Name: Johnny Cueto
Team: Cincinnati Reds
DOB: February 15, 1986
Drafted: Not Drafted.
Acquired: Signed as a free agent 03/2004.
Awards: None.
Stats:
Background:
Cueto started his career in 2005 with the Gulf Coast League Reds, the Reds rookie league team. Even though he struggles, the Reds still promoted his to Hi A Sarasota to finish the season.
In 2006, the Reds assigned him to their Low A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons. He spent half the season dominating hitters and was moved back up to Sarasota, where he finished the season. He was chosen as the Reds’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
After gaining notice the previous year, Cueto was again back in Sarasota. This time, he advanced to the Double A Chattanooga Lookouts and Triple A Louisville Bats before the season was over. He was again the Reds’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
A strong spring moved Cueto past top prospect Homer Bailey and into the Reds rotation. He made his first start on April 3rd and grabbed national attention:
7.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0BB, 10 K
His next start 5 days later was almost as good:
6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
Scouts have been impressed with his 0 walks in his first 2 starts, on top of the 18 strikeouts. The only worry right now is Dusty Baker and his effect on young pitchers.
(Note: this was actually written before his 3rd start, which wasn’t quite as good:
6.0 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Not horrible, but the 5 ER hurts his ERA – still a respectable 3.72 but it jumped up almost 2 runs.)
Rookie Cards (base):
2007 Bowman Chrome Prospects Johnny Cueto
2007 Just Autographs Johnny Cueto
(2008 Topps and Upper Deck with issue rookie cards)
ETA:
Now.
