Season outlook

[baseballPAP]

It is almost spring training time guys.....here is my own outlook on the upcoming year:
C-Ross and Valentin return, and provide a little better than average tandem I think. Ross should bounce back a little from last year's struggles with the bat, and is very good with the glove. Javy is a typical good-hit, no field backup catcher. Grade: B-
1B-Hatteburg is back, but Votto is in the wings. This should be a year of transistion, as Votto is as ready as he's going to get. Hatteburg needs to be dealt while his value holds, as he is really below average in production for a 1Bman anyway. Grade:C+
2B-Brandon Phillips is the best player the Reds have, and among the best 2Bmen at what is now a strong position in the NL. Grade:A
SS-Alex Gonzalez hit better than I expected last year ,almost managing an .800 OPS. However, he was hurt a lot, and Keppinger basically took his job down the stretch. Keppinger will probably again see time here, but Gonzo's glove is about 2 steps ahead..... Grade: B-
3B-Will the reall EE please stand up? He's wildly inconsistent, makes some great plays on D, but still grades out as one of the worst in the league with the leather. Has some good power and patience, but manages to lose it completely for weeks at a time. Make or break year coming up for Edwin, and I'll predict he won't be the Reds' 3Bman for 2009. Grade: C
LF-Dunner is finally getting the Cincy critics of his back a little. He put up another awesome year with the wood, and another stinker in LF. Another year of 40 HRs and 10 flyouts turned into doubles awaits.... Grade: B
CF-Yahoo lists Ryan Freel as the starter. Norris Hopper deserves some time as well. And, waiting in the wings is Jay Bruce. Don't screw this one up Dusty. Grade: incomplete.
RF-Junior was very good last year, and there is no reason to think he can't return the favor with another good one this year. It will likely be in 110 games or so, but that isn't bad when it comes with so-so defense and an OPS pushing .900. Grade: B-
Bench-Keppinger fills out the IF, Castro fills up space, and Drew Anderson may be the 5th OF. At least one of them can hit. Grade:C

Rotation: Harang is an ace, and probably tired of hearing how the Reds need to sign an ace to be competitive. What they truly need is a number 2 that can be consistent. The would bump the real [email protected] Arroyo back to #3, probably more realistic. After that is some conglomeration of Belisle, Bailey, Volquez and Bobby Livingston. It isn't as bleak as it was a few years ago, especially if Bailey is the real deal after looking shaky last year. Again...don't screw this up Dusty. Grade: B-
Bullpen: Last years firestarters will attempt the yearly transistion to this year's fire-STOPPERS. Weathers returns to his more familiar setup role, new closer Cordero is top-shelf, and the role-players are all in place. Coutlangous, Bray and Affeldt secure the port side, and Coffey, Majewski and Burton round out the rest of what looks like a solid 'pen. Grade: an optimistic B+

Overall: It looks like a slow slant uphill for the Reds. Everything is in place for a little improvement, while nothing big was added to the stew. Another year in the hunt, but with a dog that is blind in one eye and has a bad limp. Record: 85-77, 3rd place in the central.

[Imgran]

1B-Hatteburg is back, but Votto is in the wings. This should be a year of transistion, as Votto is as ready as he's going to get. Hatteburg needs to be dealt while his value holds, as he is really below average in production for a 1Bman anyway. Grade:C+

Don't knock Hattie too hard. He gets on base extremely well, even if he isn't much of a power hitter. He put up an .850 OPS this year, not perhaps an ideal 1Bman but hardly chopped liver either. The Reds would be well advised to hold onto him for the bench even if Votto takes over primary 1B duties.

Also, I can't believe you rated Encarnacion that low. Sure, he could be better, but he is improving. WCS is that he winds up at first base. With his bat, that can be made to work.

Also, aren't you guys ready to be done expecting anything out of Gary Majewski yet?

[baseballPAP]

Hattie is what he is....solid D, solid, unspectacular bat. He batted leadoff for the Reds on several occasions last year, and has the OB skills to do it. Just not a ton of production, which is fine for a 5th place team, but if you want to contend, you aren't going to get there with Mark Grace light. Votto is the future there , and he's as ready to step in as he'll ever be. I'm not saying Hatteburg is useless....just that they should maximize the value he has by dealing him now....sell high in other words.

EE is just what I said he was...inconsistent. He was much better after a stint in AAA last year, but still put up a stinker of a July before finishing very strong (but at the cost of losing his discipline.... about .340/.360 BA/OBP). He also hit 9 HRs in those two months. I think if the guy managed a smile once in awhile, the fans might get off his back...he just manages to have a bored look on his face every time the camera finds him, and the local fans aren't too fond of him.

