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    Elly De La Cruz (Photo: Doug Gray)
    Photo: Doug Gray

    Elly De La Cruz impresses in Dominican Winter League opener

    Doug Gray 18

    After the season that Elly De La Cruz had in 2022 it would be hard to imagine him doing something surprising, but he did just that on Saturday night in the first game of the Dominican Winter League. The 20-year-old top prospect for the Cincinnati Reds started the game at second base for Licey and in the 14-inning game he went 4-5 with two walks, a double, a triple, two stolen bases, the go-ahead run in the final inning, and he drove in four.

    I would think it’s fair to say that Elly De La Cruz is must-watch tv. The Dominican Winter League games are available to watch every day on MLB.tv. They are not archived, but they are available to watch live. Tune in to Licey games and don’t blink.

    Sam Benschoter shines in the AFL

    It was a big day in the Arizona Fall League on Saturday as all three games took place at Chase Field. Glendale saw four of the Cincinnati Reds prospects participate on the big league field. Rece Hinds went 0-3 on the day. Matt McLain went 1-2, was hit by a pitch, and he stole a base. Noelvi Marte went 1-2 with a walk. But the star of the show – at least Reds wise – was pitcher Sam Benschoter. He continued what he’s been doing since arriving in Arizona and tossed 3.0 shutout innings as he allowed just one hit and he struck out a batter.

    Benschoter has now thrown 8.0 shutout innings and allowed just five hits, walked just one batter, and he’s struck out five. The 24-year-old spent most of his season in Daytona, but also saw action in both Dayton and Chattanooga late in the season. The road games in Daytona gave up data that we don’t get in other leagues, but with the games at Chase Field we got more of that Hawkeye data for Benschoter. In his time with Daytona (road games only) he topped out at 95.8 MPH. He only topped 94.9 MPH 13 times (out of 168 fastballs tracked) with Daytona. Saturday afternoon saw Sam Benschoter top out at 96.8 MPH and of the 19 fastballs he threw on the day, 12 of them topped 94.9 MPH.

    Doug Gray
    Doug Gray is the owner and operator of this website and has been running it since 2006 in one variation or another.

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    18 Responses

      1. Why rush to put him in the RP box? Let him start in 2023 and see if come 2024 he is able to be part of Cincinnati’s rotation.

        1. I wasn’t inferring he needs to be a relief pitcher, Stock; I was asking a question. Sorry if you’re offended.

      2. Benschoter is a true sleeper, and not due to being undrafted in the shortened draft year.

        I’m thinking, given his progress this year, he could pitch his way into a back end ML starter. He’s reportedly got a killer curve and, I believe, has had velocity tick upwards to mid 90’s in his starts during the regular season (as well as his shorter stints in AZ). Another half season of positive development and I suspect we may see him tracking upward, like a poor man’s TeeJay Antone.

    4. Off topic. I’m trying to figure out Noelvi Marte’s upside and player comp if things go right with his development. Is it Justin Turner or Adrian Beltre? .280 30 HR guy, more or less?

        1. 6’1″ 185, I’m thinking Anthony Rendon or David Wright, for the next few years anyway, if he doesn’t bulk up.

          Beltre was a big dude, 230-240. I’m thinking (hoping) Marte stays longer and leaner, rangier.

    7. EDLC is a 2WAR CF’er right now with his speed. If he hits like we think he can he’s easily a perennial all star

    8. Elly de la Cruz is going to make us forget 2022. He is going to sell some tickets.

      Very impressed with benschoeter. He had a good year and is looking good against even better competition.

      Somewhat worried about marte and his performance as a reds farm hand. Hopefully he just needs some downtime and a reset. Matt McLain also feels to me needs a break. I’d like him to get training in center field this winter.

      Rece hinds needs a better hitting coach. He is so talented but his strikeout rate will keep him from making the league if he can’t improve it. Supposedly the pitching in Arizona is subpar this year per Keith law at thr athletic.

      1. One thing we don’t see written about is EDLC seems to be very charismatic. So, a 6’5″ switch hitting SS with plus everything who is also charismatic?

        1. Fernando Tatís Jr; I would be in favor of a Braves type of contract that they have given to Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II given to EDLC, Greene, Lodolo, and Tyler Stevenson

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