On a December afternoon four years ago, Johnny Almaraz held a tryout camp in the Dominican Republic. He signed two players, reopening the Latin pipeline to the Reds' farm system.

        Those signings illustrate how much talent exists in places such as the Dominican Republic.

        One of the players Almaraz signed, Jose Acevedo, could be in the starting rotation again next year. The other, Wilmy Caceres, was traded last December for right-hander Seth Etherton, who also could be in next year's rotation.

        “Twenty-three percent of the major leagues is made up of foreign players,” Almaraz said. “You've got to scout internationally.”

        For years, the Reds didn't.

        Acevedo, who spent most of this season in the rotation, is the first Latin player the Reds have signed and developed who reached the big leagues since the 1980s, according to Reds senior adviser Chief Bender, who is in his 35th year with the team. Bender said Mario Soto was the last.

        The Reds think Acevedo is the first of the new wave of Latin players, who eventually might be the answer for the rotation.

        “We've got a lot of good arms down there,” Almaraz said.

        Another name to watch: shortstop Ranier Olmedo, 20, a Venezuelan who played at high Single-A Mudville this year. “He has Omar Vizquel-like talent,” Almaraz said.

Reds management not giving us hope 2002 chances depend on starting pitching Reds expect more offense next season Latin America scouting pays off Reds set record for home losses LaRue handles 3B Game 1 box, runs Game 2 box, runs

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