As a life-long Reds fan, the approaching season is full of anticipation and hype – yet my pragmatic nature seemingly tempers any favorite-team optimism. Besides, the Reds have had nine straight losing seasons!
Although baseball economics features the annual battle between the haves and the have-nots have jilted my overall enthusiasm for the game, baseball is still a season I enjoy the game and will faithfully follow my team.
Here is my spring training preview of the upcoming season with No Doubts and Questions.
No doubt, Joey Votto can hit; but what will the Gomes-Dickerson platoon produce in left?
No doubt, Brandon Phillips can field; but will he elevate his offensive numbers?
No doubt, Scott Rolen is a leader; but will he remain healthy?
No doubt, starting and relief pitching are a strength; but will Aaron Harang and Branson Arroyo combine for 26 or more wins?
No doubt, Jay Bruce has a strong arm in right field; but which Jay Bruce will be at the plate –the pre-injury or post-injury version?
No doubt, CF Drew Stubbs helped the offense during the last six weeks; but can a guy with too many strikeouts be an effective leadoff hitter for an entire season?
No doubt, Shortstop Orlando Cabrera will help the offense from the right side; but will he combine with Rolen and Ramon Hernandez for 50 HRs and 200+ RBIs?
I have said for several years that the problem lies in the offense; but will the offense improve its 2009 numbers? 2009: Runs (12th), Average (15th), At Bats (11th), Average with runners in scoring position (12th), with two outs (11th).
Oh well, one thing about baseball – the long season does a good job of sorting.
Logo is the property of the Cincinnati Reds
Best of luck to your Reds. I’d love to see them whoop up in the NL this year.
Lester,
Well .. as a fan I’m hoping for the best. On the other hand, I do see a glimmer of hope. Thanks for commenting.
I am hearing alot of the Talking Head say watch out for the Reds, lots of things are looking up and the division is wide open, For me NOOOOO. I ain’t falling into that trap again.
To refresh memories Here is the link to my predictions of last year
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/2010/03/fox-news-attacks-yankees.html
Larry,
I recall your predictions for last year, so I understand being gun shy. A lot of ifs … but it could happen.
Thanks for visiting.
For some reason this link is not working, I will try one more time. ignore the last 2
http://nutballgazette.blogspot.com/2009/04/2009-predictions.html
There are questions throughout the entire division, so it isn’t completely out of the realm to think the Reds couldn’t make a run. But as you noted, baseball is a long season.
I like to see the Cubs contend in 2010, but they have plenty of questions, too.
Hi David,
Given that your team (Cubs) is also in the NL Central, I know you have interest. Both of us are weary of the Cardinals, but also watch out for each of our teams. Cubs should be ready to bounce back … thus a 3-team race would be interesting. Reds fans are hoping for competitiveness as it has been a long dry spell. Thanks for commenting.