2009 MLB Preview - Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds
Manager: Dusty Baker (2nd season)
2008 Record: 74-88 (5th NL Central)


Added: C Ramon Hernandez (BAL), IF/OF Daryle Ward (CHC), OF Willy Taveras (COL), OF Jacque Jones (DET), SP Micah Owings (ARZ), RP Arthur Rhodes (FLA)
Lost: OF Adam Dunn (WAS), IF/OF Ryan Freel (CIN), OF Corey Patterson (WAS), SP Josh Fogg (COL), RP Jeremy Affledt (SF)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. CF Willy Taveras (.251, 64 R, 1 HR, 26 RBI, 68 SB) 2. RF Jay Bruce (.254, 63 R, 21 HR, 52 RBI) 3. 2B Brandon Phillips (.261, 80 R, 21 HR, 78 RBI) 4. 1B Joey Votto (.297, 69 R, 24 HR, 84 RBI) 5. 3B Edwin Encarnacion (.251, 75 R, 26 HR, 68 RBI) 6. C Ramon Hernandez (.257, 49 R, 15 HR, 65 RBI) 7. SS Alex Gonzalez (DNP - Injury) 8. LF Chris Dickerson (.304, 20 R, 6 HR, 15 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Aaron Harang (6-17, 4.78 ERA, 153 K) 2. Bronson Arroyo (15-11, 4.77 ERA, 163 K) 3. Edinson Volquez (17-6, 3.21 ERA, 206 K) 4. Johnny Cueto (9-14, 4.81 ERA, 158 K) 5. Micah Owings (6-9, 5.93 ERA, 87 K)

Bench
IF/OF Daryle Ward, IF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr., IF Jeff Keppinger, OF Norris Hopper

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Francisco Cordero (34 SV, 70.1 IP, 61 H, 78 K, 3.33 ERA), David Weathers, Bill Bray, Arthur Rhodes, Jared Burton, Nick Masset

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Fantasy Studs: 2B Brandon Phillips
Fantasy Sleepers: SP Johnny Cueto

Men In The Minors: 1B Yonder Alonzo, SS Todd Frazier, OF Drew Stubbs, SP Daryl Thompson

Home Ballpark: Great American Ballpark (Grade 3/10)

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Team Outlook: Talk about a team that could either win the division or finish in last place. The Reds are gonna be a fun team to watch for sure. The lineup is strong, filled with young bats that are sure to exceed their 2008 totals. The loss of Adam Dunn hurts the HR numbers but expect the young guns to pick up the slack. Opposing pitchers will have it tough getting through this lineup every game and if playing in Cincinnati, the long ball becomes that much more of a threat. This team just needs to get the ball in play more often. The Reds were last in the NL in batting average (.247) last season. As far as the pitching, this isn't a bad rotation. Harang's numbers last year will probably prove to be a mirage. He's not a 17-loss pitcher. If Arroyo wins 15 again, that's a bonus. Volquez may not replicate his magical 2008 season but anything close will be needed as well as a better end to the season by Cueto. Add in maybe 10-12 wins from Owings in the fifth spot and Homer Bailey waiting in the wings in case someone falters, and there is reason to think this team could make some noise. The NL Central has been good about providing the NL Wild Card as of late. Maybe this year, the Reds will be that team. I mean, it has been 14 years since they have sniffed the postseason air.

Next Preview: Cleveland Indians