I honestly think the pen will be fine without much tweaking next year. They have shown a remarkable level of improvement as the season progressed...

Ever the optimist. I think Stormy is quickly approaching the end of his career.

I think that frankly, there's not much hope of our rotation being remarkably better than it has been especially of late, which is okay IMO. The pen is obviously much better with Burton, Magic, Bray, and company healthy and accounted for. I think the bottom line for this team is that the younger guys have to put it together and play consistently. E5 can't wait until July to start hitting and can't throw every 5th throw across the infield out of play. Hobbs has to be healthy and play at his same level against righties and lefties. Ross can't start out 3 for April and May. Votto is going to have to be able to handle it up here. There's alot of improvement that can be made without flipping the roster IMO.

I think that frankly, there's not much hope of our rotation being remarkably better than it has been especially of late, which is okay IMO. The pen is obviously much better with Burton, Magic, Bray, and company healthy and accounted for. I think the bottom line for this team is that the younger guys have to put it together and play consistently. E5 can't wait until July to start hitting and can't throw every 5th throw across the infield out of play. Hobbs has to be healthy and play at his same level against righties and lefties. Ross can't start out 3 for April and May. Votto is going to have to be able to handle it up here. There's alot of improvement that can be made without flipping the roster IMO.

The rotation that you think is OK. Please name them for me.

Harang

Arroyo

Bailey

EZ

Belisle

Harang

Arroyo

Bailey

EZ

Belisle

You honestly think they win a division next year with the same team?

You honestly think they win a division next year with the same team?

Yes...

You honestly think they win a division next year with the same team?

Yes, if my post above comes to pass.

I think they can, but they need some leadership and bull pen help.

Leadership in the form of Mackanin.

Yes...

I say no. if they stay pat no way.

I really don't understand why we think they magically become a playoff team after years of dismal play. I know that if the Reds win the pennant next year with this team there will be a secret Papal investigation for validity of a true miracle. Amen

I think that frankly, there's not much hope of our rotation being remarkably better than it has been especially of late, which is okay IMO. The pen is obviously much better with Burton, Magic, Bray, and company healthy and accounted for. I think the bottom line for this team is that the younger guys have to put it together and play consistently. E5 can't wait until July to start hitting and can't throw every 5th throw across the infield out of play. Hobbs has to be healthy and play at his same level against righties and lefties. Ross can't start out 3 for April and May. Votto is going to have to be able to handle it up here. There's alot of improvement that can be made without flipping the roster IMO.

Offensively, I agree the potential is there and the Reds again, will have a potent lineup. I would like to see them add a true leadoff man, with some speed.

 

At the same time, the starting pitching is woeful, other than Harang. Bailey, maybe don't know. Arroyo, I believe can win 12-14 games, if he throws more FB and not 75% offspeed....after that, whew.

 

No staff, can rely on the middle relief and compete. Also keep in mind, this Division has been down and that isn't going to continue. Somewhere, somehow a move for a #3 and/or #4, has to be made, if the Reds look to contend, in my opinion.

Offensively, I agree the potential is there and the Reds again, will have a potent lineup. I would like to see them add a true leadoff man, with some speed.

 

At the same time, the starting pitching is woeful, other than Harang. Bailey, maybe don't know. Arroyo, I believe can win 12-14 games, if he throws more FB and not 75% offspeed....after that, whew.

 

No staff, can rely on the middle relief and compete. Also keep in mind, this Division has been down and that isn't going to continue. Somewhere, somehow a move for a #3 and/or #4, has to be made, if the Reds look to contend, in my opinion.

I've been preaching the lack of speed on this club all year. Where ya been. I agree, unless somehow the pitching is upgraded this club remains around a mediocre club. If you have been reading these posts I am in the minority. Seems to be a lot of unfounded optimism flying around.

I've been preaching the lack of speed on this club all year. Where ya been. I agree, unless somehow the pitching is upgraded this club remains around a mediocre club. If you have been reading these posts I am in the minority. Seems to be a lot of unfounded optimism flying around.

I've stated the lack of speed and pitching, a few times myself....:sssh:

 

The Reds rely on the long ball and doubles, to generate a lot of runs and that is often predicated, by the talent on the ball club. I do like a lot of the moves, I see from Coach M and mix in some starters....could be interesting.