People and fans all around baseball realize that the Cincinnati Reds are good, if not great, this year. But does anyone know why? After thinking for a few minutes this morning, I understand why. And here is my reasons for the Reds success this year:
- The starting pitching is a lot better than it was in previous years. Last year Harang had an off year, Homer Bailey did not do good early in the year, Cueto struggled in the second half, and Micah Owings did very poor. Now, Cueto is looking better than ever, and so is Bronson Arroyo. Volquez is back, and doing very well, and looking like a 15 plus game winner that he was in 2008. Also, Travis Wood and Mike Leake are doing great this year.
- The offense is a lot better. When the Reds had Encarnocion, Gonzalez, and Taveras, they did not do much, and runs were hard to come by. Now, the Reds have Votto hitting the ball better than ever, and having an MVP-type year, Scott Rolen and Orlando Cabrera are having very good years, and Brandon Phillips is hitting well. Jonny Gomes is having a good year, as is Jay Bruce. The Reds have the best offense in the NL, something I would be shocked to hear a year ago.
- The back-ups. Last year, the Reds would go to Gomes, Hanigan, Janish, or Nix to come off the bench to pinch hit or be a defensive sub. Now, the Reds start Gomes, Janish can play 2nd, 3rd, or short, and is hitting around .300, and having a great year. Nix has been hitting well when needed, Chris Heisey is a great bench player, and the best pinch-hitter in the NL, on my opinion he should start everyday in center. Ryan Hanigan is hitting around .300, and the newly-signed veteran outfielder, Jim Edmonds provides power off the bench.
So, those are my reasons why the Reds are doing good this year. Go Reds!
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