Watch Out For The Reds In 2010

You may not necessarily look as the Cincinnati Reds as the class of the NL central but they are certainly a team to be on the look out for as we speed towards the start of the 2010 season.  Cincinnati is a good baseball town with a rich history.  With the glory days of the “Big Red Machine” teams far in the rear view mirror, the franchise’s recent struggles has resulted in many impatient Cincy baseball fans.  The Reds haven’t had a winning season the past 5 season and haven’t been able to bring home a division title since 1995.  While all that is true, Reds fans have been given a glimpse of hope recently with a team rich in young talent. 

The way I see it, the Reds could easily finish second in the division and be the wild card team out of the national league.  The Cards have set themselves up to dominate the central for years to come, but other then that I don’t think its that far out to think that Cincinnati could overtake teams like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Houston. 

The 3-4 combo of Pujols and Holliday may look attractive now but 3 years from now we could be looking at Joey Votto (26) and Jay Bruce (23) as sort of the same kind of duo.  Not to mention one the most underrated players in baseball Brandon Phillips who can straight rake and also gives you a great glove at second.  I love at trade deadline pick up Scott Rolen.  He is still a solid player and gives a young team some veteran leadership. 

The loss of Edinson Volquez is a big blow.  This kid is electric and was well on his to taking command of this Reds staff.  Hopefully he will be able to pick up where he left coming off of Tommy John surgery.  Even so, I still really like the pitching staff of the Reds in 2010.  Johnny Cueto is another young talent looking like he can become an all-star caliber pitcher.  Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo give the rotation experience while Homer Bailey gives then even more depth.  I like the back end of the bullpen as well with Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Cordero handling the 8^th and 9^th innings.

This is all coming from a Phillies fan, not a Reds fan.  If this team can indeed become the Rays of 08, you heard it here first.  Don’t look now but the Cincinnati Red’s fortunes may be about to change.