Sunday, May 07, 2000
MINOR LEAGUE REPORT
Ex-shortstop excels on mound
By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Travis Thompson has some of the most impressive stats of any pitcher in the Reds minor leagues. Thompson, a 22-year-old right-hander, is 4-1 with 2.27 ERA at Single-A Clinton.
Not bad for a converted shortstop who was signed to fill the Billings roster last year.
“It's early,” assistant general manager Doc Rodgers said. “He's only in A ball, but he's got a chance to make.”
Thompson started as a shortstop at East Carolina University.
“He didn't have great foot speed,” Rodgers said. “But he had a great arm. So a coach said, "Maybe your future is on the hill.”
Thompson is 6-foot-5, 215 pounds. He had a good fastball and sinker.
“His breaking ball needs work,” Rodgers said. “But his "pitchability,' his knowledge of pitching, is impressive for a guy who's only been pitching a couple of years.”
CLINTON STRUGGLES: After opening the season 7-1, Clinton has gone 6-12. The Lumberjacks are tied for fifth in their division in the Midwest League.
HOWINGTON HAMMERED: Last year's top draft choice, Ty Howington, has hit a rough stretch after his fast start with Single-A Dayton. Howington allowed seven runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in the Dragons' 7-0 loss at Beloit Friday.
Howington is 2-3 with a 6.04 ERA. He's allowed 31 hits in 28 1/3 innings.
“He's right out of high school,” Rodgers said. “That's going to happen. Some nights, he'll look a big leaguer; other nights, he'll look like a Little Leaguer.”
SEXTON SIZZLES: Chris Sexton continues to tear it up at Triple A Louisville. The St. Xavier High and Miami University product has reached base in all 24 of the RiverBats games.
He's hitting .386 with a .514 on-base percentage. He hit his second home run Friday.
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MINOR LEAGUE REPORT
