Reds’ Johnny Cueto Makes Triple-A Debut

Cueto, promotedto Triple-A from the high Single-A Florida State League when Bobby Livingston was called up to the majors, received the win pitching six innings allowing two runs on five hits (one HR) striking out a half-dozen while not allowing a walk.

 
Cueto is a name you should get familiar with, if you’re not already. He’s just 21 and has now tasted a little success in the high minors; his first start without any Double-A experience. I’m not certain what the plans are but would wager a guess he won’t be sent back down if he continues to pitch like this. And frankly I expect him to, noting I’m not overly wowed by the overall quality of hitter in the International League at present.

 
He wasn’t overpowering the Florida State League prior to the promotion, and he isn’t the most prominent pitching prospect in the organization at present, but he could be next year. The free agent Dominican Republic free agent singing from 2004 has a live arm; a mid 90s fastball and project-able 'badass’ slider, with a quickly developing change that could wind up a plus pitch.

 
I often temper expectations for the young, slightly built type with high velocity reports as they tend to breakdown, often before they reach the Triple-A level. He’s fairly fluid and doesn’t overthrow like many of this class; a three-quarter delivery dissipates this concern to an extent. He may have issues with the long ball at the higher levels as he has had a tendency to get a little over-aggressive, needing to pitch lower in the strike zone at times; the when and where a natural part of the development.

 
I like him feeling he’ll need to further his repertoire quickly, or possibly become a closer with the stuff to succeed in the role. He should be watched carefully this season as a possible high-ranked pitching prospect for next year’s list.

 
And Josh Hamilton (gastroenteritis) went 1-for-3 with a home run in the same game suggesting he’s likely to return from the DL when first eligible on June 5.