[Rennie Stennett]

Baseball Hattie

off topic but Baseball Hattie is the character in a Damon Runyon short story by the same name. She followed the Giants for years. Great read.

[gman5431]

State of the Reds

It is almost spring training time guys.....here is my own outlook on the upcoming year:
C-Ross and Valentin return, and provide a little better than average tandem I think. Ross should bounce back a little from last year's struggles with the bat, and is very good with the glove. Javy is a typical good-hit, no field backup catcher. Grade: B-
1B-Hatteburg is back, but Votto is in the wings. This should be a year of transistion, as Votto is as ready as he's going to get. Hatteburg needs to be dealt while his value holds, as he is really below average in production for a 1Bman anyway. Grade:C+
2B-Brandon Phillips is the best player the Reds have, and among the best 2Bmen at what is now a strong position in the NL. Grade:A
SS-Alex Gonzalez hit better than I expected last year ,almost managing an .800 OPS. However, he was hurt a lot, and Keppinger basically took his job down the stretch. Keppinger will probably again see time here, but Gonzo's glove is about 2 steps ahead..... Grade: B-
3B-Will the reall EE please stand up? He's wildly inconsistent, makes some great plays on D, but still grades out as one of the worst in the league with the leather. Has some good power and patience, but manages to lose it completely for weeks at a time. Make or break year coming up for Edwin, and I'll predict he won't be the Reds' 3Bman for 2009. Grade: C
LF-Dunner is finally getting the Cincy critics of his back a little. He put up another awesome year with the wood, and another stinker in LF. Another year of 40 HRs and 10 flyouts turned into doubles awaits.... Grade: B
CF-Yahoo lists Ryan Freel as the starter. Norris Hopper deserves some time as well. And, waiting in the wings is Jay Bruce. Don't screw this one up Dusty. Grade: incomplete.
RF-Junior was very good last year, and there is no reason to think he can't return the favor with another good one this year. It will likely be in 110 games or so, but that isn't bad when it comes with so-so defense and an OPS pushing .900. Grade: B-
Bench-Keppinger fills out the IF, Castro fills up space, and Drew Anderson may be the 5th OF. At least one of them can hit. Grade:C

Rotation: Harang is an ace, and probably tired of hearing how the Reds need to sign an ace to be competitive. What they truly need is a number 2 that can be consistent. The would bump the real [email protected] Arroyo back to #3, probably more realistic. After that is some conglomeration of Belisle, Bailey, Volquez and Bobby Livingston. It isn't as bleak as it was a few years ago, especially if Bailey is the real deal after looking shaky last year. Again...don't screw this up Dusty. Grade: B-
Bullpen: Last years firestarters will attempt the yearly transistion to this year's fire-STOPPERS. Weathers returns to his more familiar setup role, new closer Cordero is top-shelf, and the role-players are all in place. Coutlangous, Bray and Affeldt secure the port side, and Coffey, Majewski and Burton round out the rest of what looks like a solid 'pen. Grade: an optimistic B+

Overall: It looks like a slow slant uphill for the Reds. Everything is in place for a little improvement, while nothing big was added to the stew. Another year in the hunt, but with a dog that is blind in one eye and has a bad limp. Record: 85-77, 3rd place in the central.

