Reds #1 Pick Agrees to Major League Deal Reportedly Worth $4.5 Million

The Reds and agent Greg Genske pushed the deadline to the final hour and final minutes, but they finally got a deal done, agreeing to terms with #1 (#7 overall) draft pick, Yonder Alonso. Alonso, a junior, almost senior at the University of Miami (FL), until the deal was signed, was reportedly asking for an initial signing bonus of $7 million, but apparently decided he wanted to play baseball more than he wanted to play "hardball". He may have come down in asking price, but still got the most important thing he was looking for in a deal - a Major League contract that requires the Reds to add Alonso to their 40-man roster. Yonder is expected to report to Class A Sarasota of the Florida State League in the coming days, where he'll begin his professional baseball career. Amongst fans here in Cincinnati, I've heard a lot of mixed feelings on not only his contract, but also on his selection in this year's draft. I've heard many fans already discussing a trade of Joey Votto or moving Votto to the OF. I don't think there's any question that Yonder Alonso was arguably the bat considered most "Major League-ready" in the '08 MLB Draft, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's ready for the Major Leagues right now. Fans thinking that the Reds should bring Alonso straight to Cincinnati need to temper their expectations a bit and give the kid some "seasoning" first. I think sending him to Sarasota is a great move. Not only does it start him in a competitive league (FSL), but it also gives him a chance to start against guys he should do well against -- building his confidence. Not to mention having played at Miami (FL), it will give his friends and family a chance to see him play and put him in a great frame of mind to feel comfortable playing professionally. If he does well in Sarasota, I don't think the Reds will hesitate to go ahead and move him up to AA or even AAA if he does really well. However, with little time left in the season, my gut tells me he'll go ahead and start and finish the season in Sarasota. Alonso isn't heralded for his defense, and I don't think he's considered "above average" in many aspects of his defensive game, therefore, I would guess that Alonso, and not Votto, is a more likely candidate to move to the OF. Yonder obviously has the bat to play a corner OF position, and doesn't have great arm strength, but could fill in quite well in LF at some point. However, I think that's something the Reds will address next spring if they feel a change in position is necessary. I know a lot of Reds fans out there don't see the "light at the end of the tunnel" -- but I do. Granted, I'm not a Reds fan, but I know a team with young talent when I see one. Try and be patient Reds fans, help is on the way. There's no single "savior", but as a core of guys, they can do some great things together. Phillips has been signed long-term, and with the emergence of Cueto, Volquez, Votto, and our wonderful fellow Yardbarker, Jay Bruce, there is something to be optimistic about.