Reds Opening Day Projected Starters

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!

Buckeyes hunt Ducks

By: Cooper Ledford SWO SPORTS FOUNDER & CEO

The Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) were playing in the Granddaddy of them all, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Their opponent was the Oregon University Ducks (10-3). The Ducks were favored by 75% of people in the United States, OSU was heavy under-dogs. Oregon was trying to finish with their first win in school history over the Buckeyes, while the Bucks were trying to end the bowl losing streak. Ohio State ended up winning the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, with a score of 26 to 17. Here is how it all happened.

To start things off, on Ohio State's first drive of the game, Terrelle Pryor connected with Brandon Saine for a 13 yard touchdown pass, OSU had a quick 7-0 lead. Late in the first quarter, it was fourth down, so the conservative Jim Tressel sent out Devin Barclay to kick a field goal. Barclay's kick was perfect, the score was 10-0, Silver Bullets on top. The Webbed foots would get on the board when Morgan Flint kicked a 24 yard field goal, it was a one possession game, 10-3. Oregon would tie it up when running back, LeGarrette Blount, extended him arm over the goal-line as he was falling, but that gave Oregon a touchdown, 10-10 was the score. In the last minute and fifteen seconds of the game, after a Devin Barclay field goal, OSU had a 13-10 lead. Masoli, on the next drive would throw an interception to Ross Homan, the Buckeyes would get the ball back. Right before the half, Aaron Pettrey kicked a 45 yard field goal to give Ohio State a 6 point lead going into the half. To start off scoring in the third, Jeremiah Masoli ran for a one yard touchdown for the Ducks to give them their first lead of the game, 17-16. Ohio State would regain the lead when Barclay kicked a 38 yard field goal, it was 19-17, Bucks on top going into the fourth quarter. with 7:02 to go in the fourth, OSU had the ball on third down, Pryor found DeVier Posey making a great catch in the endzone, a 17 yard score, Ohio State had a 26-17 lead. The Buckeyes would get the ball back later on after a missed field goal by Morgan Flint, OSU was able to run the clock out and win the game.

Terrelle Pryor was the 2010 Rose Bowl MVP. Pryor went 23 for 37, passed for a career high 266 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Pryor also added 72 yards on the ground. Pryor was 80% of Ohio State's offense, getting 338 total yards.

DeVier Posey lead the game in receiving yards, he had 101 off of 8 receptions. Ohio State now gives the Big Ten their first Rose Bowl win since 2000. The Buckeyes also end their 3-in-a-row BCS skid. Ohio State finished with a record of 11-2, and give the seniors their first bowl win, and Jim Tressel's first Rose Bowl game, and win.

All through the game Ohio State did good on drives. Here is how OSU's drive summaries went: Passing TD, punt, Field goal, punt, field goal, field goal, field goal, Interception, punt, passing TD, end of game. Oregon was not as successful here is how the Ducks' drives went: Punt, punt, field goal, rushing TD, Interception, rushing TD, fumble, punt, punt, missed field goal.

Ohio State controled the ball a lot longer than Oregon. Ohio State had the ball for 41:37, as opposed to 18:23 for Oregon.

PICTURES: THE ROSE BOWL TROPHY, COACH TRESSEL GETS THE GATORADE BATH, THE TEAM CELEBRATES THE ROSE BOWL WIN