The Reds 30 Million Dollar Gamble

By Nevada Sharpshooter

The small market Cincinnati Reds surprised the baseball world when they won the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes. The acquisition of Chapman, the 100mph throwing lefty from Cuba, shows the Reds are ready to make the effort to be a contender. While it is unlikely Chapman will be ready for opening day I would not count him out as a mid season call up. On paper the Reds now appear ready to compete.

The Reds were 27 – 13 over their last 40 games last season and have made improvements on the field as well as pitching. They added 3b Scott Rolen at the trade deadline last summer and brought in ss Orlando Cabrera this offseason. Gone is light hitting OF Tavaras and inconsistent 3b Encarnacion. You can also expect some improvement with experience from young standouts Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Also keep an eye on OF Drew Stubbs, with consistant playing time he may produce 20+ HR and 30+ steals. When you add a top flight 2b in Brandon Phillips you have lineup that should produce some runs. Now lets look at the pitching, while the Reds may not have a true ace the rotation does have some potential. Arroyo has had back to back 15 win seasons and will be counted on again to provide solid innings. Johnny Cueto needs to more consistency, his ERA in July and August was over 8 but every other month was under 4. Homer Bailey will be key, can he start off where he left off last season. After struggling early Bailey had and ERA of 2.41 over his last 7 starts. If these three can keep the Reds in the race early, the edition of former all-star Volquez and young phenom Chapman may make the Reds a team to be reckoned with.