C = I think a grade of B- is generous here based on last year's preformance. Ross was an automatic out last year. What makes you think he will bounce back? He has one spectatulor half year and has done nothing in his career outside of that. I would like to see Javy get more playing time. Ross is good defensively and that is his only saving grace.... cant wait till that dude we drafted comes up... haha i would say about C or C-
1B = Here i think your grade was too low. Expect a good solid year from Votto. He saw the light in the Southern League and translated that to the Bigs last year. Dont expect a breakout year but a solid year can be considered. I was suprised but glad they kept Hattie as back up. He is what he is, not a power hitter, but its hard to knock someone who doesnt wiff like the rest of the Reds and batted .310 last year. I like him as insurance, and if Votto balls out this year like we hope he does, then they will deal Hattie like they did Conine last year. I will go with B
2B = Easy one to pick. It would be hard to duplicate last year's production, but still Phillips is a great player. Hopefully he can avoid injury and have another stellar campaign. Easy A.
3B = I was scared they may move Edwin this off season. As my favorite Red, i'm glad they didnt, but i totally agree, this is the last year he has to prove himself. Another slow start and we will see him traded or in Louisville and Keppinger and Freel will get all the playing time here. I'm hoping he can pick up from last year's second half were he was the best bat on the team. Keep in mind that even with last years dismal beginning and demotion, he still ended up leading the Reds in BA (with enought PA to qualify). I will go with C though, because you dont really know what you are going to get, could be an A, could be an F, so i agree with you.
SS = B - is a fair grade for Alex Gonzalez. I definately dont want to go back to the all hit, no field days of Felipe Lopez. I love his D, hope he can stay healthy this year, and in Great American Small Park, i think his offense will be decent.
LF = While i dont really like Dunn as a ballplayer, you cant overlook his production. At his current price he is below market value. Dont know if the Reds can afford him past this season. Expect more of the same from him, horrible D, way too many K's and a lot of solo homers. If he can hit in the clutch, which he did last year more then ever before, but not enough for my liking, then you have to be happy with Dunner. I will give him an A- because he doesnt get hurt and you know what you are going to get.
CF = I would love to see Jay Bruce here Opening Day but dont think the Reds will do that. They will continue with their cautious nature and he will man CF for the Bats at 2008's beginning. I like this job split between Freel and Hopper. Hopper is a gritty player, and showed great bat control last year. I love Freel and he is the type of player who is at his best when he plays 3-4 times a week. I'm happy with the situation in center and was horrified by the rumor of the Reds looking to Lofton. Kenny is one of my favorite players but he has no place on the Reds and would only cut into Hoppers playing time. Only thing i can think is if they acquired him it would be because Freel or Hopper was out on a trade....anyhow, as it is now, i'm happy with this set up...B
RF = Getting tired of Jr but he has picked it up in the last few years after being constantly hurt the years before that. I think the injuries will be around this year, but dont really care, it will open the door for Bruce, Hopper, Freel to get on the field more. They will lose power but gain in BA and speed. B
Bench = No John Hamilton waiting around this year to suprise people. Depth is not a positive on this team but it rarely is on mid market teams... i agree with C.
Rotation = Harangatang is a horse. Anyone who knows baseball knows that. After that it is all unprovens and question marks. Same story every year. The Reds season always hinges on this position in majority. Need Arroyo to bounce back to somewhere around 2005 form. Is a couple games over .500 to much to ask? I love the upside for Bailey, Volquez and eventually Cueto. Would love to see these guys fill out the rotation but i know they are going to slate Belisle in there. Need 2 guys to step up behind Haranger to compete in this division. Who will it be, i'm betting Bailey and Volquez. Grade of B- for now.
Bullpen = I'm not going to give them any credit until the prove it to me. The pick up of CiCi Cordero was balsy. I loved it, boy thats a lot of money for a guy who pitches around 60 innings. But hey, its what the Reds need to legitimize themselves. I like No Neck Weathers in the set up roll. I have some love for some of the other folks, Bray in particular. I really hope they leave Affeldt in the bullpen because he has never had success as a started. Also, please do us a favor and release fat Stanton before the season and not after he blows a couple games. Grade as of now ... C
Overall = This is the NL Central, any team outside of Pittsburgh can win it. Cordero was a big splash. Some of the other pitching pick ups shows that Krivsky knows what he is doing. Lets give him some credit, remember he got Phillips for a sack of peanuts. I'm going to say they come rolling out of the gate, struggle in the summer and then finish strong, 88-76 which in this division is good enough for the crown...... GO REDS!!

G Man

[Imgran]

Hattie is what he is....solid D, solid, unspectacular bat. He batted leadoff for the Reds on several occasions last year, and has the OB skills to do it. Just not a ton of production, which is fine for a 5th place team, but if you want to contend, you aren't going to get there with Mark Grace light.

Note the B on the cap. A good defender with an excellent on base ability is a fine 1Bman type as long as you've got decent power from other positions.

Votto is the future there , and he's as ready to step in as he'll ever be. I'm not saying Hatteburg is useless....just that they should maximize the value he has by dealing him now....sell high in other words.

Ahh, I see. In light of that, I agree.

EE is just what I said he was...inconsistent. He was much better after a stint in AAA last year, but still put up a stinker of a July before finishing very strong (but at the cost of losing his discipline.... about .340/.360 BA/OBP). He also hit 9 HRs in those two months. I think if the guy managed a smile once in awhile, the fans might get off his back...he just manages to have a bored look on his face every time the camera finds him, and the local fans aren't too fond of him.

I'm kinda reminded of Robinson Cano without the broadcaster-worship. Give him time, he'll get it together.

