Spring training site
Sarasota, Fla.
2007 record
72-90, fourth in NL Central, 13 games behind Cubs
New faces
LHP Jeremy Affeldt (free agent, Brewers); C Paul Bako (free agent, Twins); RHP Francisco Cordero (free agent, Brewers); RHP Josh Fogg (free agent, Rockies); OF Corey Patterson (free agent, Orioles); RHP Edinson Volquez (trade, Rangers)
Biggest offseason acquisition
In the immediate term, Francisco Cordero should solidify the bullpen as the team's new closer, coming off a career-best 44 saves with Milwaukee. He signed a four-year, $46 million deal. Down the line, the team is impressed with right-hander Edinson Volquez, who made the Reds' rotation out of spring training.
Gone but not forgotten
The Reds dealt Josh Hamilton for Volquez, a true trade of players who could blossom in a new setting. Hamilton, in his only season in Cincinnati, hit 19 homers in just 298 at-bats and batted .292.
Spring training battles
Rookie Joey Votto appears to have won the first base job, and non-roster invitee Corey Patterson looks like he'll be in center field, moving Ryan Freel back to the bench. The starting rotation was very unsettled, and Volquez, rookie Johnny Cueto and Josh Fogg were impressive enough in spring training to earn starting roles.
Projected lineup
- CF Corey Patterson
- SS Jeff Keppinger
- RF Ken Griffey Jr.
- 2B Brandon Phillips
- LF Adam Dunn
- 3B Edwin Encarnacion
- 1B Joey Votto
- C Javier Valentin
- Pitcher
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Aaron Harang
- RHP Bronson Arroyo
- RHP Johnny Cueto
- RHP Josh Fogg
- RHP Edinson Volquez
Projected bullpen
- RHP Francisco Cordero (closer)
- LHP Jeremy Affeldt
- RHP David Weathers
- LHP Mike Stanton
- RHP Todd Coffey
- LHP Bill Bray
- RHP Jared Burton
Biggest strength
The pitching is improved but still very young, with Cueto and Volquez getting their first extended big-league chances. Harang and Arroyo should be good anchors. The bullpen should be better than last year as well, with Affeldt and Cordero nailing down the late innings.
Glaring weakness
Lots of rookies to depend on. Can Votto hold down the fort at first? And the Reds will be counting down the days until Alex Gonzalez comes back at shortstop. Corey Patterson does not get on base enough to be effective as a leadoff hitter – at least he hasn't in the past.
