Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the Opening Day Starting Lineup 1-9 (March Update)

I published an article last month projecting the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day batting order.

As spring training has progressed, however, the Redlegs' order seems to be shaping up quite a bit differently.

Here's an updated peek at the Cincinnati lineup as it may look when the Miami Marlins come to town April 5.

1) Brandon Phillips, 2B

Brandon Phillips is one of those rare players who can find success virtually anywhere in an MLB lineup.

While he isn't necessarily a leadoff hitter by trade, he is undoubtedly the Reds' best bet in the No. 1 hole until Drew Stubbs takes care of that nasty strikeout habit.

Phillips batted an impressive .350 when leading off last season, and he should be able to enjoy similar success in 2012.

If he can just get on base, the Reds have more than enough firepower in the heart of their lineup to knock him in and put some serious runs on the board.

2) Zack Cozart, SS

Zack Cozart is still very young, but if his short stint with the Reds last season was an indicator of things to come, he'll be holding down the shortstop spot in Cincinnati for quite some time.

While he only recorded 37 ABs before suffering a season-ending injury in 2011, the 26-year-old still managed to rack up 12 hits to the tune of a .324 batting average.

Assuming that he can stay healthy this year, he'll have a chance to put up some nice numbers sandwiched between Phillips and Joey Votto in the Cincy order.

3) Joey Votto, 1B

Generally speaking, MLB teams tend to put their best overall hitter in the No. 3 hole.

First basemen Joey Votto isn't just the Reds' best hitter, he's one of the league's best.

With his contract expiring in the near future, look for Votto to put up yet another MVP-caliber season in hopes of earning a monster Pujols/Fielder-type paycheck.

He's the National League's best first baseman, and pending a serious injury, nothing is going to change that in 2012.

4) Scott Rolen, 3B

Scott Rolen may not have the same power or consistency that he did in his younger years, but he does have two things going for him: He's a veteran and he's a right-handed hitter.

Dusty Baker loves his veterans, and also tends to stick a righty in the No. 4 spot to break up lefties Joey Votto and Jay Bruce.

Rolen fits the mold as Baker's ideal clean-up hitter, so he'll likely get the nod come Opening Day, whether he deserves it or not.

That said, look for outfielder Ryan Ludwick to give Rolen a run for his money. He too is a veteran righty, and has experience batting behind a superstar in Albert Pujols.

5) Jay Bruce, RF

More than any other player on the Cincinnati roster, Jay Bruce looks to be on the cusp of joining Joey Votto as a bona fide MLB superstar.

While he only managed to bat a mediocre .256 in 2011, he also clubbed 32 home runs and tallied 97 RBI.

Bruce was able to cut 16 pounds over the offseason in hopes of increasing his speed, so if he can bolster that batting average and become more of a weapon on the basepaths, he could easily emerge as one of the MLB's best outfielders.

6) Ryan Ludwick, LF

When Ryan Ludwick was added to the Cincinnati roster over the offseason many assumed that he would play more of a backup role.

However, through the first few weeks of spring ball Ludwick seems to be positioning himself to earn a starting job in left field.

While I'm not completely sold on Ludwick, given his recent production, he could potentially thrive in Cincinnati playing in a small ballpark and hitting in the heart of a stacked batting order.

It wasn't that long ago that he belted 37 home runs for the Cardinals in 2008.

7) Drew Stubbs, CF

Drew Stubbs has the makings of an absolutely deadly leadoff hitter, but his knack for striking out makes him a better fit lower in the order.

Look for the Stubbs to start the season in the No. 7 spot, providing a burst of speed in the bottom of the order and a power-hitting threat behind Ludwick and Bruce.

Reds fans love to hate him, but if Stubbs can become more picky at the plate in 2012 he could very well have a breakout season.

He truly is a special player, capable of posting 30 HR/30 SB numbers. He just has a few kinks to work out.

8) Ryan Hanigan, C

While rookie catcher Devin Mesoraco will likely get the majority of the starts behind the plate this season, expect to see Ryan Hanigan in the No. 8 spot come Opening Day.

Hanigan hits well for average and has solid familiarity with nearly every pitcher on the Cincinnati staff.

He may not have the same pop as Mesoraco, but he's still an incredibly valuable asset, as he could probably be an everyday catcher for a number of MLB franchises.

9) Johnny Cueto, P

Despite the offseason addition of former San Diego star, Mat Latos, Johnny Cueto is still the ace of Cincinnati pitching staff.

While he only managed to win nine games through 24 appearances in 2011, his 2.31 ERA and 1.09 WHIP were among the league's best.

Now, with a solidified bullpen to back him up, Cueto could be on the verge of a breakout 2012 campaign.

Don't expect lights out numbers at Great American Ballpark, but he could certainly turn some heads this year.