National League West Predictions for 2012

Pitcher friendly parks in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego will keep teams in several games. Hitter friendly parks in Arizona and Colorado will keep teams in almost any game. What does this mean for the National League West Division this season? A pretty tight race among the five teams. San Francisco, Arizona, and Colorado, on paper, appear pretty even in different aspects, with Los Angeles and San Diego close behind. It is shaping up to be quite a race this year for the right to go to October.

National League West Standings
Arizona Diamondbacks 86-76 –
San Francisco Giants 84-78 2
Colorado Rockies 81-81 5
Los Angeles Dodgers 78-84 8
San Diego Padres 75-87 11

Arizona: Kirk Gibson changed the attitude on this ball club last season, and he will not accept anything less. With relatively young pitching and an emerging offense, this team can repeat as division winners in the National League West. While Chase Field is not known as a pitcher friendly park, young pitchers’, like Daniel Hudson, ability to keep the ball down will keep runs off the scoreboard. Add the potent lineup the Diamondbacks possess and Arizona can win games both at home and on the road.

San Francisco: Pitching, pitching, and more pitching is the slogan San Francisco will use for the 2012 season to make a run at October. Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner, and Ryan Vogelsong are all capable of pitching seven or eight innings on a routine basis, paving the way to a lethal bullpen setup. Hitters having to face Jeremy Affeldt or Sergio Romo in the eighth inning only having to turn around and face Brian Wilson in the ninth will be no easy task. Offensively, the Giants might have a tough time scoring many runs. Aubrey Huff, Buster Posey, and Pablo Sandoval need to produce in order for San Francisco to win. If they can, San Francisco could be playing in October; if they cannot, good pitching will not amount to many victories.

Colorado: Offense will not be a problem for this Rockies ball club. Unlike most of the division that will rely on pitching, Colorado’s aim is to outscore a team. Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, and Dexter Fowler can spell nightmares for pitchers with getting on, getting over, and then being driven in by the long ball. This will relieve some pressure on a maligned pitching rotation. Outside of Jeremy Guthire, the pitching staff is very young and relatively inexperienced. Colorado will only go as far as the pitching staff goes. The Rockies will certainly win games on offense, but could squander games by having inconsistent pitching.

Los Angeles: The purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers by Earvin “Magic” Johnson puts the turmoil surrounding this team to rest, and now the Dodgers and their loyal fans can concentrate 100 percent on baseball. With its rich history, Los Angeles will be on the rise, again. Solid pitching and solid hitting will have the Dodgers in several games, but the problem comes in the form of consistency. Don Mattingly, now entering his second season as Dodgers manager, wants to see execution from his offense. Have the top of the order reach base, use their speed to get into scoring position, and let the power hitters drive them in. Pitching appears solid in most areas, so expect many 2 to 1 or 3 to 2 ballgames facing the Dodgers.

San Diego: San Diego could very well be the best last place team in baseball this year. The only reason this team finds themselves in the cellar is because their hitting and pitching is inconsistent. PetCo Park is a place where offense comes to die, and San Diego’s offense proves why. This hurts this team because opposing pitchers can go to the mound and pitch aggressively knowing the chance of a home run is small. If San Diego’s offense can produce and their pitching stays solid, this team will surprise in 2012.

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National League East Predictions for 2012

This week a detailed look at the National League East will be the main topic of interest. This is by far the most competitive division in the National League. It is also the second toughest division in baseball. Four teams realistically have a shot of winning the division. Atlanta, Miami, and Washington have made impressive strides on improving, while Philadelphia hopes to remain at the top. It will not be easy. This division has the look of a round-robin format and whichever team can survive the divisional match-ups will find themselves playing in October.

National League East Standings
Philadelphia Phillies 90-72 –
Miami Marlins 88-74 2
Atlanta Braves 86-76 4
Washington Nationals 81-81 9
New York Mets 67-95 23

Philadelphia: Time is dwindling for the Phillies to remain atop of the National League East. Pitching still holds a slight edge, and this should be enough to squeak by with the division pennant again in 2012. However, the margin for error is quite small. A key injury to Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, or Cliff Lee could change all of that. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley start the season nursing injuries, so the offense will lack a bit at the start of the season, but pitching is the calling for this club. If the pitching can hold its own until the offense gets rolling, then the Phillies will win.

