Also recently, for a few days, the Reds’ active 25-man roster tipped 13-12 in former Dragons.
That’s nice for us up here, who can boast of seeing players before they make it to the top of their profession. For the Reds — who used a core of former Dragons to win their division championship last season — it is an affirmation that they have been able to draft and train well.
Dayton fans also are seeing the Dragons win more this year.
At any rate, you might use this as a primer for how to spot a future major-league player.
Of the eight former Dragons in the Reds lineup Wednesday, two (outfielders Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs) were drafted in the first round of their respective draft years. Two (first baseman Joey Votto and pitcher Travis Wood) were taken in the second, third baseman Chris Valaika in the third and shortstop Paul Janish in the fifth.
Only outfield Chris Heisey (17th round) and non-drafted free agent catcher Ryan Hanigan were not high on anybody’s wish list.
The high expectations for some have been met.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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