[gman5431]

Note the B on the cap. A good defender with an excellent on base ability is a fine 1Bman type as long as you've got decent power from other positions..

Yeah well this is Cincy, not Boston. Baseball is not fair. In a small market there is definately some truth to the fact that you need to get some power numbers from 1B. Thats why Votto is going to get every opp to start.

G Man

[baseballPAP]

It is almost spring training time guys.....here is my own outlook on the upcoming year:
C-Ross and Valentin return, and provide a little better than average tandem I think. Ross should bounce back a little from last year's struggles with the bat, and is very good with the glove. Javy is a typical good-hit, no field backup catcher. Grade: B-
1B-Hatteburg is back, but Votto is in the wings. This should be a year of transistion, as Votto is as ready as he's going to get. Hatteburg needs to be dealt while his value holds, as he is really below average in production for a 1Bman anyway. Grade:C+

Looks like Votto has the job, Dusty does good, part I.

2B-Brandon Phillips is the best player the Reds have, and among the best 2Bmen at what is now a strong position in the NL. Grade:A
SS-Alex Gonzalez hit better than I expected last year ,almost managing an .800 OPS. However, he was hurt a lot, and Keppinger basically took his job down the stretch. Keppinger will probably again see time here, but Gonzo's glove is about 2 steps ahead..... Grade: B-

Injuries bite Gonzo again, Keppinger really the only other option...please god, no Neifi Perez!

3B-Will the reall EE please stand up? He's wildly inconsistent, makes some great plays on D, but still grades out as one of the worst in the league with the leather. Has some good power and patience, but manages to lose it completely for weeks at a time. Make or break year coming up for Edwin, and I'll predict he won't be the Reds' 3Bman for 2009. Grade: C

EE has been good all spring, lets hope AUG/SEP were for real!

LF-Dunner is finally getting the Cincy critics of his back a little. He put up another awesome year with the wood, and another stinker in LF. Another year of 40 HRs and 10 flyouts turned into doubles awaits.... Grade: B
CF-Yahoo lists Ryan Freel as the starter. Norris Hopper deserves some time as well. And, waiting in the wings is Jay Bruce. Don't screw this one up Dusty. Grade: incomplete.

Corey Patterson? Dusty does BAD!

RF-Junior was very good last year, and there is no reason to think he can't return the favor with another good one this year. It will likely be in 110 games or so, but that isn't bad when it comes with so-so defense and an OPS pushing .900. Grade: B-
Bench-Keppinger fills out the IF, Castro fills up space, and Drew Anderson may be the 5th OF. At least one of them can hit. Grade:C

Additons of Patterson and Hairston are good, as long as they don't get 400 ABs each. They still need anothe middle infielder who can at least hit his weight.

Rotation: Harang is an ace, and probably tired of hearing how the Reds need to sign an ace to be competitive. What they truly need is a number 2 that can be consistent. The would bump the real [email protected] Arroyo back to #3, probably more realistic. After that is some conglomeration of Belisle, Bailey, Volquez and Bobby Livingston. It isn't as bleak as it was a few years ago, especially if Bailey is the real deal after looking shaky last year. Again...don't screw this up Dusty. Grade: B-

The signing of Josh Fogg was very good. Dusty does good part II.

Bullpen: Last years firestarters will attempt the yearly transistion to this year's fire-STOPPERS. Weathers returns to his more familiar setup role, new closer Cordero is top-shelf, and the role-players are all in place. Coutlangous, Bray and Affeldt secure the port side, and Coffey, Majewski and Burton round out the rest of what looks like a solid 'pen. Grade: an optimistic B+

Overall: It looks like a slow slant uphill for the Reds. Everything is in place for a little improvement, while nothing big was added to the stew. Another year in the hunt, but with a dog that is blind in one eye and has a bad limp. Record: 85-77, 3rd place in the central.

Just a few updates as the season approaches. Looks like some sort of Patterson/Freel platoon shaping up in center, though I'm hoping only until Bruce shoves them out of his way. The Fogg signing was probably worth a couple of wins....updated prediction (still wildly optimistic) 87-75, 2nd in the central.

[Ctown4009]

Spring training is looking grand, but that's not always prophetic of the season to come. Hopefully, though.

[baseballPAP]

Jay Bruce sent to AAA...Dusty flops

[Ctown4009]

The problem with spring training is that it's not indicative of the season, at least for the Reds. But they've got a good year coming to them, hope this is it

[baseballPAP]

Jerry Hairston, Mike Stanton don't make the team, rumors have it that Ryan Freel is the new Neifi Perez