Miami: Formerly the Florida Marlins, new manager Ozzie Guillen and Mark Buehrle from the Chicago White Sox, along with new shortstop Jose Reyes from the Mets will be poised to dethrone the Phillies from the top. A healthy Josh Johnson will allow the Marlins to go neck-in-neck with Philadelphia and Atlanta on a nightly basis. Speed will be the name of the game on the offensive side to create problems for their opponents, which will lead to the Marlins winning several low scoring games this year. Do not be surprised if Miami plays in October.

Atlanta: Despite the late season swoon by the Braves last season, this will not deter them from competing for the National League East crown this year. The one question I have for Atlanta will be the hot and cold aspect of their offense. Pitching is exemplary with Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurjjens, and a soon to be healthy Tim Hudson. Add to that a dynamite bullpen, Atlanta will not lose many games on the pitching side of things. If Atlanta can avoid offensive lulls, this season could come down to the last day of the season with Philadelphia and Miami.

Washington: Davey Johnson, Nationals manager, knows how to manage. With a relatively young team, Johnson will get the most out of his young ball club, which will translate to wins. The only reason Washington might not win more is because they are in the same division with dominant pitching. Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, and Jordan Zimmerman are three budding superstars poised to win several games for the Nationals. Offense will be crucial for the success of this team, and that answer remains a question. This is why the Nationals are still short of winning the division, but this team will compete hard daily in 2012.

New York: It is easy to dump the Mets in last place by a large margin in this division, but this might be an unfair assumption. Their pitching staff has the talent to win, but the crucial problem is: can they put it all together? Johann Santana has not pitched in over a year, so the question remains can he make it through an entire season? Add R. A. Dickey with Santana, all of a sudden a strong duo of pitchers can shut down the best offensive teams. The biggest problems come with the inconsistencies of the back half of the rotation. If Dillon Gee, Jonathan Niese, and Mike Pelfrey find consistency, then the Mets will be much better than advertised. Offensively, this team appears to be quite Jekyll and Hyde, which will cost them some low scoring games.

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The Fearless Predictions For 2012

Over the next couple of weeks, it is time to see if my love for baseball translates to any form of knowledge. I usually get the division winners right, but trying to get the number of games correct is a highly inexact science. Since this is a Cincinnati Reds centered theme, that will be the last post before the regular season kicks off on April 5. Today’s focus will be on the American League with a brief description and why the teams will end up where they will.

American League East

New York Yankees 91-71 –
Tampa Bay Rays 87-75 4
Boston Red Sox 85-77 6
Toronto Blue Jays 79-83 12
Baltimore Orioles 74-88 17

The American League East is head and shoulders above any other league in baseball. With the offensive capabilities of the Yankees, Rays, and Red Sox, runs will not be hard to come by for the top three in the East. Add an improved Blue Jay and Oriole team, several significant match-ups will occur inside the division. In the end, the ability for the Yankees and Red Sox to spend money and the Rays signing their young pitchers to long term deals early in their careers give them the edge. Boston, I believe, will suffer slightly with new management giving the edge to Tampa to finish just ahead of the Red Sox. Expect this race to come down to the final week of the season with the Yankees capturing the division title.

American League Central

Detroit Tigers 95-67 –
Kansas City Royals 81-81 14
Minnesota Twins 77-85 18
Chicago White Sox 73-89 22
Cleveland Indians 69-93 26

Just as the American League East is the toughest league, the American League Central is one of the weakest. This division, outside of the Detroit Tigers, is a hard division to figure out. Kansas City’s youth is starting to come together and will surprise a few teams this season. Minnesota coming off an injury-marred year, combined with bad luck in 2011, should rebound a bit, but there are a few holes that still need to be filled. The White Sox underwent a makeover in managerial styles; thus, I believe it will take some time to settle in to their new style. Cleveland overachieved the first half of the season last year, however, it looks as though reality will set in this season. The Indians have all the makings of having a hard luck season that will cost them several games. Detroit with their pitching prowess and offensive power should run away with the American League Central.

