How will the Cincinnati Reds do this year?

Question

The new ownership and management put together a pretty good season last year. Can they contend this year, or will they still be rebuilding? Pitching and defense were a problem last year, seems like.

Answer 1

I think the Reds made a solid run last year, but I don't expect them to have nearly the same level of success in 2007.

The rotation looks to be roughly the same, barring any changes in Spring Training, and I think that's a good sign. Bronson Arroyo really stepped up his game last season, but may be due to regress after the league has all gotten used to his pitches. He should still be a solid pitcher and definitely worthy of getting the ball once every five days, I think Arroyo has really come into his own in Cincy. Aaron Harang had a banner year in 2006 and may be able to build on that success in 2007. After that things are a bit shaky. As a Twins fan, I can't trust any rotation that has Kyle Lohse, but I do think Eric Milton is due for a bit of a rebound in 2007. He is a much better pitcher than his record has shown in Cincinnati. Homer Bailey is still waiting on the horizon, but the organization doesn't want to rush him. Unless he comes out and flat-out dominates in Spring Training, I'd expect him to start the season in Triple-A.

I think the offense will definitely carry the club, but I still feel that the loss of both Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez last season gutted the team's offense and the team's chemistry. The return the Reds got on the deal makes the trade look even worse. I think Encarnacion will continue to develop into a fine hitter and Adam Dunn will be good for his usual 40+ bombs, but after that there is a lot of reliance on young talent and veterans who can be very hit or miss.

The biggest weakness, in my mind, is probably the bullpen. Harang does his part by trying to huck a complete game every fifth day, but the rest of the rotation can't really be expected to do the same. It always seems like anything beyond the sixth inning is an adventure and with a very "free-swinging" offense the Reds can't afford to fall behind late in games or give up leads they've already established.

I'm also curious as to who is expected to close out the games for the Reds in 2007? The Reds are planning on doing a closer-by-committee of sorts with Weathers and Stanton, a decision which I personally feel is very misguided. Hopefully one or the other will win the job outright in Spring Training and give the bullpen some sort of concrete centerpiece. Although given the ages of the two closer candidates maybe it's not really concrete, it's more like stucco.

I'd expect the Reds to hang around for awhile in 2007, probably vying for the Wild Card, but like the other 2,000 teams that seem to be in the running for the NL Wild Card late into the season....they will finish as a pretender in 2007, but the future is looking pretty bright with some solid gems hiding down on the farm.

Hope that answers your question...

Answer 2

The Cincinnati Reds like many of the teams in the NL Central are comperable in talent makeup save for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have a realistic shot at winning the division or they can end up 4th or 5th place. The Reds did do a good job in the offseason shoring up defense up the middle with the signing of Alex Gonzalez and shoring up the bullpen with the signing up Stanton and Weathers. How far they go this year will depend on who they can fit into their rotation to complement Harang and Arroyo.

Who knows? Maybe Eric Milton forgets this year he is a Eric Milton. LOL

Answer 3

Cards Still very good.
Reds Need 1 more pitcher
Cubs Pitchers they signed are overrated, and Cliff Floyd is junk now. Soriano was their only really good free agent, aside from players that were there last year.
Astros No more Clemens or Pettitte
Brewers Brew crew could surprise people but I doubt it.
Pirates...enough said

However, if Homer Bailey is called up from the minors this year and is successful, I think it could look like this.

Reds
Cards
Cubs
Astros
Brewers
Pirates

Also, they have alex gonzalez at short now so that will greatly improve the defense. Kearns was overrated, and after Lopez was accused of roids his batting slowed big time.

Answer 4

Being an Ohioan and a lifelong Reds fan, my first reaction is to sit down down right here and say "Win the NL significant!!" Being a realist, we are nonetheless some years far from legitimately contending. yet enable's have a glance at each place and enable it do the speaking... C: Ramon Hernandez, solid catcher with an very nicely stick, might probable hit 6 everywhere yet will hit 8 for us. 1B: Joey Votto is a foremost first basemen, sufficient reported approximately him... Yonder Alonso will proceed to get extra desirable and it wont be long earlier Jocketty is compelled to locate a place for him! 2B: Brandon Phillips...sufficient reported!! SS: Orlando Cabrera brings his Gold Glove mushy palms and a solid precise of the lineup stick... Paul Janish is an usual backup yet has a solid glove. 3B: Former Gold glover, himself, Scotty Rolen. capability is long previous yet he's have been given a extra desirable all around swing, making him a super slot interior the lunchbox G.A.B.P. Juan Fransisco is the actual handle Adam Dunn sort capability, he could finally take over the beginning spot. LF: Jonny Gomes is enjoying out of his techniques this spring, if he can shop that up, he's a LOCK. CF: Chris Dickerson has performed nicely sufficient to earn my vote earlier than Drew Stubbs. Stubbs desires yet another 12 months of spot starts to benefit plate self-discipline earlier he's able to be surpassed the keys. Dickerson additionally has a shot at LF besides. RF: Jay Bruce has executed some minor swing variations and has regarded like the Texas Bomber we drafted 5 years in the past. Rotation: With Edinson Volquez being out til a minimum of the All-action picture star harm, the fifth spot is now up for seize. Ace Aaron Harang, who i'm not an extremely massive fan of, anchors a workforce that consists of Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey, and Aroldis Chapman. Chappie would be struggling with for the fifth spot yet i've got self belief it will be Micah Owings who will earn the final spot. Bullpen: Masset, Danny Rey, Rhodes, Lincoln, and Bray make a solid helping solid to lockdown nearer CoCo Cordero! This being reported, the Reds are nearer to contending yet i visit declare this lots, we can ask your self human beings THIS 12 months, do not TAKE US gently!!!

Answer 5

I say basement cause Cubs got better and the Cards and Astro have been good. The Brew Crew is young a getting there.

Answer 6

Great