Seth's 50 Centers

With the news of the firing of Cincinnati Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky still fresh in our minds, here’s a look at the team’s highest minor league affiliate, the Louisville Bats, and what they may have to offer in the coming months.

I asked longtime friend, and Bats play-by-play man, Matt Andrews a few questions to give us a better idea how things look:

1. How different is it this year given the fact the Bats seem to have a wealth of depth and solid players as opposed to previous years when there were aging veterans and maybe one or two young guys you could see making the leap to the big club in that season?

Without question there is more depth within the organization than I can recall in any of my previous five seasons here. There are still some veterans, but there is a really good mix here in Louisville of young and old. I think there’s always been that first line of quality players that they could add at any moment, but now you have that element along with young prospects (Jay Bruce, Homer Bailey, Paul Janish) that aren’t far away.

2. What has Jay Bruce done so far? Is he ready to play at the next level?

Jay got off to a slow start on the opening road trip, but has taken off since the latter part of that trip and has just continued as the season has gone. He’s fun to watch. He’s easy to work with. He’s going to be awfully good at the next level. Our manager, Rick Sweet raved about him immediately upon his arrival a year ago to Triple-A. The sound of the ball off his bat is just different. Reds fans are ready for the wait to be over. I think he’s ready. I think he may have been ready this spring, but right now it’s a matter of Patterson/Hairston Jr./Freel/Hopper, and what to do with some of those bodies.

3. Columbus product Tom Shearn has gotten off to a solid start, with just one bump in the road so far. He’s been a fixture in Louisville of late. Does he have a following down there and what does he bring to the team?

Tom Shearn is easily one of the nicest guys I’ve come across in my eight years in baseball. A very easy-to-deal-with individual, who has a knack for sitting in on the road with my broadcast partner, Jim Kelch, when I’m not on the trip. My job is not secure! He is somewhat of a fixture down here and could break a club record or two before 2008 ends. His story last year was straight out of a movie script! He brings a lot of stability and flexibility to the rotation and has a great relationship with our pitching coach, Ted Power.

4. Describe your experience as a play-by-play announcer for a AAA organization. What’s it been like and how have you improved since you first set foot into the booth.

I’m living a dream right now. Ultimately I’d like to live the dream of doing Major League games as well, however, Triple-A baseball in Louisville, Kentucky is about as good as it gets! We have an incredible fan base, a beautiful ballpark, a great city. It’s just a joy to come to work every day. I’ve learned so much since arriving here from broadcasting to sales to marketing. Jim has been an incredible learning tool for me. He’s in his 20th year here, and I couldn’t be learning from anyone better. While he has Major League time, he deserves more of it. I hope that time comes soon for him.

5. What have you heard about guys below the AAA level in the Reds system? Is Daryl Thompson the next big thing and is there anyone beyond him?

Names I hear are Daryl Thompson, Danny Herrera (who is about to join us), Justin Turner, Drew Stubbs, Josh Roenicke, among others. I think a lot of credit for the depth right now has to go to Dan O’Brien, and Wayne Krivsky. Yes, it’s Walt (Jocketty’s) train to guide now, but Dan and Wayne got the train headed in the right direction. I know it’s frustrating now as a Reds fan, and has been for a few years. One year very soon we won’t have to reference 1999 anymore! Whether that year is now or next, that’s why we play another 140 games!

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