American League West

Los Angeles Angels 90-72 –
Texas Rangers 86-76 4
Seattle Mariners 78-84 12
Oakland Athletics 70-92 20

Albert Pujols coming to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is the bat they lacked last year. With Pujols in the lineup, it makes the hitters around him better and will translate to a few extra wins. Texas, while still formidable, will be like the Angels of last season, solid but a player or two short. They will compete with Tampa Bay and Boston for the wild card, and with the additional team being added to the playoffs this year, Texas could get a chance for playing at least one game in October. Seattle continues to show signs of improvement and should hover around .500 this year. If their pitching excels, the Mariners could sneak up on a couple of teams in the American League. As for Oakland, this team looks to be restructuring their ball club. Losing a couple of key players sets them back a bit, but expect them to compete in every game. Overall, the Angels eke out this division and get back into the playoffs.

Playoff Seeds
1. Detroit Tigers
2. New York Yankees
3. Los Angeles Angels
Wild Card Tampa Bay Rays versus Texas Rangers

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Reds Split Games Over the Weekend

Cincinnati went 2-2 over the weekend in Cactus League action. The Reds split Friday’s split squad games, losing to the San Francisco Giants 6-3, but defeating the Kansas City Royals 5-1. Saturday did not go well with Reds ace, Johnny Cueto, dropping a 6-3 decision to the Oakland Athletics. As for Sunday, a rally by the Reds pushed them past the Los Angeles Angels 5-4. This pushes their record to 5-4 on the young Spring.

Starting pitchers Aroldis Chapman and Homer Bailey looked sharp during Friday’s split squad scrimmages. Chapman mowed down all six batters he faced against San Francisco while Homer Bailey only allowed one hit and one walk in his three innings against Kansas City. Starter Matt Cain of the Giants and Danny Duffy of the Royals matched Chapman and Bailey, respectively, pitch for pitch. The difference, Sam LeCure struggled in his outing against the Giants, whereas the relievers against the Royals did not. LeCure gave up four runs on five hits in his two innings of work Friday afternoon versus the 2010 World Series Champion Giants.

Saturday and Sunday were different for starting pitching. Reds ace, Johnny Cueto, surrendered three runs in his two innings of work against the Oakland Athletics, a game Oakland won 6-3, Saturday. Sunday, Latos gave up two runs on four hits during his stint against the Los Angeles Angels. Fortunately, the Reds rallied to beat the Angels 5-4. Bartolo Colon pitched 4 solid innings for the A’s, Saturday, while Brad Mills delivered three strong innings on Sunday.

The key aspect right now is finding the location of pitches and working through it over the next three weeks. A “Dead Arm” period might be setting in for some of the Reds pitchers right now, and that is common. This period can last up to ten days, so Cueto struggling on Saturday and Latos on Sunday, along with some of the relievers might be setting in. Reports came out before the mandatory date that many pitchers were already in Goodyear, Arizona, so the tired arm period could be what to expect the next couple of outings for Cincinnati starters and relievers. This can be compared to the time period when first working out or running to get into proper shape. At the beginning, it feels natural to lift weights, run a couple of miles, or exercise, however, after a period of time a person’s body hits the wall and for several days it seems as though nothing works. Just when there seems to be no hope in sight, the body, in this case a pitcher’s arm, springs back to life and location and speed of pitches truly come into form. So all Reds’ fans that might worry if starting and relief pitching has a few rough appearances, do not worry unless an injury pops up.

Speaking of injuries, southpaw reliever Bill Bray is still battling a tender groin injury. Bray has not been able to throw in several days, and each day that goes by, his chances of being ready for Opening Day are dwindling. With legs being such a vital aspect in delivering a pitch to the plate, and pushing off the rubber for torque and power, no timetable can be set when Bray will be ready to pitch again. Outside of Bray’s issues, it has been a relatively quiet injury report for Cincinnati, so let’s hope that continues throughout the entire year.

