do you think the cincinnati reds are a bad team because of their pitching?

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 good.

Answer 2

Have you ever seen a bad team with Great Pitching. But let's think about this. You could put the greatest pitching staff in the world on the Rockies and they would get shelled (arguably). I undestand the new ballpark in Cincy is one the most hitter friendly parks in the league, so that "could" be a factor. As a season wears on it takes a toll on the best pitchers. That may explain why they both hit and gave up so many dingers last year. But if I were to point fingers it would be the pitching. And I don't think I've ever seen a horrible team with Great Pitching. I have seen teams in the Wild Card Era get hot with mediocre or suspect pitching and leak into the playoffs and do something special though. Sorry Cardinals. Too bad for Cincy that Pujols plays on the Banks of the Mississippi and not the Ohio River.

Answer 3

that's incredibly glaring that it somewhat is between the Astros and the Marlins. they're very nearly combating one yet another for that huge style a million draft %.. i think of it's going to be the Astros in the top. The Marlins are the worst astounding now, with the Padres close in the back of, however the Marlins will do extra appropriate as quickly as Stanton starts hitting, and the Padres will develop with a wholesome Chase Headley.

Answer 4

They are a weak team because they have weak pitching. They did little to improve during the off season. It will be interesting to see if they will be competitive this year in their division.

Chow!!

Answer 5

no, the reason i think is that some of their players are a little too old..and that they dont have marquee name or big player in their line up..and also some of thier minor league prospects havent panned out as the cincinnati reds organization thought they would

Answer 6

KARA J--The reds have one "old" player on the team and his name is Ken Griffey, Jr., not many more marquee names than his...Even though he is old, he is still one of the best in the game, when healthy, of course...

Answer 7

Of course. Last year the Reds had the most homeruns in the MLB and also gave up the most homeruns.

Answer 8

No, they are bad b/c they are in Cinncinnati, all teams are bad in that town.

Answer 9

yes.