The following tidbit is an RHM exclusive, so remember where you read this first: the Reds now have three outfielders who have finished in the top five in Rookie of the Year voting within the past 5 years.
Today, Jonny Gomes stepped off the bus from Louisville and ripped the first pitch he’s ever seen in the NL down the left field line for a pinch-hit double in the eighth inning, subsequently scoring the go-ahead run for the Reds in a 3-1 series opening win over the Indians. Hopefully just a sample of what he’s going to do to NL pitching.
The point: Gomes, was #3 in the AL ROY voting in 2005. Wily Taveras was #2 in the NL that same year, and of course Jay Bruce was #5 in the NL last year.
Now let’s see how long it takes the beat writers to pick up on this!