[Stardust]

The Reds felt like they had a bit of the home-field advantage when it came to Nick Travieso.Travieso played for McCarthy High in Fort Lauderdale, the same high school team as Tony Arias’ son, Nick. Tony Arias is the Reds’ director of Latin American scouting.
“Sometimes, you feel like you have a little advantage when you have that kind of information,” Reds scouting director Chris Buckley said. “We’re hoping we knew some things others didn’t.”
Based on that and a 99 mph fastball, the Reds picked Travieso with the 14th pick in the draft. Travieso, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound right-hander, went 8-1 with a 0.76 ERA this year. He struck out 100 and walked 17 in 65 innings.

Travieso said he’s hit 99 several times.

“I’ve been blessed by God with the ability to throw that hard,” he said. “I typically sit at 93 to 95 but I’ve gotten up to 99.”

Travieso committed to the University of Miami, but it sounds like he’s signable.
“Right now, I am looking forward to signing professionally and get my career starts,” Travieso said. “Hopefully, I’ll get to Cincinnati as quickly as I can to help the big league team win a World Series.”

He was the 40th-ranked player in Baseball America’s draft preview issue. But the magazine said he was climbing the rankings as they went to press.

Buckley thinks Travieso’s ranking was affected by the fact he didn’t play in all the showcases.

“His dad’s handled him very well,” Buckley said. “He limited his innings. He really looked after him. Sometimes, when guys don’t participate in all events somebody holds that against them. We had him right up there to pick him.”

Travieso gave his father, Danny, credit for his development.

“My dad’s been the world to me,” Travieso said. “He’s been here every step of the way. Even though we went at it when I was younger, I love him to death. He’s been my go-to guy with baseball and off the field.”

Travieso says he’s modeled himself after Roger Clemens.

“I’ve followed him my whole life,” Travieso said. “He’s my idol. I have the same mentality he did when he was on the mound.”http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/201...ext|Sports

[Stardust]

[Image: http://cmsimg.nky.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bil...k-Travieso]

[Stardust]

Reds add two outfielders

The Reds picked Jesse Winker, a left-handed hitting outfielder from Olympia High in Orlando, with the 49th pick in the draft. The pick was compensation for losing free agent Ramon Hernandez. Winker, 18, hit .488 with three home runs and 30 RBI.

The Reds took UCLA outfielder Jeff Gelalich with the 57th pick in the draft. The pick was compensation for losing free agent Francisco Cordero. Gelalich, a left-handed hitter, hit .376 with nine home runs and 37 RBI for the Bruins.http://nky.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...tegory=SPT

[Mr. Pike Central]

Little bit of a reach for Travieso, I would have liked Lucas Giolito at that spot.

But I hope he pans out.

[OffTheHook]

From looking at Dusty's pic. Kid needs a little help with his form. Then maybe he can crank it up all the time.