and hasn't walked a batter.

"He's been in command of both games," O'Brien said. "He's made it look easy. He's always had good stuff, but he's added a two-seam fastball. That almost gives him another pitch."
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