System overview
The Cincinnati Reds are in a good news/bad news situation in regards to their farm system. The good news is threefold: the organization has produced a pair of outstanding players lately, potential superstar outfielders Austin Kearns and Adam Dunn. Secondly, in the past, pitching was a serious weakness, but there are some interesting arms starting to emerge. Third, the Reds are expanding their operations in Latin America, a cost-effective way to bring more talent into the system. The bad news is that there isn't much depth left in position players now that Kearns and Dunn are established. Several toolsy players haven't developed, injuries have claimed some intriguing prospects, and budgetary constraints that hampered recent drafts have come back to haunt.

Jim Bowden is one of the more creative GMs around, and the organization is certainly more committed to farm production than it was before his tenure began. The Reds will recharge, but the system will be in a dry spell for the next year or two.

2002 amateur draft
The Reds came to a pre-arranged agreement with Brentwood, California high school pitcher Chris Gruler before the draft, but this should not be considered a pure signability pick. He was a legitimate top-half first-rounder, working with both solid stuff and sharp command. He pitched well after signing, but his health is now a question mark, as he came down with shoulder trouble in August.

Supplemental pick Mark Schramek, a third baseman from the University of Texas-San Antonio, almost didn't sign, but eventually came to terms. He swings a good stick and could move quickly. Second-round pick Joey Votto was a catcher in high school in Toronto, but is likely to be a first baseman in pro ball. He has plus power from the left side, and banged nine homers in his pro debut. Third round pick Kyle Edens, a right-hander from Baylor, signed late. He could have been a first-round pick in some drafts, due to his 93 mph fastball and nasty breaking pitch. Fourth-round pick Camilo Vazquez, a high school lefty from Miami, also signed late. Fifth-round choice Kevin Howard, a Miami third baseman, is an impressive slugger but limited defensively.

With several guys signing late, it's hard to get a good read on this draft this early. Gruler should be a good one if healthy, but that's a big if.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Gookie Dawkins, SS: Good field, no hit. Some people still think he has good offensive potential, but it hasn't been evident lately. Think Pokey Reese with a slightly weaker bat.

Brandon Larson, 3B: Good hit and good defense. It took several years for the former LSU star to figure out the professional strike zone, but he seems to have it in gear now. Main problem will be finding him enough at-bats.

Wily Mo Pena, OF: Torn hamstring may keep him on the DL for part of the first half, but he has to stick on the roster anyhow or be lost on waivers, so don't expect them to rush his rehab. Outstanding tools, and is slowly learning how to use them. Normally he wouldn't belong in this category, because he is not really ready for the majors. If you like raw power, tools, and athleticism, this guy is for you. But if you prefer a more sabermetric approach, be careful.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Bobby Basham, RHP: Posted outstanding 97/9 K/BB ratio with 1.64 ERA in 88 innings in the Class A Midwest League. Health has been a question, but he has very good stuff and exquisite command of his pitches.

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B: Great tools, slowly learning the game. Hit .282 with 17 homers, 25 steals, 40 walks for Dayton in the Midwest League. At least two years away.

Rainier Olmedo, SS: Similar to Dawkins, but a switch-hitter, and may actually end up a better hitter overall. Excellent defense; has been mentioned in trade rumors.

KEY SLEEPER
Dustin Moseley, RHP: This guy is one of the better right-handed prospects in the game, but most people haven't noticed him yet. Works at 87-89 mph, but with a terrific curve and a changeup which is already better-than-average by major league standards. Watch him.

Other names to know
Ryan Mottl, RHP; Ty Howington, LHP; Daylan Childress, RHP; Scott Dunn, RHP; Dave Gil, RHP; Dane Sardinha, C; Justin Gillman, RHP; Tony Blanco, 3B; Damaso Espino, SS; Josh Hall, RHP; Ricardo Aramboles, RHP; Steve Smitherman, OF.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.