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MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Former Dragons on Top-10 Prospect List

January 23, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio-Former Dayton Dragons Todd Frazier, Drew Stubbs, and Chris Valaika are listed among the top prospects in the Cincinnati Reds organization in the annual Baseball America ranking of top-10 prospects released today.

Frazier, who was drafted as a shortstop but also has played third base, first base, and left field in his two seasons in professional baseball, is rated by Baseball America as the second best prospect in the Reds' organization. He is listed behind only first baseman Yonder Alonso, the Reds' first round draft pick in 2008 who has not played for the Dragons.

Stubbs, an outfielder who spent the 2007 season with the Dragons, is rated as the third best prospect in the Reds' organization. Valaika, a shortstop and Midwest League all-star with the 2007 Dragons, is rated number four.

Kyle Lotzkar, a right-handed starting pitcher who spent part of the 2008 season with the Dragons and could return in 2009, is rated as the sixth best prospect in the organization. He is followed at number seven by third baseman Neftali Soto, who spent the second half of the 2008 season with the Dragons and helped the club to the second round of the playoffs.

Baseball America's number eight prospect is third baseman Juan Francisco, who led the Midwest League in home runs with the 2007 Dragons. Catcher Devin Mesoraco, who spent the '08 season in Dayton, is listed at number 10. The players listed in the number five and number nine spots have not yet reached the Single-A level in the Reds' organization.

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects in the Reds' Organization

Yonder Alonso, 1B

Todd Frazier, SS

Drew Stubbs, OF

Chris Valaika, SS

Yorman Rodriguez, OF

Kyle Lotzkar, RHP

Neftali Soto, 3B

Juan Francisco, 3B

Juan Duran, OF

Devin Mesoraco, C

Frazier opened the 2008 season with the Dragons in his first full season of professional baseball. In 30 games, he batted .321 with seven home run runs and 20 runs batted in. He was promoted to Sarasota and played in 100 games with that club, batting .281 with 12 home runs and 54 RBI.

Stubbs, the Reds' first round draft pick in 2006 out of the University of Texas, played at three different levels of the Reds organization in 2008 after helping the Dragons to the '07 playoffs. A highly-athletic center fielder, he hit .261 at the Single-A level with Sarasota, then improved to a combined .305 in 45 games between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville.

Valaika split the 2008 season between Single-A Sarasota and Double-A Chattanooga and batted a combined .317 to lead the entire Reds organization. He also hit 18 home runs and drove in 81 runs.

Baseball America also released a "Best Tools" list for the Reds' organization. Former Dragons on the list include Stubbs (Best Defensive Outfielder), Francisco (Best Power Hitter and Best Infield Arm), Lotzkar (Best Curveball), Zack Cozart (Best Defensive Infielder), Jordan Smith (Best Slider), Ramon Ramirez (Best Change-up), Robert Manuel (Best Control), and Ryan Hannigan (Best Defensive Catcher).

More Information: The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from January 23, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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