Mesoraco hopes to take next step

Former Dragon has  ‘50-50’ chance of being Opening Day catcher.

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By John Cummings, Contributing Writer Updated 9:50 PM Sunday, January 29, 2012

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco stepped off the Winter Caravan bus and into the Modern Flight hanger at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Sunday and looked around.

“I never made it here,” Mesoraco said of his year in Dayton playing for the Dragons. “My parents and grandparents did, but I missed out on the opportunity. I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to see everything. It’s pretty cool.”

Mesoraco wasn’t the only one in a Reds jersey exploring the museum as a robust contingent of Reds fans showed up for the latest stop in the Reds Winter Caravan. After stops in Lima and Findlay on Saturday, Mesoraco knew what to expect.

“This is my third year doing the caravan and they have been enjoyable,” Mesoraco said. “The fans are very knowledgeable. It is nice to see all the young kids. For me to put a smile on a young kid’s face is a pretty awesome feeling.”

While his parents got to see the museum, Mesoraco was busy trying to stick to the plan; advance one step in the Reds organization a year.

After being drafted with the 15th overall pick in 2007, the catcher spent the 2008 season with the Dragons. In 83 games, Mesoraco hit .261 with nine home runs and 45 runs batted in. Last season, September call-ups landed him his first shot at big league pitching.

“After a year, I set the goal of wanting to move up a level a year,” Mesoraco said. “It almost worked out perfectly. I got called up my fourth year ... it’s something that takes time. You got to get the experience and the at-bats.”

Mesoraco garnered more than experience as he moved through the ranks. In 2011, he was named a Triple A all-star by Topps and Baseball America. The Arizona Fall League named him a rising star in 2010 and he also earned honors in the Carolina League (2010) and the Florida State League (2009).

There were still some things he had to learn first-hand at the major league level in September.

“It was knowing what to expect and just going about business as usual,” Mesoraco said. “Reviewing scouting reports every day and getting used to some of the pitchers up there.”

During the question and answer portion in front of a large crowd, Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty said Mesoraco’s chances of being the opening day starter are “50-50.”

“Hopefully this year I can hit the ground running,” Mesoraco said. “I want to be someone the fans, the coaches, my teammates ... everyone ... can count on.”

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