Cincinnati Reds: It's Not Crazy, We Can Really Expect This Team to Win
Four games in and the Cincinnati Reds are as hot as ever.
An amazing four-game run has this team off to an undefeated start and has the diehards thinking about wire-to-wire.
This isn't crazy talk at all. This team can win. With the "never say die" attitude they carry each and every night, plus very solid innings from the starting rotation to start the season, Dusty Baker, Walt Jocketty and the Reds front office are brewing up something very special.
Here are five reasons Reds fans can really expect this team to win.
No. 1: Joey Votto
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Alright, alright, I know this is an easy way to start this, but look at what Votto has become.
The reigning 2010 National League MVP has barely received national attention, but man, can this guy play. Votto came through the minors as a great power hitter and is quickly becoming a complete player.
You're seeing Joey get clutch hits to get RBI, make key defensive plays and greatly improve his plate vision.
I think it's safe to say that Votto has a great argument against Albert Pujols for the most talented first basemen in baseball.
No. 2: The Bench
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During the Bowden era, you never saw a group of backups like this in Cincinnati.
Every guy on that bench is capable of getting clutch hits when it's their time. From 2010 World Series MVP Edgar Renteria all the way to up-and-coming third basemen Juan Fransisco, you are seeing this team mold and become deeper than the regular eight men who take the field on a game-to-game basis.
Not to mention Fred Lewis, if he is able to recover from injury soon—that's a great outfielder you can add to go with Chris Heisey, Drew Stubbs, Jonny Gomes and Jay Bruce.
No. 3: Bullpen
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The name Aroldis Chapman has everyone asking questions.
Exactly how good is the "Cuban Missile?" Can he be a starter in the future? Can he do more than throw a fastball? If you're asking me, the answers are "yes." Chapman has shown he is more than a fireball thrower. With a great slider and developing changeup, Aroldis is a talent that will be very special.
But he's not alone. So far, the Reds Bullpen has looked wonderful, giving up just one run and really making the most of their opportunities.
Along with Chapman, we have seen Logan Ondrusek, Jordan Smith, Matt Maloney and Sam Le Cure really put make up a bullpen that can give their solid pitching staff confidence.
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No. 4: Have You Seen the Reds' Minor League Rosters?
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In case of any injury, no doubt about, it the Reds have a player in the minors to fill in the roster spot.
With a good mixture of great players developing their skills as well as players who have major league experience, when the time comes, these guys will help the Reds.
Take a guy like Chris Valaika. A middle infielder with a bit of major league experience who made the most when it was his time. Chris was a skilled shortstop who is now the Louisville Bats' second basemen and is a great option to be in the infield mix.
If you are a diehard baseball fan, you probably have heard the name Devin Mesoraco. Devin was dubbed on ESPN's Baseball Tonight as this season's Buster Posey. The former first-round draft pick is a big part of the Reds' future plans and is expected by many to be a part of the team no later than the September call-up list.
No. 5: Walt Jocketty
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Walt Jocketty has made Cincinnati a baseball town again.
Plain and simple, this guy is all about success, and his past proves it. The former Cardinals GM has a fantastic background with putting great teams together and is a true baseball mind.
Thanks to Walt, the Reds were able to lock up their core group of players this offseason and have drafted very well to build towards the future.
With Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto and Bronson Arroyo locked up, expect Walt and the front office to get a deal done with All-Star Gold Glove second basemen Brandon Phillips.
Easiest way to put it: Walt wants to win and he won't accept anything else.
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