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Reds Start Off Spring Training As Expected

The first few games of Spring Training 2012 for the Cincinnati Reds is going as expected. Pitching always comes to the center of attention early, and the Reds count on starting pitching to win ballgames. Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos each pitched two innings in exhibition play and came away with solid results. Cueto did surrender a run, but the two strikeouts he notched on Monday’s game against the Cleveland Indians shows that his ability to fool the hitters remains. Keeping the hitter guessing will allow Cueto to blaze a 95 mile per hour fastball on one pitch, then come back with a 75 mile per hour breaking ball on the next, screwing up the timing of the hitter. If the old cliche that hitting is timing, and pitching is messing up a hitter’s timing is true then Cueto did his job.

Newly acquired Mat Latos struggled in his first inning as a Red, but escaped without yielding a run. When he took the mound in the second inning, possibly nerves settled, he mowed down the Seattle Mariners. Latos, a former Padre, pitched strong last season, and if the second inning of Tuesday’s game is a sign of the 2012 season, then the Reds will have a lethal one-two punch at the front end of the rotation. Being a fly ball and strikeout pitcher, Latos will give up his fair share of home runs at Great American Ball Park, but if the shots can come with the bases empty then Latos’ earned run average will likely hover in the 3.00 area. That will work out just fine for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati finished their fourth spring training game on Tuesday, losing for the first time to the Seattle Mariners. When things kicked off Saturday, the Reds and Indians played to a 6-6 tie. Sunday, Cincinnati got into the win column defeating the same Indians ball club, 8-6. They extended the winning streak to two with a 12-7 victory on Monday, a game Cueto started. This puts the Reds’ record at 2-1 so far this spring. Wins and losses do not factor in at this point, but by the last 10 days of March, expect manager Dusty Baker and his Reds’ team to win more than they lose.

The hardest part for Reds personnel is cutting the 58 players down to 25 by the time the season starts on April 5, against the Miami Marlins. I would not want to be in that position. While it is pretty safe to assume that 20 to 25 players will wind up in the minors, and a few non-roster invitees to be cut, the real battle will come down to ten players fighting for three or four spots. That is where things will get particularly interesting. Personally, I think that is a great problem to have, because it will step up everyone’s game. Right now the pieces of the puzzle are all over the place but expect the outline of that puzzle to start molding into shape over the next ten days.

Cincinnati’s schedule this week has three split squad games starting Wednesday with the San Diego Padres, Friday against the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals, and concludes Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels. In between, Cincinnati faces off against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday and the Oakland Athletics on Saturday. For fans wanting to catch a Reds spring training game, the game Saturday against the A’s will be tape delayed on the MLB Network.

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All Players in Camp at Goodyear

Friday was the first official full workout day for the Cincinnati Reds for Spring Training 2012, and all 58 players reported. For the next week remedial practice will take center stage before the Reds face the Indians next Saturday for the first exhibition game of the spring season. Probably the most crucial aspect for the Reds over the next month is to get into baseball shape, work out some kinks, and remain healthy. If those things hold true when “Opening Day” dawns on April 5, the Reds should feel as though they accomplished the first goal this season.

Probably the two most health related issues coming into Spring are the shoulder of Scott Rolen and the elbow of Zack Cozart. Rolen, who has been battling shoulder issues for well over a decade, shut it down the second half of the season last year, had surgery to clean it up, and mentioned towards the end of the season that his shoulder felt better than it had in years. Everyone saw the leadership qualities he possessed in 2010, and even though the Reds are more mature than in 2010, Rolen provides the intangibles most teams covet. The more Rolen is on the field the better Cincinnati will be. In addition with a healthy Rolen, backup third baseman Juan Francisco will benefit from watching the veteran all Spring. Francisco showed vast improvements the last half of the year in Louisville before being called up, and if this is a sign of the future, Francisco will excel in the near future at the Major League level.

