03-09-2009, 11:19 AM
#1) Cubs (89-73)
#2) Reds (85-77)
#3) Brewers (80-82)
#4) Cardinals (79-83)
#5) Astros (70-92)
#6) Pirates (68-94)
Be very careful of the Reds. The have some significant young hitting talent in Votto and Bruce. Look for Bruce to have a fantastic year. Cincy's defense up the middle should be much improved with the acquisition of Taveras and Alex Gonzalez returning after surgery. Those two with Phillips should be very solid. The also traded for Ramon Hernandez which is a huge updgrade at catcher over The Bako, and Ryan Hanigan duo. The Reds' pitching staff should be very solid with Volquez, Harang, Cueto, Arroyo, Owings/Bailey. Cueto, Owings, and Bailey have had excellent springs so far (albeit with limited innings). In fact, they are some of the best numbers in the entire league. Owings (10.2 IP, 12 K, 2 BB, 1.69 ERA) Bailey (8 IP, 7 K, 1 BB, 1.13 ERA) Cueto (3 IP, 3K, 1BB, 0.00 ERA plus 4 scoreless in the WBC). '
I know most people are discounting the Reds because of Dusty and the fact that they have sucked for many years. I think they will be much improved this year and are the most likely team to contend for the division with the Cubs.
#2) Reds (85-77)
#3) Brewers (80-82)
#4) Cardinals (79-83)
#5) Astros (70-92)
#6) Pirates (68-94)
Be very careful of the Reds. The have some significant young hitting talent in Votto and Bruce. Look for Bruce to have a fantastic year. Cincy's defense up the middle should be much improved with the acquisition of Taveras and Alex Gonzalez returning after surgery. Those two with Phillips should be very solid. The also traded for Ramon Hernandez which is a huge updgrade at catcher over The Bako, and Ryan Hanigan duo. The Reds' pitching staff should be very solid with Volquez, Harang, Cueto, Arroyo, Owings/Bailey. Cueto, Owings, and Bailey have had excellent springs so far (albeit with limited innings). In fact, they are some of the best numbers in the entire league. Owings (10.2 IP, 12 K, 2 BB, 1.69 ERA) Bailey (8 IP, 7 K, 1 BB, 1.13 ERA) Cueto (3 IP, 3K, 1BB, 0.00 ERA plus 4 scoreless in the WBC). '
I know most people are discounting the Reds because of Dusty and the fact that they have sucked for many years. I think they will be much improved this year and are the most likely team to contend for the division with the Cubs.