Spring training site
Sarasota, Fla.
2008 record
74-88, fourth in NL Central (23.5 games behind Cubs)
New faces
C Ramon Hernandez (trade, Orioles); OF Willy Taveras (free agent, Rockies); OF Jacque Jones (free agent, Marlins); LHP Arthur Rhodes (free agent, Marlins); OF Jonny Gomes (free agent, Rays); 1B Daryle Ward (free agent, Cubs)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Hernandez has good power numbers for a catcher, and is a good upgrade from Paul Bako and Javier Valentin, who both left in free agency. And Taveras should be a major upgrade over Corey Patterson in center field, setting the table at the leadoff spot for a team that will want to run.
Gone but not forgotten
LHP Jeremy Affeldt (free agent, to Giants); IF-OF Ryan Freel (trade, to Orioles); IF Andy Phillips (free agent, to Pirates); OF Corey Patterson (free agent, to Nationals); C Paul Bako (free agent, to Cubs); C Javier Valentin (free agent, to Nationals); RHP Gary Majewski (free agent, to Phillies); RHP Matt Belisle (free agent, to Rockies); RHP Josh Fogg (free agent, to Rockies)
Spring training battles
The Reds dealt Adam Dunn at the deadline last season, and they haven't replaced him. Rookie Rookie Chris Dickerson, who hit .304 with six homers in 102 at-bats after the deal, will get the first shot to replace him. Micah Owings and Homer Bailey are the front-runners for the No. 5 spot in an underrated (but lefty-less) starting rotation.
Projected lineup
- CF Willy Taveras
- LF Jerry Hairston Jr. or Chris Dickerson
- 1B Joey Votto
- 2B Brandon Phillips
- RF Jay Bruce
- 3B Edwin Encarnacion
- SS Alex Gonzalez
- C Ramon Hernandez
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Edinson Volquez
- RHP Aaron Harang
- RHP Bronson Arroyo
- RHP Johnny Cueto
- RHP Micah Owings
Projected bullpen
- RHP Francisco Cordero (closer)
- RHP David Weathers
- LHP Arthur Rhodes
- RHP Jared Burton
- RHP Mike Lincoln
- LHP Bill Bray
Biggest strength
If Aaron Harang puts his game back together, this top four in the rotation is something to build upon. Volquez made the Josh Hamilton trade sting a little less with his 17-6 season last season, and 23-year-old Cueto threw a one-hitter in his first start last season (but finished 9-14).
Glaring weakness
Brandon Phillips, while one of the top-hitting infielders in baseball, would not be the cleanup hitter on many contenders. His average faded to .261 last year, with a very pedestrian OBP of .312. It would be very nice for the Reds if Jay Bruce and/or Joey Votto had breakout seasons. This team should be able to run, however, and that will be a focus for second-year manager Dusty Baker.
