Loaded Roster

Of the Reds' top 15 prospects entering the offseason, four were traded away and another three have made the major league Opening Day roster, so there is no farm team overloaded with prospects. The Reds did send plenty of talent to Double-A Pensacola, as they welcome the Blue Wahoos to the Southern League. Righthanders Daniel Corcino and J.C. Sulbaran, shortstop DiDi Gregorius and outfielder Ryan LaMarre give the Blue Wahoos four of the Reds' Top 10 Prospects. No other affiliate has more than one.

Leap Of Faith

Corcino was one of the better pitchers in the Midwest League last year, but his jump to Pensacola comes at least in part to keep him from the difficult pitching conditions of the High Class A California League. If Corcino can handle the jump to Double-A, it will cement his status as the Reds' top pitching prospect.

Where Is That Guy?

Righthander Robert Stephenson, the team's first-round pick in the 2011 draft, will remain in extended spring training. Amir Garrett, an intriguing but raw lefthander, won't arrive for a while as he just finished up his freshman basketball season at St. John's, where he averaged 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds a game.

Time Is Running Out

Infielder Chris Valaika's bat has always been his strongest selling point, but Valaika finds himself deeper on the depth chart this year than he was the past two seasons, when he got short stints in Cincinnati. With veteran infielder Wilson Valdez joining the big league roster, last year's everyday shortstop Paul Janish has been sent back to Triple-A Louisville. Janish is likely the first call if there is a need in the middle infield this summer, which means Valaika could find himself stuck in Louisville all year—it's his fourth season with the Bats. Valaika is out of options after this season, so one way or another at least he'll probably avoid a fifth trip to Louisville in 2013.