There’s less than two full weeks left of minor league spring training left. Games for the minor leaguers go through April 4th before the guys leave Arizona and head to their full season assignments (except those remaining back for extended spring training). I’ve been able to pick up a few things from a few sources from the backfields down in Goodyear on a several players.
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Jeremy Kivel has been bringing the heat early on this year. He’s hit 100 MPH already this spring, something you rarely see as most guys don’t find their top velocity until May as their arms build up.
Nick Travieso was sitting in the 92-94 range and was hitting 95 in his first start of the spring.
Luis Gonzalez has been very impressive this spring. His defense has been his calling card, and you’ve probably noticed him showing up later on in Reds spring training games. The team has really liked what they have seen and he’s pushing for a spot on the Dayton roster at the break of camp. Last season he hit .277/.292/.362 for the Arizona League Reds. He walked just two times in 99 plate appearances and had 22 strikeouts, so the jump could be big for him on the offensive side of things if he does indeed wind up in Dayton.
Argenis Aldazoro will probably begin the year not on a roster. He’s injured and hasn’t played yet this spring.
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