Ryan Hanigan

The Cincinnati Reds won the National League Central in 2012, but the team still has some weaknesses entering the 2013 season.

Since making his MLB debut in 2007, Cincinnati Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan has without a doubt been a valuable asset to the Reds organization.

As both a backup catcher and a spot starter, Hanigan has proven himself to be a clutch hitter and a solid defender behind the plate.

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.

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.

Sure, they have a possible Triple Crown candidate in Joey Votto—and fellow All-Stars Brandon Phillips and Scott Rolen. The pitching staff has been solid, if not spectacular, led by the most consistent pitcher in the majors: Bronson Arroyo.
 
But the glue that keeps this team together is the bench. They are unsung heroes that have proven to be the WD-40 to the Reds' machine when it gets a bit rusty. The players that were expected to be afterthoughts have instead been essential to the Reds success.
 

When Ryan Hanigan went on the disabled list with a broken hand on May 29th, it wasn't something that people in many circles discussed.  

The team was playing so well, so what was there to discuss?

I knew the moment it occurred that the pitching staff would greatly suffer.  

Hanigan is THAT good behind the plate with his handling of the pitching staff, skill in blocking errant pitches, and ability to throw out would-be base stealers.

With Hanigan behind the dish, the Reds team ERA is 3.77.