Devin Mesoraco Rewarding Dusty Baker's Faith

Devin Mesoraco is just beginning his first full season in the Major Leagues.  It is only April of that first year so there will be struggles ahead as the league gets to know him.

Mesoraco, the Reds first pick in the 2007 draft, is right now a .300 hitter.  He has put together two strong minor league seasons and earned a spot in the Reds catching tandem with Ryan Hanigan.

When Mesoraco was drafted, there were jaded members of the Reds minor league coaching staff that doubted his abilities.  This group had seen the Reds draft under Jim Bowden IIII and had gone through a long series of number one picks that didn't pan out.

Starting with Bowden's first draft in 1992, the series of Chad Mottola, Pat Watkins, CJ Nitkowski, Matt McClendon*, Johnny Oliver, Brandon Larson, Austin Kearns, Ty Howington, Dustin Mosely*, David Espinosa, Jeremy Sowers, Mark Schramek, Chris Gruler and Ryan Wagner, failed to live up to the number one draft choice billing.  (* were supplemental pick between the first and second round).

Austin Kearns is still playing and Dustin Moseley are still playing, Kearns is part of the Miami Marlins bench.  Moseley earned a spot in the San Diego Padres starting rotation but is currently on the DL.

The Reds farm system staff was conditioned not to expect too much.  When Mesoraco reported for his first spring training in 2008, he had a bad hand.  He had trouble catching the ball.  He looked bad behind the plate and was having trouble hitting when he reported to Dayton.  He hit .261 with Dayton and was a very raw catcher.  Then Dayton manager, Donnie Scott, a former catcher worked with him.

I happened to be at the Dragons game, the day that Mesoraco reported.  Although he said the right things, the way he responded to questions about Mesoraco, he did not have a lot of confidence in him.

Dusty Baker's first year with the Reds was that 2008 season.  Baker is often seen in the minor league camp checking the talent with his own eyes.  He reads the minor league reports thoroughly. Baker and the Reds staff choose minor leaguers to play in the back end of the spring games.  Baker quickly recognized Mesoraco's ability to hit.

Baker along with other members of the Reds development staff worked with Mesoraco and he has developed into a hitter that could star in the Major Leagues.  He has worked hard on his skills as a catcher and is quickly becoming a good receiver.

Mesoraco as noted publicly by many including, broadcaster Jeff Brantley, has shown hustle and is giving 100 percent on the field.  He beat out a slow roller on Friday.  He avoided a double play in the St. Louis series by getting down the line on a ground ball to extend an inning.