Charlie Klein
Key Additions:
Aroldis Chapman (SP)
Wladimir Balentien (OF)
Orlando Cabrera (SS)
Aaron Miles (INF)
Key Departures:
Willy Taveras (OF)
Arthur Rhodes (RP)
David Weathers (RP)
If you've forgotten about the Cincinnati Reds, you can't really feel too bad about it. The Reds have been mediocre for a long time since the days where Griffey Jr. was hurt for most of the season and Barry Larkin was no longer the player he was in the early '90s. Based on what they've done this offseason, I think it's safe to say one can afford to sleep on this team again.
The Reds best pitcher Edinson Volquez was placed on the 60-day disabled list last week to clear a roster spot for Jonny Gomes. Volquez, who was an NL Cy Young candidate in 2008 with a 17-6 record and a 3.21 ERA. In 2009 Volquez was only able to pitch through 49.2 innings before succumbing to elbow surgery. The Reds do not expect their Dominican dynamo to be back until mid-season. Not that Volquez's injury robs the Reds of a shot at the division, but it does make whatever hopes they had a bit dimmer.
Aroldis Chapman, one of the big prizes of the offseason decided to sign with the Reds for $30 million over six years. Many continue to question Reds general manager Walt Jocketty decision to sign the young Cuban defector as Chapman only has one MLB-ready pitch. Granted, that pitch is a 101 mph fastball, so I understand why Jocketty was interested, but still for the price the Reds brought him in at, one would hope he would be able to throw a breaking ball decently.
Aside from Chapman, the Reds were pretty quiet. Orlando Cabrera will bring veteran playoff experience to a young roster full of young talents that could use his presence in the clubhouse. I expect first baseman Joey Votto to take the next step this season and become a household name at that position. It will be interesting to see how Jay Bruce bounces back from a relatively disappointing sophomore season after being referred to as the next Griffey during his rookie year.
The Reds still have one of the best nicknames in the game on their roster in the Harang-a-tang and the rotation at the top is not too bad. Jonny Cueto will need to find some consistency at the start of the season if the Reds are to stay afloat while they wait for Volquez to return from injury. Homer Bailey, another player that received a great level of hype but one who has also yet to deliver on his promise, will have every opportunity to impress Reds management this season.
I do like Dusty Baker as a manager but I just don't see this team doing much in a crowded NL Central. At best, they'll finish third.
Projected Staring Nine
1. Orlando Cabrera (SS)
2. Brandon Phillips (2B)
3. Joey Votto (1B)
4. Jay Bruce (RF)
5. Scott Rolen (3B)
6. Drew Stubbs (CF)
7. Jonny Gomes (LF)
8. Ramon Hernandez (C)
9. Aaron Harang (P)
Projected Starting Rotation:
1. Aaron Harang
2. Bronson Arroyo
3. Jonny Cueto
4. Homer Bailey
5. Aroldis Chapman
Predicted Finish: 5th in the NL Central
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