The Cincinnati Reds have struggled out of the gate due primarily to their pitching falling short of expectations.  However, things have picked up as Johnny Cueto looks great, Mat Latos is expected back by mid-June and Homer Bailey seems to have righted the ship.  Their batters have also struggled out of the gate, but you have to believe that will stabilize in the second half.  Reds fans need to stay optimistic as there isn’t a lot of help outside of Robert Stephenson in the upper minors, although Michael Lorenzen has pitched very well and could see time in Cincinnati in the second half.

1. Next in Line Infield Prospects

• Chris Nelson (3B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
  

Notes: Yeah, that Chris Nelson.  One of the strengths on the Reds major league club is their infield and it’s a good thing as they are light in the upper-minors with impact talent.

2. Next in Line Outfield Prospects

• Jason Bourgeois (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Ryan LaMarre (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Yorman Rodriguez (OF, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: High

Notes: Jason Bourgeois is who he is – a fourth outfielder that can be effective in small burst.  Ryan LaMarre profiles as a second division outfielder with the ability to provide average speed and power.  If Hamilton is demoted, LaMarre could have sneaky value in a fantasy league with the ability to provide 15/15 potential in 400 at-bats, albeit a low batting average.  Yorman Rodriguez is the wildcard.  Uber talented with huge tools but does struggle to make consistent contact.  He could see a September call-up

3. Next in Line Pitching Prospects

• David Holmberg (LHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Chad Rogers (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Robert Stephenson (RHP, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: High
• Michael Lorenzen (RHP, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium

Notes: David Holmberg is nearly big league ready and would be the first call-up if injuries continue to mount in Cincinnati.  While his arsenal is not plus, he has very good control and that should allow him to carve out a back-of-the-rotation role in the majors.  Robert Stephenson is the top-of-the-rotation starter that the Reds are eying as a second half contributor.  He could have fantasy relevancy as he provides high strikeout opportunity with a chance for wins.  Finally, 2013 Supplemental First Rounder Michael Lorenzen is coming on fast and is pitching very well in Double-A.  A polished and advanced pitcher, the Reds are converting him to a starter and he is performing very well to-date.

4. Next in Line Relief Prospects

• Pedro Villarreal (RHP, Injured) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Michael Lorenzen (RHP, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low