Baker Names Reds' Rotation?

A lackluster staff last season will likely have a different look come April in Cincinnati.  There was very little doubt that Harang would remain number one in the rotation and Arroyo was an essential lock to be in the rotation somewhere.  The other three spots were up for grabs. 

This past off-season Cincinnati resigned Matt Belisle, the teams number three last year; and signed free agents Josh Fogg and Jeremy Affeldt.  All three were to be given a chance to make the rotation.  Three young prospects were also in the fight:  Reds prospects Homer Bailey, and Johnny Cueto; and Edinson Volquez—acquired in an off-season trade from Texas for Josh Hamilton.   

The spring training battle was on.

Last season's superprospect, Homer Bailey, just hasn't quite become big league ready yet.  Affeldt has gotten beat up, not near strong enough to be promoted from the bullpen, where he had been very solid in Colorado.  Belisle is simply too inconsistent, great at times and wild at times.  Fogg has been Fogg for the most part, not special but steady.  But, the story out of the Reds camp this spring has been that of Dominican prospects Johhny Cueto and Edinson Vlquez.  

Johnny Cueto looks like the real deal.  A minor league teammate of Cueto's last season who is also at the Reds camp, was asked about a stellar performance Cueto had in a spring training outing, his response, "That's what he does."  Cueto has struck out 12 in 13 innings and has a 2.08 spring ERA.  One scout has said he is the Reds best pitcher right now, including Harang.  Voquez has been almost as impressive.  His changeup, paired with a mid-90s fastball, is nothing short of sensational. 

Not only are the change of speed and arm action unbelievably deceptive, but the pitch has incredile movement, diving down and in to a right-hander.  In an outting against the Yankees he struck out eight in four innings; including Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi, and Hideki Matsui in the same inning.  He has 19 total K's in 13 innings.

Manager Dusty Baker was asked if the two would be in the rotation if the season started today.  He said everything but yes.  He then let out of the bag that Fogg would be the fifth starter.  This seemingly is a big improvement over last season.  The top two starters are back in the rotation, but the number three starter from a season ago is being beat out by three other pitchers.  Will a rotation that looks like Harang, Arroyo, Cueto, Volquez, Fogg be enough to put the Reds in contention.  With young arms there is some uncertainty, but their stuff is undeniable.  The month of April will begin to tell this hopefully lengthly tale in Cincinnati.