In 2010, the Cincinnati Reds ended a 14-year playoff drought by winning the NL Central Division with an overall record of 91-71.
The Reds' regular-season success didn’t carry over to the postseason, as they were swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round.
Cincinnati's key offseason move was adding veteran shortstop Edgar Renteria, but he isn’t expected to take over the starting job from Paul Janish.
For a better idea of what the Reds will look like this season, here is a breakdown of their predicted starting lineup and starting rotation, plus our MLB predictions on where they will finish the season.
Projected Lineup
The Reds have two amazing young hitters in Joey Votto and Jay Bruce.
Votto finished with 37 home runs, 113 RBI and a stellar .324 batting average, which landed him the 2010 MVP award. If he can come close to those numbers, Cincinnati will once again be a threat in the NL Central.
Bruce ended last year with a career-high 25 home runs to go along with 70 RBI and a .281 batting average. Bruce could very well take that next step, much like Votto did last season.
I would also keep an eye out for second baseman Brandon Phillips and center fielder Drew Stubbs. Phillips' power numbers weren't there in 2010, but he did score a lot of runs batting all over the lineup.
Stubbs really shined in his first full season as a starter with 91 runs, 22 home runs and 77 RBI and could be ready to break out and join Votto and Bruce in the heart of the lineup.
Also, don't forget about the catching duo of Ryan Hanigan and Ramon Hernandez. Both hit for a great average and should be more than capable of repeating their success this year.
The rest of the lineup doesn't come with as much hype. Scott Rolen had a great run last season, but he is getting old, and it will be hard for him to repeat those stats. Jonny Gomes and Paul Janish both struggled with the bat down the stretch and likely won't provide a whole lot this season for Cincinnati.
Projected Rotation
The rotation is led by two veterans who must produce for Cincinnati to have a great shot at defending the Central Division title.
It all begins with the full return of ace Edinson Volquez, who has missed most of the last two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery. Volquez went 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA in 12 starts but needs to return to the form that had him go 17-6 in 2008.
Bronson Arroyo had a very solid year, going 17-10 with a 3.88 ERA, and depending on which way he goes in 2011, it will greatly determine the Reds' chances.
The back of the rotation is full of young arms who should be a big part of the rotation for years to come, but they don't have the experience for the Reds to rely heavily on them this year.
Johnny Cueto went 12-7 with a 3.64 ERA, Homer Bailey went just 4-3 with a 4.46 ERA and Travis Wood went 5-4 with a 3.51 ERA. We wouldn't be surprised if they all pitched better than they did last season, but it's hard to imagine huge strides.
Cincinnati also has two more young starting prospects in Mike Leake and Aroldis Chapman who could make their way into the starting rotation this season.
2011 Projection: Third place NL Central
While the Reds look to be filled with a ton of young talent, we think they will struggle to live up to the expectations of last season.
Votto and Bruce will carry the offense, but the starting rotation lacks a lot of experience at the back and is likely still a couple years from helping the Reds become a consistent threat to win the NL Central and make a run at a World Series. If the young talent develops faster than expected, the Reds could surprise once again.
The Reds' current MLB odds to win the NL Central are +220.
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