CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2005

2005 OUTLOOK: Will play center field for the Springfield Cardinals.

Here's Baseball Prospectus profile of Gorecki, Gorecki profiled as a leadoff type, but that's more an indictment of his power numbers than lofty praise for his on base skills. He's reasonably speedy, but he hasn't shown noteworthy power above the NY-Penn League, and his career OBP is only .338. Unless he makes gains in 2005, he profiles as a fifth outfielder, and that's with luck.

Here "In the House" we have a little more faith in Gorecki, than our friends at BP, as do the Cardinals. Reid is on the 40 man roster as the season begins, though we don't expect him to play in the majors this season before September.

2004 SEASON: Majority of season was spent at Palm Beach (A) where he appeared in 118 games. Had seven-game late-season callup to playoff bound Tennessee (AA) and made a favorable impression with .320 BA while hitting safely in every game.

Ranked among Florida State League leaders with 74 runs scored. Stole 23 bases, matching his doubles total.

Had a season-high four hits on 5/20 vs. cross-stadium rival Jupiter Hammerheads.

Displayed strong arm in the field, recording a team-high 12 outfield assists.

Late-season surge continued beyond the regular season as he took part in Arizona Fall League as a member of the Mesa Solar Sox.

Finished 6th among AFL leaders with a .363 BA (37-102) in 26 games. His .449 on-base pct. ranked 4th.

Was crowned Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year on the strength of his steady improvements over the course of the season and throughout the AFL season.

MISC: Graduated from Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, NY in 1999...was a four-year letterman in baseball, earned three letters in football and two in basketball...attended University of Delaware where he played baseball for three years...was named to all-tournament team in 2001 regionals...was named team MVP in 2002 and also took part in CAA Championships that year...won amateur championship titles in 1997 and 1998 with Bayside Yankees...was scouted by Tommy Shields...makes his home in East Rockaway, NY...name is pronounced gore-ECK-e.