Cincinnati Reds

If you've listened to just one Cincinnati Reds game on the radio in the past thirty years, then you have experienced Marty Brennaman, one of the best, most honest broadcasters in baseball history. 

Brennaman beat out 200 applicants to take over for the legendary Al Michaels in 1974 and be the main man on 700 WLW for Reds baseball. 

Continuing my springtime tradition, I will give my thoughts on the upcoming season for the Cincinnati Reds. Again, like last year, I am a little late getting started. The Reds have jumped out to a 4-0 start as I write this.

I have never been a fan of platooning players in baseball. I always liked having a set lineup while giving the starter an occasional day of rest. Dusty Baker has a different idea when it comes to the Reds catching situation, and it has worked like a charm.

Apparently, Jim Edmonds didn't exactly have the time if his life after joining the Reds last season.

According to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, in an interview with a St. Louis radio station, he opened up a bit about what he thought of the Reds organization and how he regrets coming to Cincinnati. He also throws a verbal jab at Brandon Phillips.

Few experiences can top Opening Day in Cincinnati, Ohio. The parade, sold-out stadium and increased number of media members are just a few things that cause the first baseball game of the year to sometimes take a backseat to the pageantry that surrounds it.

Not this time.

If the Milwaukee Brewers are the chief contenders for the Reds’ crown, all looks good in the Queen City. The Reds just finished sweeping the Brew Crew at Great American Ballpark with a 12-3 pasting, powered by 19 hits.

Catcher Ryan Hanigan led the way with a 4-for-4 outing with two home runs, three runs and four RBI. Brandon Phillips added three hits including a two-run homer.

Numerous guys on this Cincinnati Reds team are getting a lot of well deserved praise these days.

In the infield, you have MVP Joey Votto and gold glovers Scott Rolen and Brandon Phillips.

The outfield consists of potential up and coming stars such as Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce.

In terms of pitching, we are all well aware of Aroldis Chapman, and other younger players such as Travis Wood and Mike Leake.

Action got under way quickly in Cincinnati today with back-to-back home runs to lead off the game. Rickie Weeks and Carlos Gomez took advantage of Edison Volquez’s mistakes as both led off the game with home runs.

The Milwaukee Brewers proceeded to pounce on the vulnerable Volquez by knocking in another run with Casey McGehee’s sacrifice fly.

With opening day only three days away, the Cincinnati Reds roster is looking more like the Walking Wounded than a defending champion.

A pitching rotation of Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, Travis Wood, Mike Leake and probably Sam LeCure will not strike fear into the hearts of the collective sluggers of the Milwaukee Brewers. Their combined ERA is 6.45.

There hasn't been this much anticipation for a Reds season in years, but for anyone who has been paying attention to spring training, the news hasn't been very good and it continues to get worse as starting pitcher Homer Bailey was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder impingement.

For Bailey, who has shown flashes but is still seeking consistency over the course of an entire season, it's another setback.