Sunday, August 20, 2006

Talented but tool-less

Norris Hopper, whose contract was purchased by the Reds today from Triple-A Louisville, isn't one of those five-tool players that causes scouts and player development types to drool.

Hopper has hit just three home runs in more than 1,100 minor-league at-bats. He doesn't walk or strikeout much.

But, Hopper does execute one tool well: he hits for average.

Hopper, who spent seven years in the Royals organization before being signed as a free-agent by the Reds in January 2005, was leading the International League and ranked second in Triple-A with a .349 batting average. He also had 10 doubles, 3 triples and 24 stolen bases. But, no home runs.

In other transactions today, Eddie Guardado was placed on the 15-day disabled list with tendonitis in his elbow, Chris Michalak was placed on the bereavement list due to the death of his grandmother, Matt Belisle was returned from his rehab assignment and reinstated from the 15-day disabled list and Mike Burns was designated for assignment.

I thought Sunday was a day of rest?

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