Padres News: Padres sign pitcher Greg Reynolds to minor league deal
Another under the radar pickup, which seems to be A.J. Preller’s forte, is pitcher Greg Reynolds whom the San Diego Padres just inked to a minor league deal. The tall right handed pitcher spent some time in Japan last year for the Seibu Lions and looks to make his mark back in major league baseball.
#Padres sign 6-foot-7 RHP Greg Reynolds, the second pick in 2006 draft, to minor league deal. Made 12 starts for Seibu in Japan in 2015.
— Matt Eddy (@MattEddyBA) February 19, 2016
He was not all that effective in Japan last year going 3-7 with a 5.46 ERA in 61 innings. Reynolds was the Rockies first round selection (second overall) in the 2006 draft out of the University of Stanford. He was once a very highly touted prospect, but has never been able to make it to the next level. The Padres hope he can make the adjustments and become a reliable major league pitcher.
Reynolds had made two different appearances with the Rockies, going 6-11 in his major league career with a 7.01 ERA. Most recently he pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 2013 going 1-3 with a 5.52 ERA in a handful of starts. In total he has thrown for three major league franchises as he also itched for the Rangers organization, but never made it to the pro team.
He does not have dominating stuff by any means and in fact has had a traditionally low strike out rate throughout his professional career. He has a low to mid 90’s sinker, a decent curve and an average change-up. He is nothing more than organizational depth at this point as the Padres try to strengthen their upper minor league systems.
Reynolds has typically started his whole career. The Padres might want to take a look at him in a relievers role. Perhaps in that role his stiff will get a little better and he can find more consistency. Reynolds is six-foot seven, and sometimes he has had trouble repeating his delivery. Darren Balsley will have fun working with this young man in an attempt to make him a better pitcher.
The Padres bullpen will be made up of some journeyman pitchers and Reynolds could very well be in the mix. He already has major league experience and more often than not, players who spend some time overseas take advantage of it when they are given an opportunity to pitch again in the majors. Keep an eye on Reynolds and let us see if he can develop into a decent option for the Friars.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.