The entertainment vehicle known as the Dayton Dragons rumbles ahead regardless of who occupies the uniforms, but it’s been rare in recent years that the team has competed on equal footing not just with the Midwest League, but with its own mascot-driven frivolity between innings.
The Dragons, who had won seven consecutive home games going into Friday’s play, clearly are better than they have been, and it’s a refreshing change for anyone who remembers last season’s mid-summer drought that saw them go winless in their friendly confines for two entire months, daring historians to find any precedent.
Who’s to say if or when such players as Yorman Rodriguez, Billy Hamilton and Juan Duran reach the major leagues, but the Reds have millions invested in their futures. For now, it’s probably enough that they remain on track.
So the Reds need to consider keeping the core of this team intact at least until the season’s midway point, because a playoff spot appears attainable. And it’s hard to believe anyone would benefit by being moved to high-A Bakersfield (Calif.), where crowds are sparse and the center field fence sits a comical 350 feet from home plate.
Besides, Heater and Gem need some competition.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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