Stubbs and Bruce have big years IMO, and Rolen and Gomes aren't as much of an impact. Votto I think regresses a little bit from last years numbers but still puts up all star numbers. The question marks will be on the pitching staff. I think we will see Arroyo put up his usual numbers. I'm really high on Wood, so I think he is by years end their best pitcher. I think the biggest question mark will be Volquez. Good news for the Reds is their really deep and will be able to rotate parts if something doesn't work.

It's the Brewers division to lose. Again.

Dusty has some big decisions to make, there will be some real talent that will have to play in AAA, I bet the reds AAA could give Kansas City a good series!

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.

 

Could Lewis fill that leadoff role? His career obp is around .350. He can steal a base but has never really put up big sb numbers.

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

 

What makes the Reds so much better in your opinion? I'm just curious as to why your not even worried about the Cardinals?

What makes the Reds so much better in your opinion? I'm just curious as to why your not even worried about the Cardinals?

 

Both have pretty much the same teams as last year and the Brewers are better than both IMO.

Both have pretty much the same teams as last year and the Brewers are better than both IMO.

 

I think Greinke is overrated honestly. People are concerned with the Cardinals defensive issues, but they look pretty good compared to the Brewers. I think they'll be improved, but not better then the Reds/Cards.

I think Greinke is overrated honestly. People are concerned with the Cardinals defensive issues, but they look pretty good compared to the Brewers. I think they'll be improved, but not better then the Reds/Cards.

 

He can finally get a team that will score runs for him and I think Marcum is going to be a stud this year.

He can finally get a team that will score runs for him and I think Marcum is going to be a stud this year.

 

Marcum will do great considering he is not playing the Sox and Yanks so much.

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.

 

1 Don't think he needs to. 15 Hr 80 RBI I'll take

2. If young team gets better...why not more ?

3. Call me crazy, I expect the same out of Votto every year.

4. I think Bruce hit .290 with 25 homers & 100 RBI. Bruce hits .275 100 runs and bunts better. Phillips is playing for for some big money this year. He goes .285, 25 HRS, 100 Runs and a Gold Glover again. Pitching is young a should...hopefully get better.

 

I'm a homer ! The main reason I feel good about this team...............................................Mike Brown has nothing to do with it !! :ylsuper:

Especially without Albert.

Pujos is playing this season and is jmo that he will be for years and years to come. I just can't see the Cards letting him go.

 

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.

:thumb: On all, especially the bolded.

 

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

:thumb: After this winter I am ready for some baseball.

 

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?

 

There you go making sense and bringing up some very good points. That is not the norm on here.

1 Don't think he needs to. 15 Hr 80 RBI I'll take

2. If young team gets better...why not more ?

3. Call me crazy, I expect the same out of Votto every year.

4. I think Bruce hit .290 with 25 homers & 100 RBI. Bruce hits .275 100 runs and bunts better. Phillips is playing for for some big money this year. He goes .285, 25 HRS, 100 Runs and a Gold Glover again. Pitching is young a should...hopefully get better.

 

I'm a homer ! The main reason I feel good about this team...............................................Mike Brown has nothing to do with it !! :ylsuper:

 

I meant to say Stubbs hits .275 with 100 runs and bunts better. :ohbrother:

Dusty has some big decisions to make, there will be some real talent that will have to play in AAA, I bet the reds AAA could give Kansas City a good series!

 

Kind of off subject, but KC probably has the best farm system in all of baseball. Their best minor leaguers could probably give the gic club all they could handle

Anyone read the article in the Enquirer yesterday about Bruce potentially leading off? IDK if I like it, as I see him developing into more of a power hitter. I really hope Stubbs can become the man for the job. He has unreal speed, and presents a huge baserunning threat when he gets himself on base.

Anyone read the article in the Enquirer yesterday about Bruce potentially leading off? IDK if I like it, as I see him developing into more of a power hitter. I really hope Stubbs can become the man for the job. He has unreal speed, and presents a huge baserunning threat when he gets himself on base.

 

Bruce had a stretch where he couldn't hit the ocean if he fell out of a boat. I fear that could happen again. You have to have a contact hitter in the 1 hole. You just can't afford striking out with Votto, Phillips and Rolen coming up behind you.