Cincinnati Reds: Would You Believe It?

Could you believe that in just a few years the winner of the NL Central would be a team that hasn't had a postseason game since 1995?  That's right.  The Reds of Cincinnati will bust out of a 10+ year rut and contend for the title of World Series champions. 

How will a consistently bad team turn things around you ask? Well, they will finally get it done in the pitching rotation.  You have probably not heard much of Daryl Thompson, but he will be a significant pitcher for the Redlegs. 

In his first major league start, he went five innings in the 6-0 shutout of the Yankees, probably a hint of things to come from him.  Another cog in the wheel of the Reds pitching staff is the young Edinson Volquez who currently has a NL best 2.08 ERA among starters.

In addition to those two, the Reds also have the crafty Johnny Cueto and the veterans Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang.  Plus, aside from the veterans, the Reds also have an outstanding prospect in Homer Bailey. 

Of course, you can't win if you don't score runs, but that shouldn't be a problem for Cincinnati.  We have all heard of Jay Bruce and his outrageous Major League start, but there are a few more young players that will turn heads in a couple of years.

One of whom is Jeff Keppinger.  The 28-year-old short-stop has a .320 avg. and an above average glove.  Jerry Hairston Jr. has a .329 avg., a very solid 10 years of experience, and will be an exceptional utility man. 

Another infield talent is Joey Votto.  The 24-year-old Toronto native will give you a batting avg. of about .275- .300 with probably about 30 long-balls a season.  Nothing overly spectacular, but solid. 

Also in the lineup will be Brandon Phillips and Edwin Encarnacion.  Two strong, young infielders who will have some a few more years of experience under their belt.

I wrote this whole article without even mentioning Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, and that is probably because they will be traded for additions to the Cincinnati bullpen.  Brace yourself, here come the Reds.