Things are looking up in Cincinnati With Revamped Reds Lineup
The Cincinnati Reds are hoping for a huge 2009 season turnaround, and many experts around the league are starting to think they just might get it. They are certainly starting to look like they will be much better, and if the young stars on this team gel early, they just might be the 2009 version of the Tampa Bay Rays. Cincinnati has all the makings of a winning team. Strong starting pitching, good defense, and some serious sluggers at the plate. They also have pretty good team speed to aid them in their quest. Even the bullpen is better for the Reds in 2009. The best part about the 2009 Reds would be their starting pitching. The Reds got a great rookie season from Johnny Cueto, and staff ace Edison Volquez should be even better this season as he has now had a year to adjust to his new role. Figure in veterans Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo and you have the makings of a very good starting staff.
Youngster Homer Bailey and Micah Owings will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation and both have the potential to completely dominate batters. The offense in Cincinnati is sure to be exciting if nothing else. After signing Willy Taveras and Jerry Hairston Jr, the Reds are set to have plenty of speed to set the table for young sluggers Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Add in the explosive Brandon Phillips and Edwin Encarnacion, and they could be one of the most productive offenses in the league. The one element that the Reds had hoped for but did not get was a power hitting right handed bat to sandwich between left handers Votto and Bruce. This will add some pressure to the two young sluggers to carry a much heavier load, and they will not get much protection in the lineup. Fortunately, the Reds are trying to revive the career of youngster Jonny Gomes to take that spot. Gomes has the power and ability to be a perfect fit in Cincinnati, but he will have to earn that chance in Spring Training. The defense in Cincinnati should be in great hands as they signed veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez from the Orioles. This guy is a great on the field coach that can lead the Reds from behind the plate. Phillips is about as good as it gets at second, and the combination with A. Gonzalez at shortstop is strong up the middle and turning the double play. The outfield is quick and athletic and should be sound if they can find a good player for left field. The resigning of Hairston gives the Reds a ton of lineup flexibility. Hairston Jr can literally play anywhere on the baseball diamond, and does not mind doing so. This will give Dusty Baker a chance to rest players and test some new ideas here and there. Baker is one of the most creative coaches in the league, and Hairston Jr will allow him to utilize that talent.
Overall, the Reds will be much improved in 2009. It is hard to imagine that the Reds would do anything but move up from the dismal season of 08, and if they have some of those bats mature quickly, they just might be a power in the National League. The Rays have shown that it can be done. The Reds want to follow suit in 09.
