After another early and brutal exit from last year's playoffs the Reds come into season 8 with renewed optimism knowing that they have the team to win it all and vowing to do so. GM erff has all but admitted to being clueless as to the Reds playoff struggles when the team performs so well during the regular season year end and year out. A few ideas have been brewing though....
No longer with the team is 1 year stop gap Felipe Ontiveros and also two Reds favorites. Always a potent threat at the dish Left Fielder Emmanuel Nieves left thru free agency and is still the current record holder in many categories for the Reds and also season 3 Cy Young winner Santiago Manto was allowed to leave despite an impressive record with the Cincinnati ballclub. Manto was getting his share of grief from fans for his recent inconsistencies and with the emergence of Roger Merrick and Tommie Jefferies it was not that surprising that the Reds let Emmanuel go. Neither will be the opening day left fielder however.
The biggest news in Reds camp all spring was the trade that brought rbi god William Hernandez to the Queen city. Although he'd always been a catcher the Reds immediately threw a first baseman's mitt on William. This shocking move means that prior multiple mvp Omar Nixon will be moved to left field and a frustrated Tommie Jefferies gets to play the reserve roll again. The rest of the Reds squad remains the same other than the debut of shortstop hopeful Juan Barajas.
And you're Reds line-up is....
Catcher - Chris Duran is behind the plate again as he will be for many years to come. Chris calls a good game, has above average defense and can mash as well. hiw weakness is his durability which will only allow him to play perhaps 110 games a year. New 1b William Hernadez can catch on Chris's off days as can last year's back-up Lawrence Plant.
First Base - As mentioned William Hernandez takes over at first with Omar shifting to left. the Reds expect William to play every game this year either at first or behind the dish.
Second Base - Season 5 rookie of the year Tony Torrealba is back at second. Rumor has it that Tony is destined for Left Field one day and many Reds fans thought this was that year but with Hernandez coming in and the Reds front office staff seeming to be quite patient with prospect Miguel Rodrigo it seems that Tony will be the Reds second baseman once again. A surprising announcement was that the Reds expect Tony to be their everday lead-off hitter this year instead of their 3 hole hitter. Fans are anxious to see how it works out.
Third Base - ball crusher Carlos Santiago is still here despite the Reds trying to move him for pitching last year to make room for current right fielder Roger Merrick. Reds fans are not unhappy that Carlos is still a Red. Word is Mangement has changed their views on the sluggers future with the club and are quite pleased with him ad the 3rd baseman.
Shortstop - rookie Juan Barajas will be making web gem at short this year. Big shoes to fill after Felipe but the Reds believe in him.
Left Field - 3 Time MVP Omar Nixon makes the move to Left Field this year. He'll be spelled by Tommie when he needs it and is expected to contend for another MVP thi year.
Center Field - the "other" Carlos Carlos Ortiz is back roaming center and hopefully hitting bombs out ove center.
Right Field - last year rookie Roger Merrick is back roaming right and is expected to take hold of the #2 spot in the batting order this year after leading off most of last year.
Bench - As mentioned Tommie Jeffries is the Reds 4th outfielder nad Lawrence plant is the back-up cather. beyond that it gets sketchy. Up and Downers Nicky Hogan and Dallas Clark will serve as utility players while young John Parrish gets his feet wet as the back-up CF and 5th outfielder. this is an area the reds are still working on improving for the upcoming season.
Starting Rotation -
1. Yamil Pulido - obviously
2. Mel Wagner - another Cy Young winner and solid pitcher
3. Charles Kinney - brought the old man back. Also a previous Cy Young winner and sportin a sub 3.00 era last year the Reds couldn't resist
4. Bruce Kinney no relation to Charles Bruce had a decent #5 starter type year last year but more is expected this year.
5. Harry Owen - always turning failed Brewer pitchers into stars the Reds hope to do so here as well.
Bullpen
Yorvit Castillo has been booted from the rotation and now serves as swing man. former starter Wayne Mays still serves as a lond man as does younf phenom Midre Davis. Jaime Phillips, Max Warden and the ageless Gabe Lee reurn as set-up men and Mitchell Ray will comtinue to dominate as the leagues best closer. In short the bullpen is basically the same and still the best.
Expectations: over 100 wins again, 1st place again and WIN A DAMN WORLD SERIES!!!!!!
sorry bout that. sometimes i let it all out much like Dwight Johnson's sister does. \
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