To Rolen’s immediate left, shortstop Zack Cozart is coming off Tommy John surgery to his non-throwing elbow. Cozart will get the first crack at being the starting shortstop, but the jury remains out if Cozart is ready for a full season at the “Big League” level. At Louisville Cozart excelled but only appeared in 11 games with the Reds before suffering the season ending injury. Pitchers will adjust to Cozart the more plate appearances he gets. The emphasis will be if Cozart can adjust to the pitchers. That is where the question lies if he is ready for a full year. If he can do that, then there is no reason to believe Cozart cannot produce at the plate. In my opinion, Cozart will be the most played player of the starting eight in Spring, but come the regular season Wilson Valdez or Paul Janish will spell Cozart every couple of days to keep him fresh for the entire season.

On the pitching side of things, Johnny Cueto will be the starting pitcher Opening Day to face the Miami Marlins. Cueto showed time and time again last season that he could handle pitching in crucial games. If it were not for a few blown saves by the bullpen and the lack of production from the offensive side of things, Cueto would have won 15 games while only losing 2 or 3. Thanks to some off season moves by Red personnel, the possibility of losing games like Cueto did last season should be far less. With the excitement building around this ball club, in just over 5 weeks it will be time for the 2012 regular season to begin.

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Welcome to Spring Training

The off season is over for the Cincinnati Reds. Tomorrow, February 19, pitchers and catchers will report to Goodyear, Arizona to begin working out in preparation for the 2012 Major League Baseball Season. Five days later, the whole team is due in to start rounding back into baseball shape. High expectations greet the Reds this season, thanks to the additions that the general manager, Walt Jocketty, made over the winter. Anything less then running away with the National League Central will make for a disappointing year. So the only question remaining: Can Cincinnati handle the pressure of being the favorites to win their division?

If competition leads to production, then this Spring Training season should do exactly that. Fierce competition will take place for players vying for the last few bench spots. Out of the 25 available spots, veteran Reds players hold most of these spots. 58 players are vying for 25 spots, if that does not put pressure on players, then what will? By the time April 5 arrives, the pressure will be over, and the fun will begin.

In player related news, sources close to the Reds state that Brett Tomko signed a minor league contract on Thursday. Tomko debuted back in 1997 and pitched quite effectively. Most Reds fans remember he was part of the trade in the winter of 2000 that brought Ken Griffey, Jr. to Cincinnati. Sadly, this is a trade most Reds fans want to forget, but Tonko, now 38, will be back in a Reds uniform. With a stout starting rotation and a strong bullpen, Tomko should not factor in the plans, but he will get a chance to show what he has over the next few weeks. With the signing of Tomko, 30 pitchers will be in Spring Training this year. People always say teams can never have enough pitching, and without a doubt, the Reds agree totally with that statement.

Taking a look at some key Spring Training games for 2012, Cincinnati will open with three games against the Cleveland Indians, March 3-5. The Indians and Reds share the complex at Goodyear. Five split squad scrimmages are on this year’s preseason slate. Friday, March 9, the Reds will face the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals. Two days later, Cincinnati hosts the Los Angeles Angels and Albert Pujols in another split squad affair. Cincinnati will have four games against NL Central foes during the exhibition season, two against the Chicago Cubs and two against the Milwaukee Brewers. In total 32 games are on the schedule, and with 58 players the more chances to see who can make the Major League team, the better.

The final game during Spring Training will take place April 3 when Cincinnati takes on the Futures at 7PM at Great American Ball Park. This can be considered a dry run to make sure the “Big Ballpark” is ready to go for Opening Day, which will occur two days later against the Miami Marlins at 4:05 PM. Winter is about over and Cincinnati Reds fans eagerly await a successful 2012 baseball season, that should find their team playing in October.

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Time to Head West Equals Baseball Starting Soon

The trip to Goodyear, Arizona started this week for the Cincinnati Reds 2012 season. Yes, it has been 4 months and 2 weeks since the close of the 2011 season. No question, most viewed the last year as a disappointment and General Manager Walt Jocketty vowed that 2012 would be different. Jocketty answered his statement with an emphatic “all in” mentality during the off season. Most believe it is go time or else for Dusty Baker in Cincinnati. With the talent amassed, the leash will be short for Baker. It is difficult as a fan not to sit and look at the line up and smile at the potential, but producing on the field will be what everyone looks for during the year.

