Division Rival Cinderella Story - Cincinnati Reds

by backtocali on Feb 20, 2010 10:36 AM CST

So far we have determined that Chris Carpenter's health and a return to normalcy for Alfonso Soriano will be the keys for the Cardinals and Cubs, respectively. This week its the Reds' turn.

Everyone's "sleeper" team in the NL Central seems to be the Cincinnati Reds. They have a lot of young talent and a solid starting rotation and a pretty good bullpen. They just cant seem to ever put it all together to make that playoff run.

The Reds finished beneath the Brewers by a couple of games in the standings last year and this year will have to overcome the loss (for a large majority of the season) to budding ace Edinson Volquez. Injuries played a part last year for the Reds with Jay Bruce breaking his wrist half way through the season as well as Joey Votto spending time on the DL for anxiety. As always, health will be an issue for any team making a run at the playoffs or to stay competitive.

Joey Votto is a star player in the same way that Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are for the Brewers. The Reds will need a culmination of things to happen to return to the top of the division. They have very good defense, which makes their pitchers pretty solid, but apart from Bruce and Votto, not much offensive firepower.

What do you think will be the main ingredients for the Reds to return to respectability?

1) Jay Bruce has to return from his injury and put up the offense he is capable of

2) Homer Bailey has to step it up and become the Ace everyone thought he could become

3) Brandon Phillips needs to return to his all star form

4) One of the fill in players at SS, LF, CF or C has to have a great year

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The ’Natti Reds: Perennial Sleeper.

Shruggity

by Mykenk on Feb 20, 2010 12:00 PM CST reply actions

We should have a poll

Which will realize their potential for a full season first, the Reds or Rickie Weeks?

When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved

by Getting Yosted on Feb 20, 2010 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

what if

Weeks gets traded to the Reds? Anarchy.

Q: Did you ever scout Corey Hart? What seems to be holding him back from being a good hitter for AVG?

A: The slider away. And that facial hair.

-Keith Law ESPN chat 2/11/10

by molitorfan on Feb 21, 2010 7:38 AM CST up reply actions

Have the Reds ever NOT been a sleeper team?

Get a ife broseph

by Supertramp on Feb 20, 2010 12:56 PM CST reply actions

Ever since Griffey

Theyve never had the resources to put it all together.

I think they are on the right track now, Id say they are a bat or two away. Not necessarily all star level, but at least consistent. With that pitching and defense they could surprise some people.

by backtocali on Feb 20, 2010 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

This is what I keep thinking

It seems like for the last few years the Reds have been picked by many to finish 2nd and they settle in their usual 4th spot. They have some good young players, but with the combo of Dusty and players just not living up to expectations I will just have to see it to believe it.

by gizmo6d9 on Feb 20, 2010 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

The '70's.

What begins in fear usually ends in folly.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Feb 20, 2010 2:31 PM CST up reply actions

That's what I was about to say

When they were actually good.

Cards Announcers On Gamel's First Career HR, "That’s all they need is another home run hitter".

by tcyoung on Feb 21, 2010 1:58 AM CST up reply actions

From a Reds fan perspective

This is the first year that I would say the title of a sleeper team feels legit. Bailey had a pretty good end to his year which looked promising for the years to come, and the Reds doing away with the veteran leadership side (Griffey and Dunn) and making Votto, Bruce, and Phillips the face of the team. I still think they overpaid taking Cordero from you guys, and some of that money could have been used to get a right handed bat off the bench. Also, if Rolan can put together a healthy year (a very big stretch of the imagination I know) I could see the Reds at least hanging around longer into the summer.

I once defended the managerial styles of Jerry Narron after a Reds loss in a bar after a long night of drinking. I wish I could say that I don't remember doing that.

www.nextyearisouryear.blogspot.com

by chazerize on Feb 20, 2010 10:05 PM CST reply actions

Homer Bailey

I’m mostly only interested in him because a guy in my fantasy league will jump at him with any positive sign only to get burned later.

Keith Law brought up the good point that his good end of the year (roughly, his last 9 starts) included 4 starts against Pittsburgh, and one each against the Marlins and the Cards (after they had clinched the Central).

I’d be pretty hesitant to count on him as anything close to an Ace or even top of the rotation pitcher next year.

Get a ife broseph

by Supertramp on Feb 21, 2010 11:32 AM CST reply actions

The Reds will do what they always do.

They will start out hot and lead the division through May then slowly start fading away. They will end up trading Arroyo and Harang and finish fourth or worst in the division. If they are smart they will consider trading Votto at the deadline to make room for Alonso. If they could give another frontline pitching prospect and a top shortstop prospect for him they would be in great position for the 2011 season.

by Oldstyledrinker1 on Feb 22, 2010 12:55 PM CST reply actions

It wouldn't surprise me if the Reds were really good this year

It also wouldn’t surprise if they were really bad. Healthy Votto and Bruce is their key ingredient.

"A D+ Grade? That must have been a Wittardo grade"- @73_MC

by BrewHaHeather on Feb 22, 2010 8:50 PM CST reply actions

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NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Cincinnati Red Reporter	25	19	.568	0	Won 6
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	25	20	.555	0.5	Lost 1
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	21	23	.477	4	Won 3
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	20	24	.454	5	Lost 2
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	18	26	.409	7	Won 1
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	15	29	.340	10	Lost 9