The Reds will send Johnny Cueto to the mound to face the Rays tonight. Last night in Dayton, the Dragons’ starting pitcher might have been confused for Johnny Cueto. His name is Daniel Corcino. Tell me if this sounds familiar: he’s a 5’11” right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic with a fastball in the mid-90s, a good slider and a good change-up. Pitching for the Dragons at A-ball, Corcino has racked up some impressive numbers – 8-3, 2.53 ERA, 89 K, 15 BB, 74.2 IP. He’s holding opponents to a .206 batting average. At 20 years old, he could rise through the system quickly. Johnny Cueto made his MLB debut at 22 years old. Let’s see if his clone can do the same.

Reds Roast

Mike Leake pitched brilliantly over 6 innings as the Reds earned a win on the road against Tampa Bay. Since returning from AAA, Leake has pitched at least 6 innings in 7 straight starts. 6 of his 7 starts since May 27th have been quality starts. He has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 4 of his last 7 games. In short, he’s dealing right now.

There are rumors that the Reds have sent scouts to look at Dodgers’ pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. The Dodgers are likely trying to shed salary, and Kuroda is a solid pitcher. Could be interesting.

Baseball Prospectus provides this scouting report on Reds’ SS prospect, Billy Hamilton:

Billy Hamilton (Reds)

TCF: Hamilton has 90 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale—water cooler-worthy wheels—but the bat is a major question mark. The 20-year-old infielder projects to have contact ability at the plate, which should translate to a high batting average thanks to his insane speed, but his offensive game might be one-dimensional; his swing lacks punch, and power potential isn’t in the cards. Hamilton plays shortstop now, but his arm might force a move to second base, where his bat won’t have the same value. When Hamilton reaches base, he’s one of the more dangerous weapons in the game, but reaching base will be the challenge as he climbs the professional ladder.

Yonder Alonso has joined twitter – @YonderalonsoU

Broadway Blend

Locally brewed – The construction workers are back at work to build the casino that might-or-might-not ever get built.

Hollywood brew – Jeff Bridges plans to bring the classic novel, The Giver to the big screen.

Strange brew – In Delaware, Ohio a woman was arrested for spraying police officers with breast milk…

Viral brew – Balloon on fire… Pants on fire.

Harmonious brew – The soulful sounds of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, “100 Days, 100 Nights.”

Follow me on twitter @CKFreshness