Cincinnati Reds: The Future Is Bright

The Cincinnati Reds have not had a winning season since 2000.  That streak may finally come to an end. 

The Reds are very young and talented.  Here's brief look at what to expect from the 2009 Reds:

3) Cincinnati Reds 83-79

Key Additions

Willy Taveras, Daryle Ward, Arthur Rhodes, and Ramon Hernandez

Key Departures

Jeremy Affeldt, Paul Bako, Josh Fogg, Ryan Freel, Gary Majewski, and Corey Patterson

Pitching 

Edinson Volquez had a great first year with the Reds.  The 25-year-old was 17-6 with 206 strikeouts in 198 innings. 

It was another solid year for Bronson Arroyo who was 15-11 with a 4.77 ERA.   The same can not be said for Aaron Harang.  Harang was awful in 2008 going 6-17.  Most people expect Harang to bounce back, and he should start the season as the Reds number two or three starter.

The final two spots in the Reds rotation are major question marks. At times, Johnny Cueto looked good, but he finished 9-14.  In all likelihood, Cueto will be the Reds number four starter. 

The No. 5 spot is up for grabs. Micah Owings may start the season as the teams number five.  Owings was 6-9 in 2008. 

Homer Bailey is another possibility.  The seventh overall pick in the 2004 draft struggled going 0-6 in 2008.  Reds manager Dusty Baker will give Bailey an opportunity to win the number five spot.

The Reds bullpen continues to improve.  David Weathers, and Francisco Cordero make up a very solid back end of the pen.  Newly acquired Arthur Rhodes strengthens the Reds pen from the left side.

Offense

The biggest offensive pickup for the Reds was Willy Taveras.  Taveras led the league with 68 stolen bases and will bat leaoff. 

Lack of power will not be a problem for the 2009 Reds.  Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Edwin Encarnacion make up a very young but potent lineup.

The biggest problem with the Reds lineup is their lack of discipline.  Much of that is due to their youth. 

Outlook

The Reds are another year away from being a serious contender in the NL Central.  With Walt Jockety as GM, the Reds are going in the right direction. 

Overall, this will be a nice learning experience for a very young but talented Reds team.  

Next Up: The Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are coming off a great 2008 season, but great things must come to an end.  The Brewers had a very disappointing offseason.  I'll be back later with a preview of the Milwaukee Brewers.  'Til next time.