Brian Reith
| IP | 127 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 5.953 |
| WHIP | 1.717 |
| BB/9 | 5.031 |
| SO/9 | 6.024 |
- Full name Brian Eric Reith
- Born 02/28/1978 in Fort Wayne, IN
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Concordia Lutheran
- Debut 05/16/2001
- Drafted in the 6th round (179th overall) by the New York Yankees in 1996.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Reith and outfielder Jackson Melian are the only two players remaining in the organization of the four the Yankees gave up for lefthander Denny Neagle in July 2000. Last spring, third baseman Drew Henson was traded back to New York and lefthander Ed Yarnall was sold to Japan's Orix BlueWave. Some Reds officials wonder if Reith might as well be gone too. Nobody doubts his ability. But being rushed to Cincinnati in 2001 to shore up a starting rotation riddled with injuries and ineffectiveness may have scarred him. He got shelled once he returned to Double-A, which wasn't a good sign. Reith gave up 13 homers in 40 big league innings, a tipoff that hitters knew what was coming. He still has plenty of stuff: a lively fastball that ranges between 90-93 mph, a crackling slider and a changeup that he didn't use enough in the big leagues. He just needs to gain savvy and regain his confidence. Reith probably will open 2002 a step away from the majors in Triple-A Indianapolis. -
Another part of the Denny Neagle package, Reith established himself as a prospect in 1998 when his 2.28 ERA at Class A Greensboro ranked fifth among all minor leaguers. The Reds believe he can develop into a competent major league starter with continued experience. He's durable, with good life on a low-90s fastball and a nifty slider. Reith complements his harder stuff with a deceptive changeup. He has maintained favorable strikeout-walk ratios throughout his climb, another good sign. Reith probably will begin the season at Chattanooga. Given Cincinnati's eternal hunger for pitching, he might not stay there long if he shows any semblance of competence. -
