What You Can Expect From The 2010 Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have been trying to get younger over the years while adding a few veteran pieces to the ball club to fill out the roster. The Reds are in contract negotiations with Jonny Gomes and are trying reach a minor league deal with him. Orlando Cabrera is considering the Reds and it's down to two teams for his services in 2010, the Reds and the Colorado Rockies. If the Rockies beat out the Reds for Cabrera, look for the Reds to try and add an outfielder with some power. A Gary Sheffield comes to mind as he would fit perfect in a small ballpark like GABP and could platoon in left field with Chris Dickerson, Drew Stubbs, Laynce Nix, and Wladimir Balentien. Cincinnati is sending a scout next week to Arizona to watch former San Francisco Giants Pitcher Noah Lowry who has been out of baseball since 2007 with multiple injuries. Walt Jocketty says signing Orlando Cabrera is a real possibility and if they can't sign him, look for Paul Janish, Juan Francisco, or Todd Frazier to be in the discussion for the Opening Day starter at shortstop. Frazier hasn't played SS since his days in college at Rutgers. Center field is another spot that does not have a determined starter as of yet. Candidates to be in the mix for the center field position are Drew Stubbs, Chris Dickerson, and Willy Taveras. Right Field is Jay Bruce's job to lose. Outside the SS position, the infield is set for 2010 with Joey Votto at 1B, Brandon Phillips at 2B, and Scott Rolen at 3B. Ramon Hernandez will be returning to start for the Reds as their catcher. The Reds seem to be comfortable about their starting rotation. Look for Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey to be locks in the rotation. Candidates for the 5th spot will consist of Justin Lehr, Matt Maloney, and Micah Owings. The Reds would love to see their huge free agent signing Aroldis Chapman to make the rotation but with the patience the Reds organizations shows to prospect, expect him to be starting the season in the Single A level but it wouldn't surprise me to see them bring him up quickly if he dominates the Minor League levels. Expect Edison Volquez to be put into the starting rotation as he aims a return for June or July as he recovers from Tommy John's surgery. The Bullpen will be no different than it was to end the year. Barring a mega offer to relieve the Reds of Francisco Cordero's salary, expect to see Cordero back for his 3rd season as the Reds closer. Arthur Rhodes and Nick Massett will continue to be set up guys to Cordero in the 7th and 8th innings. Maybe even Bill Bray will return from his injuries and make a push for the Reds rotation. Should be a lot better Reds ball club in 2010 as they look to build on the momentum built up from a strong September last season. Hopefully the Reds will snap their 14-year drought of missing the playoffs as it will become 15 years in they do not make it to the post-season.