Will the Reds repeat with the minimal off-season activity or have the Cardinals and others passed them?

I'm not worried about the Cardinals. It's the Brewers that worry me.

I'm not worried about the Cardinals. It's the Brewers that worry me.

 

Especially without Albert.

It's the Reds that worry me about the Reds. Rolen, can he sustain a full season? Odds aren't in his favor. Can the staff make it without a major injury to the starting rotation? Is there a chance that there is a quality leadoff candidate in the clubhouse? Can they overcome JPU's defense in left? Lots of ????s. I don't really think what everyone else does worries me as much frankly. The success starts and ends with the staff, in my very humble opinion.

Especially without Albert.

 

He's playing this year, 2012 would be that topic.

It's the Reds that worry me about the Reds. Rolen, can he sustain a full season? Odds aren't in his favor. Can the staff make it without a major injury to the starting rotation? Is there a chance that there is a quality leadoff candidate in the clubhouse? Can they overcome JPU's defense in left? Lots of ????s. I don't really think what everyone else does worries me as much frankly. The success starts and ends with the staff, in my very humble opinion.

 

Another season without a quality and consistent leadoff hitter would be extremely frustrating. Whoever the person is that hits there, you can be certain Dusty will stick with a guy that hits .245 and .300 OBP far too long.

It's the Reds that worry me about the Reds. Rolen, can he sustain a full season? Odds aren't in his favor. Can the staff make it without a major injury to the starting rotation? Is there a chance that there is a quality leadoff candidate in the clubhouse? Can they overcome JPU's defense in left? Lots of ????s. I don't really think what everyone else does worries me as much frankly. The success starts and ends with the staff, in my very humble opinion.

 

The Reds starting rotation should be pretty deep this year. Arroyo, Volquez, Cueto, Leake, Wood, Baily, Lecure and a few others will probably make starts this season.

Questions the reds have this year

1. Will Stubbs continue to perform as they think he can

2. Who will be the starting rotation

3. Who will replace Rhodes in the pen

4. Aroldis Chapman???????????????????

5. Who plays LF

6. What if Janish cant hit

7. If the reds struggle and attendence goes to the dump, how long will it be before Phillips, Arroyo, and any other vetran gets traded for prospects. (ps I think the Yankees would give up something for Arroyo right now)

Questions the reds have this year

1. Will Stubbs continue to perform as they think he can

2. Who will be the starting rotation

3. Who will replace Rhodes in the pen

4. Aroldis Chapman???????????????????

5. Who plays LF

6. What if Janish cant hit

7. If the reds struggle and attendence goes to the dump, how long will it be before Phillips, Arroyo, and any other vetran gets traded for prospects. (ps I think the Yankees would give up something for Arroyo right now)

 

I'll take some stabs at it.

 

1. I think Stubbs has a good year. .270 25 HRs and 88 RBIs (Still will have 125 Ks, though)

2. Arroyo, Cueto, Volquez, Wood, Bailey

3. Aroldis will play the Rhodes roll, and Dontrelle comes out of no where to snag up an important relief role.

4. ^^^

5. Gomes, Lewis, Hermida (am I missing someone?)

6. Then wear out Edgar Renteria and say a prayer. Maybe make a move during the season if they have to.

7. Who cares? I'm confident the Reds will be in the race all season long and sell a good amount of tickets.

I'll take some stabs at it.

 

1. I think Stubbs has a good year. .270 25 HRs and 88 RBIs (Still will have 125 Ks, though)

2. Arroyo, Cueto, Volquez, Wood, Bailey

3. Aroldis will play the Rhodes roll, and Dontrelle comes out of no where to snag up an important relief role.

4. ^^^

5. Gomes, Lewis, Hermida (am I missing someone?)

6. Then wear out Edgar Renteria and say a prayer. Maybe make a move during the season if they have to.

7. Who cares? I'm confident the Reds will be in the race all season long and sell a good amount of tickets.

 

I forgot, but Heisey (sp) plays OF and could be in left

I don't know how to answer all these questions...but I can't wait for this season to get started.

I would be a lot more comfotable if they would have added a veteran reliever and somehow got a leadoff hitter to play LF. Also a utility INF player especially with the questions about Rolen staying healthy. All in all, I think this team is just a move or two away from being elite for at least three consecutive years. Not a lot of teams can say that so I am perfectly content and can't wait to go to so games this spring/summer.

I forgot, but Heisey (sp) plays OF and could be in left

 

Ah yes. I knew I was forgetting someone.

If the Reds young players improve as much this year as they did last year. I think they will make the playoffs and win some games in the playoffs. I can't wait for the season to start. My first game will be the business man's special the Thursday after opening day.

The cynic in me makes me ask the following in regards to their chances of repeating:

 

1. Can Rolen duplicate his season

2. Can they win as many games in a come-from-behind fashion

3. Can Votto duplicate his year in both stats and "clutch"

4. Have they done enough to improve the team as compared to the other teams?

 

Can't wait. If anyone has a chance to go to spring training I'd highly recommend it. It's a great escape from winter in Cincy. Stay in Scottsdale. Drive out to the ballpark (in nowheresville) but go see other attractions.