Jose Acevedo: He was very good in four starts for the Reds last year (2-0, 2.67 ERA). His stuff can be overpowering, which is rare among Reds arms.
DJ Mattox: If Mattox pitches anything like the guy with the sound-alike name, the Reds will be ecstatic. Mattox, 23, was the Reds' pick in the Rule 5 Draft. He had good minor-league numbers with the New York Mets (26-14, 3.13 ERA), but there has to be a reason New York didn't protect him.
Brandon Claussen: Claussen was the best prospect the Reds got in the flurry of late-season trades last year. If he proves he's what he was before elbow ligament-replacement surgery, he could force his way into the rotation.
Edwin Encarnacion: The infielder combined to hit .290 with 11 homers and 65 RBI as a 20-year-old at Single-A and Double-A last year. He needs to get more consistent; he's still probably at least a year away.
Miguel Perez: He's only 19, but the Reds see him as the catcher of the future. He's an excellent catch-and-throw guy and very intelligent, but he's a way off offensively. He struggled after being promoted from rookie-level Billings to Single-A Dayton (.172 in 20 games) last year.
