The Reds had to decide between power hitting Juan Francisco and Todd Frazier to back up Scott Rolen.
Francisco was out of minor league options.
The 24-year old Francisco has tremendous potential but lacks the work ethic that he needs to excel. He reported 12 pounds over weight and fell out of favor with management. He was out of options so the Reds traded him to Atlanta for 24-year old RHP JJ Hoover.
Hoover was the Braves 10 round selection in the 2008 draft. He started 13 games for Double A Mississippi and Triple A Gwinnett last season. He was 2-5 with a 3.48 ERA at Mississippi in 31 games (12 starts). The Elizabeth, Pennsylvania native, was promoted to Triple A Gwinnett by Atlanta, where he appeared in 12 games, starting two with a 1-1 record and a 3.38 ERA.
Hoover will start the season at Louisville.
The Reds will start the season with two bullpen members on the disabled list. Ryan Madson, who would have been the closer, is out for the season. Nick Masset will miss at least the first weak with inflammation in his right shoulder.
"We are getting closer to the start. It was a good opportunity for us to add to our pool of bullpen guys that we need," Dusty Baker said.
Baker was one of Francisco's strongest supporters before this camp began.
"I wish him the best. I was for the kid (Francisco) from the very beginning. Some of the things weren't working out the way we wanted him to. Hopefully, he'll find happiness and get it together in Atlanta. If things go right and things go in the right direction he could be a force. Talent has never been the issue."
The Reds needed his power off the bench but Francisco's long ball capability was not worth his liabilities.
"If he wasn't out of options it would have been a much easier decision (to keep Francisco)," Baker said. "There were big factors like right/left. Playing multiple positions. You need some speed. You need some mindset. You need some attitude. A lot of the things you need don't necessarily show up in the stat sheet."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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