2008 Cincinnati Reds Picks & Predictions
May 22, 2008
The Reds finished 18 games below .500 in 2007, but Dave Price’s 2008 Cincinnati Reds predictions see a big turnaround on the way. Find out just how big of a jump they can make in this exclusive inside look.
Pitching
Cincy’s pitching staff is a big reason why the Reds could leap frog the Milwaukee Brewers for second place in the NL Central. The Reds signed former Brewers closer Francisco Cordero to help shore up their pen and this is a big reason why the Brewers could sink. Gaining Cordero moves David Weathers to an eighth inning role. Weathers had 33 saves as Cincy’s closer last year, by should be even better as a setup man.
Aaron Harang is Cincy’s ace and was still one of the most underrated pitchers in the game before he exploded with a 16-6 2007. Bronson Arroyo was much better than his record indicated last season as he suffered from a lack of run support. Matt Belisle is another horse which can pitch 200 innings of baseball and has the potential to threaten 15 wins. Homer Bailey is the kid of the rotation and he looks to be a good one. Aaron Harang’s time in the limelight as the ace of this staff could be short lived if this kid continues his fast progress.
Offense
Ryan Freel plays baseball like its football and that rugged approach has often led to him spending too much time on the DL. If he can stay healthy, he is a solid lead off weapon. Ken Griffey Junior was as healthy as he’s been in quite some time, playing 144 games in 2007. Junior proved he still has it by slugging 30 homers and adding 93 RBIs. Second baseman Brandon Phillips pounded 30 homeruns as well and added 94 RBIs. Adam Dunn is the guy that the Reds can really count on for power. Dunn had 40 bombs last year along with 106 RBIs. The Reds have a solid offense, but it is not as potent as the Brewers, so they will have to rely more on solid pitching to make a run at a Central title.
Defense
The Reds have a good one at second base in Brandon Phillips. To go along with his speed and big bat, he led NL two-baggers in fielding percentage and total chances. Alex Gonzalez has always been known for his defense than his bat and should be a solid shortstop for the Reds. The Corners are solid, but nothing special, with Edwin Encarnacion at third and Joey Votto at first. Scott Hatteberg will see time at first as well. Adam Dunn will play left and Griffey will play right. Both players can field their positions adequately. The Reds will go with Ryan Freel in center again in 2007 and hope that it works out this time. David Ross can’t hit to save his life, but he is as solid as they come behind the plate, throwing out 43 percent of base stealers.
The Reds are going to make a run at the Brewers in the NL Central, but they will likely come up just short as the bottom half of the order is very weak and will cost the top of the lineup guys RBI opportunities. 2009 could be the year we see Cincy challenge for a division title.
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Odds to win NL Central: 8/1
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 15/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 50/1
NL Central
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