Reds 5 at 5: Billy Hamilton, Aussie Baseball, More

1. Hamilton, Cingrani, Hoover among 100 names to remember for 2013 season

In his first installment of Countdown of the 100 Names You Need to Know, USA TODAY’s Paul White unveils the first 20, nos. 81-100.

Before you look at the list, here’s something that must be explained. This is not a ranking list as far as from what a typical prospect list goes. The list is constructed the way it is because those at USA TODAY rank these guys based on the potential they have to contribute during the upcoming season.

I will also mention that the other criteria for mention on this list is that the player must have logged more minor league time than he did in the major rather is pertains to innings for a pitcher or at-bats for a hitter. Again, do not confuse this with your typical prospect list/ranking.

Reds top prospect Billy Hamilton will be the first name you see upon landing on the page at #81. Starting lefty Tony Cingrani nabs #95. Reliever J.J. Hoover hits at #97.

You can debate the3se within the comments. I think the rankings should be “reversed” with Hover having more potential impact for the Good Guys in 2013. Yes, that’s just me, but Hamilton will be a September call-up unless something dreadful occurs. Cingrani will anchor the starting staff in Louisville and his chances of making the Reds rotation most likely won’t come about until 2014.

For Hoover, he’s already contributed to the team in a big way. If the Chapman thingy works out, how about a trio Hoover, Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton to close out games?

Sep 3, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher J.J. Hoover (60) pitches during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park. The Phillies defeated the Reds 4-2. (Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports)

2. Reds own #7 ‘pen and #3 defense

The last couple of days I’ve mentioned a series Anthony Castrovince is putting up on MLB.com where he ranks different facets of all 30 MLB teams and he ranks his top 10. To date, Castrovince has the Reds as owning the #8 lineup and #6 starting rotation. Two more today…

The Reds also own the #7 bullpen and #3 defense. With the recent talk surrounding the move of newly acquired Chin-Soo Choo to center, you might think #3 is a bit aggressive. Even with the move of Aroldis Chapman to the starting rotation, some might feel #7 for last year’s #1 ‘pen is too low.

Also of note: the Reds are the only NL Central team in Castrovince’s top 10 for every list he has thus far. Sometimes we Reds fans grouse about not getting any national love. Here it is. Embrace it.

3. Baseball down under

The Australian Baseball League has approached its championship series which is a best 2-of-3 format. The two-time defending champion Perth Heat will face the Canberra Calvary. MLB Network will televise Game 1 on Friday starting at 1 PM ET. Game 2 will be Saturday at 3 PM ET (also on MLB Network). If Game 3 is necessary, it will air at 3 PM ET on Sunday.

Reds prospect Donald Lutz played for Canberra in 2010. On that same team was former Red Didi Gregorius. The Calvary didn’t fare as well that 2010 season, but it did help Lutz and Gregorius. In fact, Lutz’s 5 HR accounted for one-third of the entire team total of 15.

4. Rob Dibble on Biogenesis and ‘roids

Just give it a listen…

Watch the latest video at video.foxbusiness.com

5. The Reds are on Instagram, if you haven’t noticed

Here’s their a look at the page on reds.com. If you have Instagram, well, you know what to do.

One question. Is that Gingy with J.J. Hoover?

And yes, I’ve dubbed today J.J. Hoover Day…