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| The Reds look like the favorites to win the NL Central this year, but will they live up to their expectations? |
There is a lot of hype surrounding the Reds, and every fan is excited for what this season may bring. But will it happen?
If you think about the team on paper, they are a team that could do some serious damage this year. Since Fielder and Pujols have not only left the Central Division, but also the National League, that makes Joey Votto the best 1st baseman in the NL. Brandon Phillips is undoubtedly the best 2nd baseman in the NL, and now think about Jay Bruce, he could be the best right fielder in the NL as well. Those are 3 guys that should be in the All Star Game come July.
The Reds rotation seems promising. Mat Latos is an ace, as is Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake will be an ace in the near future, then throw in Homer Bailey who is expected to get it all together this year. Those are 4 starters, but who is the 5th. Aroldis Chapman will try to start this year, but what if that doesn't work out? No problem, he can be a set up man in the bullpen, and Marshall or Masset would have to do something else, Chapman had way too much talent to not play a good amount of games. If he is not a starter, then the Veteran pitcher with the golden locks will come in. I'm talkin' about Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo was fantastic back in 2010 when the Reds won the Central, but he had a very mediocre and disappointing season last year. He gave up more home runs than any other NL pitcher, but don't forget the Reds play at Great American
How about that bullpen? Last year, the Reds bullpen was very, uh, scary. Francisco Cordero had fans hating him before the All Star Break, he was way too inconsistent and put you on the edge of your seat every game pretty much. Well he is gone, and the Reds have one of the best closers in the game, Ryan Madson. The Phillies wanted to keep this guy, but they ended up getting Jon Papelbon. If the Phillies wanted someone, you know he's gotta be good. And he is expected to be a top closer in the MLB this year. Now for Sean Marshall. He didn't get too much attention from anyone, no one was talking about him, but the Reds made a trade giving up Travis Wood, who has a promising future, in return for this reliever. Walt Jocketty is very confident that he can get done what he needs to. We'll see how that goes. The Reds also reached a deal with Jose Arredondo. Arredondo was pretty good for the most part last year. He's not amazing, but he is good enough for the Reds this year. He can do what he needs to for sure, and chances are, he won't get all that much action this year. Logan Ondrusek, he is great. He returns this year as a 3rd year player, so he has experience now, and also some great talent. Ondusek can be lights out. Then there's Nick Masset. He is a hold-your-breath kind of guy, much like Cordero. Just be thankful he is not the closer.
The offense now. Obviously the Reds gave up a great young player, Yonder Alonso, in that Mat Latos trade, but they still have a lot of weapons. They will be lead by Joey Votto, who can put up MVP numbers, then Jay Bruce who has the capability of leading the league in home runs, especially playing in GABP. Brandon Phillips will likely have a good season, as always, hit 20 bombs, knock in a good amount, you can pencil in a 20-20 season for him just about every year. Zack Cozart is expected to start at short for the Reds this year, over Paul Janish. Last year Cozy had an abbreviated season due to an arm injury. But, while he was active, he looked very good. In only 11 games he hit .324, hit 2 homers, and knocked in 3 runs. He also looked very solid on defense, he's no Paul Janish, but he'll get the job done. At 3rd base, a lot of Reds fans, myself included, would like to see Juan Francisco start, but that is unlikely. Dusty Baker loves starting the guys with experience, that's something the Scott Rolen has a lot of. The Reds did not re-sign Ramon Hernandez, even after a great 2011 season, instead they will put Devin Mesoraco behind the plate to do the catching duties. Last year "Mez" played in 18 games, had 50 AB's, had a low batting average of .180, hit 2 home runs, and knocked in 6. If he doesn't work out, then there is still a very solid player that can catch, his name is Ryan Hanigan. Very good player.
To the outfield we go. Jay Bruce will obviously start in right field, and I expect him to have a fantastic 2012 season. Last year Bruuuucccee hit .256, 32 homers, and had 97 RBI's. This year, I think he'll hit about .280, and lead the NL in home runs with 47, and add 110 RBI's. I think Jay will have an MVP-type season. Drew Stubbs will probably start in center field. Stubbs strikes out, A LOT. I think he will lead all of the majors in strikeouts, but still hit .240, hit 31 home runs, and steal 60 bases. He will be valuable, but not the guy you want at the plate when the game is on the line. Why he continually swing at pitches in the dirt, I dunno. In left field it will probably be split time between Chris Heisey and Ryan Ludwick. I think Heisey will eventually be the everyday left fielder. Heisey had 279 at bats, and had an average of .254 last year. He also hit 18 home runs and had 50 RBI's. If he got the chance to play everyday, I think he would shine, hit .290, knock out 32, and drive in a good amount as well. I honestly think he should start over Stubbs in the center field, he has the speed to do so.
So, the Reds look promising this year.
My prediction is: The Reds go 92-70, and win the NL Central for the 2nd time in the last 3 years.
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