An encouraging sign is the fact that a handful of Reds players are already in Goodyear working out well before the reporting date. Mike Leake, Sam LeCure, Chris Valaika, Zack Cozart, and Aroldis Chapman, to name a few, are already working out. The first date for pitchers and catchers to report is next Sunday, February 19, with the full squad expected the following Friday, February 24. Optimism runs high with Castellini, Jocketty, and Baker with the way some of the biggest holes got filled over the winter. Looking over the National League Central, with Albert Pujols going to Anaheim, Prince Fielder signing in Detroit, and Ryan Braun battling a likely 50-game suspension, the Reds seem to be head and shoulders above every team in this division. April 5, when the Reds host the new look Miami Marlins, cannot get here soon enough.

Two of the biggest stories that will play out during Spring Training: Will Ryan Ludwick nail down the every day left field spot, and will Aroldis Chapman be ready to take over a starter’s role? With the infield set and Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce manning center and right field respectively, along with Ryan Hanigan and Devin Mesoraco serving as the backstop, left field is the only question mark. Personally, I think Ludwick will receive first dibs to lock the position down; however, if Ludwick stumbles out of the gate then Chris Heisey showed signs of being a more consistent hitter in 2011.

As far as the pitching situation, start Chapman off in Louisville to start the year and let him build his arm up. At the same time, Chapman can improve his delivery and master another pitch outside of his “missile” fastball, and his “wicked” slider. In addition, Cincinnati’s starting rotation is stout. Cueto’s mastery, along with the signing of Mat Latos gives the Reds a superb one-two punch. Add to that veteran Bronso Arroyo vowing to be much improved, and the increasing Madduxesque Mike Leake will lock up the three and four spots. Then Homer Bailey and his improved shoulder will nail down the 5th spot. In case of an injury, veteran Jeff Francis can fill in if one of the starting five has any issue. Everyone wants to see Chapman at Great American Ball Park, but looking farther into the future, having a healthy Chapman for 4 or 5 years is better than blowing his arm out if he is not quite ready by April 5.

On a side note, discussion has been surfacing in the public about the potential of the Reds signing Roy Oswalt, but I do not see where he fits in on the staff. A notorious Reds killer is Oswalt; however, the hype is much louder than the actuality. Never say never, but do not expect Oswalt to be a potential Red anytime soon.

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Insurance Pieces Filling up for Cincinnati

Over the last ten days, the Reds have signed a few insurance players to bolster their roster. The main roster looks complete, but in case of injury or struggle, veteran pitchers and fielders can help push the players to perform in order to keep their job. In what has become mainstream news, the Cincinnati Reds went all in to win the 2012 season. Because of this, most media sources will likely pick the Reds to win the National League Central. With the first reporting work-out date only two weeks away, it is time to get the final pieces in place.

Veteran left handed pitcher Jeff Francis signed a minor league deal over a week ago. Francis, 30, spent last season with the Kansas City Royals which can best be looked at as a struggle. Prior to becoming a Royal, Francis spent 7 seasons with the Colorado Rockies. On the depth chart, Francis probably would be the seventh pitcher in line; however, just like last season with a barking shoulder like Homer Bailey and an injury in spring training to Johnny Cueto, Francis could slide in to make some key starts. As far as insurance purposes, Jeff Francis works out quite well.

Utility man Willie Harris also inked a minor league deal with the Reds last week. Much like Francis, the chance that Harris makes the team is a long shot, especially after reaching a deal with Wilson Valdez. The motto “You can never have enough defense” rings true. With Valdez, Paul Janish, Juan Francisco, and Todd Frazier, Harris is emergency insurance. As a Reds’ fan, let us not hope it gets to that point. Harris, 33, spent 2011 with the New York Mets batting .246. Harris can play the outfield as well, so this could be viewed as a multi-purpose signing. With Yonder Alonso off to San Diego in the trade for starting pitcher Mat Latos, Harris could be a fifth outfielder candidate.

