Int’l signees, 2016 draftees headline Reds’ crop at instructs

The Cincinnati Reds have been very active on the international amateur free-agent market since this year’s signing period began on July 2. They went well over their pool just to sign shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez for $7 million. Then they handed out $4.75 million to bring right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez into the fold. Both Cubans were placed among the Reds’ Top 10, but that was before they had spent a day as a Red in the United States.

That changed last Sunday when a slew of Reds prospects reported to the team’s training complex in Goodyear, Ariz., for instructional league work. Rodriguez and Gutierrez are officially on the advanced instructs roster, which features slightly older and more developed players, including 2016 first-round pick Nick Senzel.

Rodriguez, 22, did get 77 at-bats in the Dominican Summer League as visa issues were taken care of, and he is now getting back in the swing of things after a layoff. Gutierrez, who just turned 21, signed in September, so instructs is his first official work in the organization.

“With the Cubans, there’s an element of cultural assimilation that needs to happen,” Reds farm director Jeff Graupe said. “That goes beyond just the language. There’s a lot of education, a lot of one-on-one, getting them up to speed on adjusting to lifestyle. It’s been a fun process. It’s been two-pronged with the baseball teaching and the off-field stuff. They’re fun to work with, they’re excited to learn.”

The Reds are obviously excited about what this pair can do on the field and are eager to see them in game action, something that will happen soon with the advanced instructs schedule starting Friday. Rodriguez should see some game action this weekend, while Cincinnati is still figuring out a pitching rotation and where Gutierrez fits in. So far, the Reds have liked what they’ve seen.

“Rodriguez looks athletic, with a good feel on the defensive side, with good hands,” Graupe said. “He’s been taking a good BP.

“Gutierrez has a live body with a plus fastball and a good feel for a breaking ball in bullpens so far. We’re excited to get both of them into games, get better evaluations and an understanding of what we’ll be working on next year and where we’ll …

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