Location: Cincinnati, Ohio | Ballpark: Great American Ball Park (42,941) | Spring Training: Sarasota, Fla.
Owner: Robert Castellini | GM: Walt Jocketty | Manager: Dusty Baker | World Championships: 5
With a new manager (Dusty Baker) and a weak division (National League Central), the Reds have convinced themselves they are a contender this year.
The team feels the seven-year itch is over -- seven consecutive losing seasons.
Most improved is the pitching, both the rotation and the bullpen. The rotation last year was Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo and whoever was available to occupy the last three spots.
This year the Reds head into the season with three new parts -- youngsters Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez. The fifth spot will be held by Josh Fogg, a free agent brought in at mid-camp.
Two pitchers expected to be in the rotation won't be, but they are poised to help if needed. Homer Bailey, the team's top draft pick in 2004, was not good this spring and will should start at Class AAA Louisville. Matt Belisle, 7-9 last year, didn't pitch well in the Grapefruit League and ended up with a sore elbow from practicing too many changeups.
The worst bullpen in baseball last year has been bolstered by the signing of free agent closer Francisco Cordero.
The offense, led by left fielder Adam Dunn, right fielder Ken Griffey Jr., second baseman Brandon Phillips and third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, should score enough runs to put the team in contention if the pitching holds up.
And the Reds need quality performances from free agent newcomer Corey Patterson, the center fielder and leadoff hitter, and rookie first baseman Joey Votto.
PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON Ever since he was acquired in a trade with Texas, 3B Edwin Encarnacion has carried the can't-miss tag, but he has missed. He was demoted to Class AAA Louisville last year at midseason, but he came back strong and eventually drove in 76 runs, giving new manager Dusty Baker hope that this will be his breakout season.
ON THE DECLINE In a surprise move, the Reds picked up the one-year option on 38-year-old 1B Scott Hatteberg, probably as protection if rookie 1B Joey Votto fails. Hatteberg, though, isn't likely to get much playing time if Votto follows up his .321 average of last September.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Okay, so the preview of this game is pretty much tickling the balls of the Rockies, who, in my opinion should not be in any conversations. Lucky for them, their division is a bunch of a half-wit losers. If it were up to me, you shouldn't be able to make it to the play-offs without a solid winning record but NL west could be
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Jason Stark is reporting that the Yankees have inquired about Adam Dunn. He reports that the Reds asking price may be to high. The Reds are asking for a top tier and 2nd tier prospect in return.
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For all those Haters out there we NEED Adam Dunn! He is the only player in the Reds lineup who puts fear into opposing pitchers... He strikes out makes some errors but if the Reds have any sense they will sign him up long term! I seriously don't understand why Red
