TMS MLB Preview 2009: Cincinnati Reds

CINCINNATI REDLEGS

SO LONG: P Jeremy Affeldt, C Paul Bako, P Matt Belisle, P Josh Fogg, OF Ryan Freel, 2B Jeff Keppinger, P Gary Majewski, P Kent Mercker (deceased, or maybe just retired), OF Corey Patterson, C Javier Valentin

WELCOME: OF Jonny Gomes, C Ramon Hernandez, OF Jacque Jones, P Mike Lincoln, P Arthur Rhodes, OF Willy Taveras, OF Daryle Ward

PROJECTED LINEUP
1. Willy Taveras CF
2. Chris Dickerson LF
3. Jay Bruce RF
4. Brandon Phillips 2B
5. Joey Votto 1B
6. Edwin Encarnacion 3B
7. Ramon Hernandez C
8. Alex Gonzalez SS

Starting Rotation: Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Micah Owings, Homer Bailey
Setup: Bill Bray, Arthur Rhodes, David Weathers
Closer: Francisco Cordero

Oh the Reds. Last year they finished 5th. This year, who knows? They've certainly got some promising talent and the NL Central is a giant pile of shit this season so they could place second for all I know. On the other hand they have Dusty Baker, who is perfectly capable of driving any fanbase to rampant alcoholism.

I do have a contractual obligation with the Saloon to say "Joe Morgan is an ass." Other than that I don't have anything else to bring to the table here.

PRESEASON AWARDS
Mr. Sexy Time: Jay Bruce - This firsty firsty is going to be a stud in no time. What do you mean I need to write more than one sentence about him?

I got your ROY right here!: Losing out to Geovany Soto last year in the NL ROY race, 1B Joey Votto seems primed to have an even bigger season in 2009. At the very least, his presence in the starting lineup will allow dumb white guys to shout "Ayyy Votto!" in a terrible Mexican accent.

The last time Cincy had a winning season they had this guy: Norm Charlton - This was also Griffey's first season with the Reds and the last season he ever had 100 RBI. They also had Dante Bichette. Remember when Dante Bichette started for them? Neither do I.

FOR MORE READING
Red Hot Mama