In an effort to get every preview done by the season opener, you may notice that some of the team previews will be of the shorter variety. With some of the “extra information” not included, this should make for an easier read. Enjoy!
Key Additions: Ramon Hernandez, Arthur Rhodes, Willy Taveras, Micah Owings
Key Subtractions: Corey Patterson, Jeremy Affeldt, Josh Fogg, Javier Valentin, David Ross, Ryan Freel, Jeff Keppinger
A look at the lineup:
CA – Ramon Hernandez was acquired from the Orioles and will be the everyday catcher and hit seventh. Ryan Hanigan is expected to be his backup.
1B – Joey Votto is back at first base and will be the three hitter. Jonny Gomes will be his backup.
2B – Brandon Phillips is the first baseman and will hit cleanup. Paul Janish add depth.
SS – Alex Gonzalez will the starting shortstop and will hit eighth. Janish and Adam Rosales are the reserves.
3B – Edwin Encarnacion returns at the hot corner and will hit in the middle of the order. Jeff Hairston and Rosales could see work off the bench.
LF – Rookie Chris Dickerson will be the start in left field and is expected to hit second. Gomes and Hairston are the backups.
CF – Willy Tavares was brought to town to lead off and man center field. Dickerson could also see time in center.
RF – Jay Bruce will hit fifth and man right field. Hairston is the reserve.
A look at the pitching:
Starters – Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Edinson Volquez, and Johnny Cueto make up four-fifths of what is a very talented pitching rotation. Newcomer Micah Owings will be the fifth starter. Homer Bailey could also see a few spot starts.
Relievers – Francisco Cordero is back at closer. Eating up the innings out of the bullpen will be David Weathers, Mike Lincoln, Arthur Rhodes, Jared Burton, Bill Bray, Daniel Ray Herrera, and Nick Masset.
Outlook:
A lot of people are pegging the Reds as a sleeper team in 2009 and you can include me in that group. Don’t get me wrong, they are not the “Rays of 2009”, but they should be competitive in the NL Central. They have a very talented rotation and a solid core of young bats, which should be a recipe for success down the road.
Prediction:
The Reds will hang in the divisional race throughout most of the season, but they will not be able to overtake the Cubs for the division crown. Expect a second place finish at 83-79.
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