By: Cooper Ledford, SWO SPORTS FOUNDER AND CEO
Pitcher-Bronson Arroyo
Catcher-Ramon Hernandez
First Baseman-Joey Votto
Second Baseman-Brandon Phillips
Shortstop-Orlando Cabrera
Third Baseman-Scott Rolen
Right Fielder-Jay Bruce
Center Fielder-Chris Dickerson
Left Fielder-Drew Stubbs
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The infield is not much of a question on who will be there, my predictions should be right. The only possable question is Shortstop, Paul Janish could be there, he is a whiz with the glove, but his hitting is not as good as it could be. Orlando Cabrera is a good defensive player, not as good as Paul, but good enough, and he can hit a lot better than Janish can. Last year, Cabrera had a .284 batting average in 656 at bats, while Janish batted .211 in 256 at bats. Also, Aaron Miles could be in the infield, depending on how he does in spring training, but I don't think that he is good enough to replace one of the current starters. Miles hit .185 last year in 157 at bats.
In the outfield, there is a big question mark in left field. If the Reds brought back Jonny Gomes, there in no question, he would be there. However, if Gomes does not stay with the Reds, then there are a couple of options. One is to put Drew Stubbs there, which is what I would do. Another option is to bring up Chris Heisey, who is a very talented prospect. And, you can't forget about Wladimir Balentien, who .234 average in 265 at bats. The only thing that the Reds know for sure in the outfield is that Jay Bruce will play in right field.
In pitching, Edinson Volquez will not be back until somewhere around June or July. Therefore, I would have my pitching rotation as followed: Arroyo, Cueto, Bailey, Harrang, Maloney. I would only have Maloney pitching until Volquez is fully healthy, and once he is done with is minor league assignment. If Harrang is not doing well by the All Start break, I would trade him, I have had enough of his sub .500 pitching in the last few years. After trading him, I would bring up the rookie Cuban pitcher, Aroldis Chapman to take his place, so the rotation would be as followed: Arryo, Cueto, Bailey, Volquez, Chapman. If neither Chapman nor Volquez are able to pitch next season, and Harrang gets traded, I would start Mike Lincoln and Micah Owings. Those to are not very good at starting, but if there is an emergency situation, then that's what I would do.
Behind the plate will not be much of an issue, the only two cathers are Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan, and either can start if needed. I would think that when Bronson Arroyo pitches, Ryan would be the main catcher, just because Bronson feels more comfortable around him.
Some new Reds, fresh out of the minor leagues are: Chris Valaika, Chris Heisey, Yonder Alonso, Pedro Viola, Philippe-Alexandre Valiquette, Jordan Smith, Logan Ondrusek, Sam LeCure, and Enerio Del Rosario.
Opening day is on April 5th. GO REDS!
