SpringfieldNewsSun.com

DAYTON — Devon Mesoraco's debut with the Dragons was rained out Wednesday night, May 7, giving the Reds' 2007 No. 1 draft pick an extra day to relax following his flight from Sarasota.

Mesoraco is a catcher in an organization that needs them. In eight previous seasons, the Class A Dragons used at least 26 players primarily as catchers with only two of them — Miguel Perez and Ryan Hanigan — making it to the majors, and then only for a few games.

Mesoraco is the highest catcher drafted by the Reds in that time. He began his pro career in the Gulf Coast League, hitting just .219 with a homer and eight RBIs in 137 at-bats.

"It was a transition year," Mesoraco said. "Actually, at the end of the year, I was better than I was in high school. It just didn't show (in the stats)."

Mesoraco — who won't turn 20 until June 19 — joined the Dragons when another top prospect, Todd Frazier, was promoted to Sarasota's high Class A team.

Mesoraco arrived in plenty of time to play, but the game at Fifth Third Field was canceled and won't be able to be made up since Quad Cities and the Dragons don't play again in this half of the season. Instead, he makes his debut tonight against Great Lakes.

At spring training, it was decided Mesoraco would start this season at rookie Billings, Mont., in June.

In the meantime, Mesoraco was retained at extended spring training, working on his skills.

"I was a little banged up in the spring," Mesoraco said. "Being down there wasn't so bad. I was playing every day."

Because of his draft status, Mesoraco will be playing almost every day with the Dragons even though resident catchers Jake Long (.298) and Jason Bour (.243, three hits Tuesday night) are doing well. They'll catch some and be used in DH roles.

While Mesoraco was in Wednesday's lineup, first baseman Jason Parker was not. Parker, who injured his shoulder in a playoff game with the Dragons last year, needed surgery and started this season in extended spring. He joined the Dragons with Mesoraco, but drove his car from Sarasota, obtaining only about an hour's sleep overnight.

Tickets from Wednesday's game can be exchanged or refunded.

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