Reds’ top prospects need to bide time with Dragons

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 7:55 AM Monday, November 16, 2009

When Ken Griffey Sr. was added to the Dayton Dragons staff last week, it marked the completion of the most major league-experienced staff in the team’s 11 seasons.

Griffey, manager Todd Benzinger and pitching coach Tony Fossas spent nearly four decades in the majors, and all appear able to relate to younger players.

So congratulations to the parent Reds for assembling the staff.

Now, how about the players? A year ago, everyone in the organization knew the Reds were dumping on Dayton, a location where they’re trying to build Reds fans.

Nearly half the 2009 Reds played at one time in Dayton, and next season, that number should go over the halfway mark.

Increasingly, however, the Reds are bypassing their best prospects past the Dragons, so Dayton doesn’t get to see them, and doesn’t get to win.

The Reds say they are trying to develop prospects, not win at the minor-league level.

Well, how’s that working out? For each of the last nine seasons, the Reds have compiled a losing record. Why not develop a prospect who knows how to win?

It’s time to draft better and place those prospects better. It’s time to win some games in the minors. Love seeing Benzinger, Griffey and Fossas in the dugout. Want to see a few like them on the field.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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