Catching up with...

The Dayton Dragons.

July 2: Reds not exactly pros at developing pitchers

Just because you see a pitcher at Fifth Third Field with the Dragons doesn't mean he's going to the Reds, or even the big leagues.

The parent Reds have had much more success developing position players — and they're even a little behind in that category.

A few scouts at the Dragons homestand last week wanted to know how the Reds stood up to the rest of baseball when it comes to developing pitchers for the major leagues.

It was my contention the Reds don't do very well, and current rosters prove that point.

While the Reds have three starters they drafted and signed — former Dragons outfielders Adam Dunn and Jay Bruce as well as first baseman Joey Votto — they have only one pitcher in that category — Johnny Cueto.

July 7: Soto gets it going after tough start at third

Neftali Soto had a rough start to his Dayton Dragons career Sunday, July 6, but what would you expect after he caught a flight at 6 a.m. from Billings, Mont., where he was playing in the rookie Pioneer League?

And he made up for it fast.

July 8: New role suits Horst just fine

Ever since he joined the Reds organization last summer, Jeremy Horst has been a relief pitcher.

He was in one game with the Gulf Coast League Reds last year, and in 16 with Billings, Mont., another rookie team.

He was a relief pitcher for 25 games this season, too, until five days ago when the Dragons needed a spot starter and tapped Horst on his strong left shoulder.

It might be tough to get him out of a starting assignment now.