Well it's that time again. The greatest words in sports, pitchers and catchers report, have been spoken once again this year. The Cincinnati Reds look to defend their NL Central Division crown.
While the other five teams in the division made changes, the Reds made very minimal changes. The most significant moves the Reds made this year, was signing World Series MVP, Edgar Renteria. He will be in the mix to play shortstop with Paul Janish.
The infield is set with Rolen, Janish/Renteria, Phillips and Votto. The outfield appears to be set with one question mark, left field. From the looks of things, Jonny Gomes will be platooning with, newly signed, Fred Lewis. The Reds will be in great shape if Jay Bruce can find his form (when Jim Edmonds was in town) and Drew Stubbs can improve on his solid 2010 season.
For me, the wild card in the outfield situation is, non-roster invitee, Jeremy Hermida. Hermida could see more playing time if he is able to recapture the form he had with the Florida Marlins.
The Reds will move forward in 2011 with the best pitching depth this franchise has seen in years. Bronson Arroyo, Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto have nailed down the top three spots in the rotation. Travis Wood, Homer Bailey and Mike Leake will battle for the final two spots in the rotation. No matter how you look at it, there will be a solid pitcher who will not be in the top five in the rotation.
Stay tuned as I will continue to break down the Reds in this 2011 season.
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