Countdown to Opening Day #7: Cincinnati Reds

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#7 Cincinnati Reds: Big Red run producing Machine

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Billy Hamilton
SS Zack Cozart
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
3B Todd Frazier
LF Ryan Ludwick
C Devin Mesoraco

PROJECTED ROTATION
Homer Bailey
Mat Latos
Johnny Cueto
Tony Cingrani
Mike Leake

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Aroldis Chapman

Set-up: JJ Hoover

Top Prospect: Billy Hamilton (OF)

We saw how unimpressed people were with Joey Votto's 2013 season, that ended with a .435 on base percentage, his fourth consecutive season with the best mark in the category. And while Votto does not care

Joey Votto

what others think about his approach, the Reds were not winning. It may be time for an adjustment at the dish.
The Reds hope men like Brandon Phillips and speedster Billy Hamilton can get on base enough so the face of the franchise can let it rip. Votto should have more than the 73 RBIs had last season. He is paid for his power, not his trot to first base and free passes.
What could help the Reds take the next step and allow Votto to do what he does is Jay Bruce taking his abilities another step further. The one-time top prospect in all of baseball still has a chance to be more than the just a 35 home run hitter if he can up the batting average. from .250, closer to a .285 clip. He could put his own name in the MVP race.
The bullpen is still strong with the Cuban Missile Aroldis Chapman and the rotation is rock solid when healthy. The Reds, even with new manager Brian Price, are bound to be in the playoff mix again. But will they ever get over that hump and have their day in the World Series sun? I am starting to think that chance could be slipping away.

CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Votto puts it all together and leads the N.L. in RBIs as well as winning a

Johnny Cueto

batting title. Billy Hamilton finds a way on base, scores 125 run, steals 80 bags and wins Rookie of Year. The rotation finally stays healthy when it counts. Johnny Cueto has come up small at the end of the years when the Reds have really needed him. Not this year.

REAL TALK - My loyal blog readers might be aware that I picked the Reds to win the World Series in the last two seasons. While they have not let me down completely I am starting to lose faith. The Reds have too much talent on the mound and in the batter's box to not win 85 game blindfolded, barring injuries, but I start to question leadership when they flounder in the postseason. Maybe Votto is not the guy to charge this club into the Fall Classic. Maybe this core group will always just be above average.

Breakout: Tony Cingrani (LHP)

Bust: Billy Hamilton (OF)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Brandon Phillips (2B)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 90-72 (3rd in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 92-70 (2nd in AL Central) 

**Check back tomorrow for the Texas Rangers*