System overview
The Reds didn't win many games last year, but that should be changing soon. The stunning development of Adam Dunn was the big news for Reds fans, and there are more prospects on the horizon. After struggling for most of the 1990s, the Cincinnati farm organization has turned around and now offers an intriguing mixture of prospects.

Hitting is a system strength at the upper levels, with sluggers Austin Kearns and Ben Broussard nearly ready to help. Catcher Corky Miller and infielder Gookie Dawkins are also poised to contribute soon. Pitching is not as deep, although there are several projectable arms at the middle and lower levels. Lefty Ty Howington deserves close attention. The Latin American program continues to improve, which is a cost-effective way of adding talent to the system.

Overall, the Reds' system is in good condition. The front office has reversed the stagnation of the Marge Schott administration, putting the Reds in position to compete, despite their lack of huge revenue streams.

2001 Minor League W-L Percentage: .567, (ranked 2nd)

2001 amateur draft
Get out the tinfoil hats. The Reds' 2001 draft class has "conspiracy" written all over it.

Not a nefarious one, but it sure looks odd. The Reds drafted Louisville high school lefty Jeremy Sowers in the first round, even though everyone knew he was strongly committed to Vanderbilt. They didn't come to terms, didn't even come close, and many people believe the Reds took him knowing that they could not sign him. This enabled them to solve a budgetary problem dating from previous drafts, and put them in better position to sign their first-rounder in 2002.

The rest of the class was a mixture of high school and college types. Second-rounder Justin Gillman, a high school right-hander from Florida, posted a 1.75 ERA in rookie ball. He throws 90, has a good curve, and fine command for a young pitcher. If he develops, he'll make the failure to sign Sowers less painful. Third-round pick Alan Moye, a prep outfielder from Texas, has excellent physical tools, but needs to learn the strike zone.

The guy who should move very quickly is fourth-rounder Steve Kelly, a right-hander from Georgia Tech with a polished approach and a live arm. He could be in the majors within two years. Other players to watch include fifth-rounder Daylan Childress (RHP, McLennan, Texas, CC), sixth-rounder Scott Light (RHP, Elon), and 20th-rounder Jesse Gutierrez (C, St. Mary's). The two pitchers throw quite hard, and Gutierrez has a power bat.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see major league action in 2002. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '03 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically.

WILL HELP SOON
Ben Broussard, 1B: Mentioned in some trade rumors. If they hold onto him, he'll help soon. Drew 77 walks and hit 28 homers, while hitting .320 in Double-A. Only negative is age -- at 25 he was old for Double-A, though injuries have held him back.

Travis "Gookie" Dawkins, SS: Great with the glove, runs well, but not much of a hitter. Batted just .226 in Double-A. Pokey Reese, Part Two.

Austin Kearns, OF: Ranked ahead of Adam Dunn by most experts a year ago at this time. Injuries ruined his Double-A season, but he played well in the Arizona Fall League. Will provide power, batting average, and on-base percentage.

Corky Miller, C: Overlooked, but hard to discount his numbers. Threw out more than 50 percent of runners in Double-A and Triple-A last year, while hitting 16 homers and showing decent strike zone judgment. Older for a prospect at 25, but ready to help.

Brian Reith, RHP: Struggled in eight starts for the Reds, but should get another chance. Works with decent stuff, has problems when he gets too tentative, but effective when confident.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Ricardo Aramboles, RHP: Excellent fastball/changeup combination, throws strikes, young at age 20 and will need at least another year of experience before helping in the Show.

David Espinosa, SS: 2000 first-rounder, hit .262 with seven homers, 15 steals, 55 walks at Class A Dayton. Also fanned 120 times. Tremendous athlete, but needs more polish on defense and will have to show a stronger bat as he moves up.

Ty Howington, LHP: 93-mph lefty with improving curveball and changeup. Made serious improvements in his control last year, though there is further work to do. One of the more promising southpaws in the game.

Wily Mo Pena, OF: Hit .264 with 26 homers, 113 RBI, 26 steals at Dayton. Also fanned 177 times with just 33 walks. Outstanding athlete, but can he control the strike zone at higher levels?

KEY SLEEPER
Mike Neu, RHP: Saved 21 with 2.37 ERA at Class A Mudville, fanning 102 in 65 innings. Throws 90 and has a good curve, but overlooked because he is just 5-10.

Other names to know
Cary Ammons, LHP; Elvin Andujar, OF; Chris Booker, RHP; Paul Darnell, LHP; Scott Dunn, RHP; Edwin Encarnacion, 3B; David Gil, RHP; Jackson Melian, OF: Dustin Moseley, RHP; Ranier Olmedo, SS; Dane Sardinha, C; Ryan Snare, LHP.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.