Cincinnati Reds 2007?

Question

What do we have to look forward to in 07 and in the next few years?

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

Reds aren't a bad team they will continue to improve and I'd say a WS Championship within the next 10 years.

Answer 3

Well they gotta be better then the Astros and Cardinals you'll have a Chance but You'll have to better then the Cubs, maybe the Reds will win the NL Central.

Answer 4

Alot. Your new management is outstanding unlike the previous. I really think they'll compete for the NL Central in the next couple years.

Move the damn fences back in that stadium, too.

Answer 5

hopefully a revamped bullpen will keep them from losing a lot of games that they had in their grasp last year. a healthy griffey is a must though.

Answer 6

Look for them to trade more offense for more so-so relief pitchers. The GM is an idiot - and I'm a Pirate fan, so I know what an idiot GM looks like. You guys will be battling us for last place this year.

Answer 7

Crappy uniforms. The number font sucks.

Answer 8

Bad management, unfortunately

Answer 9

Probably not Griffey Jr.

Answer 10

no, go Brewers! :D