Reds go into Season 13 looking to defend the title again though we did not expect to win it in season 12. That for one leaves us optimistic for this year as the Reds still have some key players that drove us to 4 straight trophy's. However the Reds have lost some very important parts of the puzzle so 4 will likely be the limit.
The biggest losses were obviously Rocky "Rocky the Red" Spencer and ever dependable closer Mitchell Ray (who inside sources have divulged if the knew he's end up a Tard the Reds would have likely retained him.) Also though he was only briefly a Red right fielder Vin Ibanez will be missed in the line-up as well as will Harry Torcato and stud Doug Cambridge, both dependable relievers and a big part of the Reds championship run last year.
Additions to the team which will likely no make up the difference by those departing are 2b, outfielder Edgardo Castillo who was aquired in quite a controversial trade along with SP/RP Harry Owen who returns to the Reds in what is actually the last year of a contract that he originally penned with them. The aformentioned RP Torcato and Cambridge were also involved in said controversial trade. Owen will help the Reds staff for sure as they know from previous experiance and the Reds lack of dependability beyond the top two of Yamil and Ismael make Owen an exciting addition. The staff as a whole however is probably worse for wear without Torcato and Cambridge in the pen as they were last year. The Reds do have a couple rookies coming up to help trim payroll and hopefully solidify the left side of the infield this year in SS Sam Charles and 3b Jose Domingo.
Projected line-up as of Opening day:
C - Chris Duran - Ever dependable and still lethal with the bat as well as above average behind the dish Duran returns in the starters role despite being 34 and his power waning a bit. His back-up Luis Maduro seemingly a Duran clone with less power will likely see plenty of plate time as both catchers durability is not 162 game material to say the least.
1b - should be an interesting experiment this year. Omar Nixon projects as the opening day 1b though he'll likely see a lot of LF this year. Omar is still steady with the bat but doesn't hit the bombs he used to. Winston Ulrich, a threat at the plate himself, is another option. the addition of Castillo thows everything into flux as the Reds would like to find a spot for him which for now has put Omar back at 1b and Winston on the pine.
2b - no question here. monster bomb hitter Miguel Rodrigo is back at 2b and in the cleanup spot
3b - Domingo Jose, a rookie, will finally get his shot. The Reds expect big things from him but if he falters you may see Merrick back at the 3 bag and Castillo manning RF.
SS - another Rookie call-up Sam Charles will be holding down short this year. His glove never quite developed as Reds fans would have liked but the Reds have also never been a huge dependent on good defense so he should fit in fine. Chipper will be the backup SS though he realistically is no defensive wiz either.
OF - the outfield will see the opening day LF as newcomer Edgardo Castillo (although he may roam a bit and fans may see Omar back in LF) CF Lee Coleman who was aquired in a mid-season trade last year and looks to be the Reds center fielder and leadoff hitter for years to come and Roger Merrick moves from 3rd back to RF (although he is hurt for now which puts Castillo in right Omar in left and Winston at 1st for a week or so)
Bench players not mentioned above include Ugueth Cruz who can play all outfield positions and 2b and slugger Bret Perez (a guy who the Reds were trying to move to AL for some time) who will see limited time in the field at 1b and will mainly be used as a PH.
The Starting pitchers run down as:
1. Yamil
2. Ismael
3. Owen (for now)
4. Mariano Borbon and his walks and
5. Bruce Kinney who really ought to be a #5
the relief corp consists of:
LR - Victor Chavez
LR - Yorvit Castillo (brought back for sentamental reasons)
LR - Rich Smith, a rookie
Su - Santiago Mangual who is looking to have a dominant year
Su - Tom Waters, a fan favorite
Su - Yamil Jame ( i like guys players named Yamil)
and...
new closer Midre Davis who should fill Mitchells shoes just nicely.
This will likely be the Reds last big run as Ace Yamil Pulido will be going FA next year as well as the fact that many of the Reds longterm allstar type players are aging quite rapidly and will not produce like Reds fans are used to them doing. Here's looking for one more....
Prediction: 2nd in the NL North, WC, lose in 2nd round of playoffs.
car beer.
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