Cincinnati Reds 2012 Preview

After winning the division in 2010 the Reds had a disappointing season and finished 2011 in third place behind the Brewers and the eventual World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals.  Now that both teams lost their superstars, the Reds look to return back to the top of the division.  The team will look very similar to last year but did make a swap for a front line starter, Mat Latos.  The offense will be lead by Jay Bruce and Joey Votto, who will look to get back to his MVP ways.  Cincinnati also added closer Ryan Madson, in a move that was shocking to the baseball world, but the Reds aren't going to be complaining with the way Madson can close the door.  Let's take a look at what the Reds will look like come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- The staff will be lead by Latos and Johnny Cueto, who will look to rebound from an injury filled season, and if he notches enough starts could win the ERA crown.  Youngster Mike Leake will also be in the rotation and will look to avoid the off the field distractions and focus on pitching.  Bronson Arroyo and Homer Bailey will round out the rotation.  All three of the back end guys will be innings eaters which help out in the long run and make life on Dusty Baker easier.
Bullpen- The 'pen will be lead by new closer Ryan Madson, who comes off a great year with the Phillies and will try and build on that and get the Reds in the playoffs.  Flame throwing lefty Aroldis Chapman will look to maintain his control throughout the season.  Nick Masset and Bill Bray will also be table setters, giving Baker a nice lefty/righty combo to go to depending on the situation.  Sean Marshall will serve as a long relief option and good get some starts if needed.
Catcher- Youngster Devin Mesoraco, who the organization is very high on, will compete with Ryan Hanigan for the starting job.  But look for Hanigan's experience to land him the job, and look for Mesoraco to eventually get the job sometime in the season.
Infield- The infield will be lead by the always entertaining Brandon Phillips at second base.  One of the focuses for Phillips will be if the Reds get him the contract extension he has rightfully earned.  Teaming up with Phillips up the middle will probably be youngster Zack Cozart, who is coming off Tommy John on his non throwing arm.  If Cozart isn't back at 100% look for Paul Janish to get some starts until Cozart is back at full strength.  The corner infield spots will be held down by Scott Rolen and Joey Votto.  Rolen provides the club with a great veteran presence and Votto continues to be an All Star caliber first baseman. Wilson Valdez will serve as the utility man for the infield and will get some spot starts every now and then.
Outfield- Right fielder Jay Bruce will look to build on a great season and should easily get some votes come All Star Game time.  Speedster Drew Stubbs will be the man in CF and will look to cut down on the punch outs and have a good year.  Left field looks to be a competition between veteran slugger Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey.  Heisey has the leg up going into the season, in that he played in a lot of games last year for the club and should win the job in Spring Training.
Lineup-
1. Drew Stubbs- Will excite if he can go under 200 k's.
2. Jay Bruce- Can he repeat the 30 HR season of 2011?
3. Brandon Phillips- Plenty of pop from a position known more for d.
4. Joey Votto- Will be back to MVP form!
5. Scott Rolen- After all these years still puts up great numbers.
6. Zack Cozart- First full year should be a good one.
7. Chris Heisey- Could hit 20+ dingers.
8. Ryan Hanigan- Known more for his defense.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

The Reds will be back in the form that got them the division title in 2010 and will again reign atop the NL Central.  Expect them to get close to 90 wins and finish well ahead of the rest of the division with so many question marks.  2012 will be a very good year to be Reds fan, best of luck Reds Fans!

-Buddy