In a busy off-season, the Reds team appears set. With key additions of Latos, closer Ryan Madson, left fielder Ryan Ludwick, and reliever Sean Marshall, the team has improved in areas that were at times weak in 2011. With backup catcher Dioner Navarro, this takes pressure off both Ryan Hanigan and Devin Mesoraco if either should become injured or get off to a slow start. Just looking at the defensive side of the diamond, the Reds look fantastic. However, the biggest question is: Can Cincinnati get timely hitting in 2012?

After an almost flawless 2010 when the team needed to deliver the key hit, 2011 was the exact opposite. Will the addition of Ludwick protect Votto? How does Jay Bruce progress as a hitter? Can Brandon Phillips excel as a lead-off hitter all year long? Is Scott Rolen’s shoulder totally healthy for the first time in several years? How does Zack Cozart perform when facing pitchers the second time around? Many questions on the offensive side exist, but if many of those questions are answered with positive results, the Reds will be a force to reckon with in 2012. With Opening Day just two months away, those questions will be answered soon enough.

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Cincinnati’s Puzzle Complete, Now Adding Insurance

When the winter meetings ended in Dallas, Reds fans wondered what happened to the promise that Walt Jocketty made that he and Bob Castellini would go out and get players needed to win the National League Central in 2012. Many probably started having doubts. Since then, however, the promises became complete with the flurry of activity. The main pieces the Cincinnati Reds needed: a starting pitcher (Mat Latos), a left fielder (Ryan Ludwick), a closer (Ryan Madson), stronger bull pen help (Sean Marshall) and a utility infielder; not filled. That was until Wednesday when the general manager was at it again. The Reds gave up left-handed reliever, Jeremy Horst, in exchange for utility infielder Wilson Valdez of the Philadelphia Phillies. Yes, it is that same Wilson Valdez that pitched the 19th inning last season in the marathon game to get the win.

Valdez appeared in 99 games last season with the Phillies, primarily at shortstop. With his outing against Cincinnati last May, he could potentially back up Paul Janish as the emergency reliever if the Reds partake in a 19 inning game again this season. As Reds fans, let us hope it does not get to that point this season. Prior to Valdez’ stint in Philadelphia, he spent time in New York with the Mets. The signing of Valdez probably signifies more of a defensive utility man than a hitter. Valdez hit only one home run last year while batting .249. This signing, however, completes the main goals the general management wanted to accomplish during the off season.

Jose Arredondo and Nick Masset avoided arbitration this week by coming to terms on two year deals. Arrendondo’s salary this season will rise to $725,000. Last season Arredondo returned from Tommy John surgery, but after some initial problems with control, the second half of the season Arredondo showed signs of his potential. This is why the Reds grabbed Arredondo when the Los Angeles Angels organization let him go. Masset will make $2.1 million for the 2012 season. In 2011, Masset struggled mightily. From beginning to end, it appeared Masset just could not get going. Every time he showed signs of putting it together, in pressure packed situation Masset failed way too often. Reds fans have become familiar with slow April’s and May’s, but it did not end last season. Count on a better pitcher this year.

The only other issue that Cincinnati will have to deal with between now and “Opening Day” will be health. Key injuries from the end of 2011 are many. Johnny Cueto’s triceps, Homer Bailey’s shoulder, Bronso Arroyo’s back and lingering mononucleosis, Zack Cozart’s elbow, and Scott Rolen’s shoulder, just to name the bigger issues. What appears to be likely will be signings of major league ball players to minor league contracts. They then will compete for a spot or be insurance players in the event of an injury. With many fans and media starting to back the Cincinnati Reds as their preseason pick to win the Central, Jocketty and Castellini want to make sure that prediction holds true throughout the season. One quiet deal that probably slid under the RADAR came with the signing of veteran catcher Dioner Navarro. When Ramon Hernandez inked a deal with the Colorado Rockies, that left Ryan Hannigan and a young Devin Mesoraco as the primary catchers. With the amount of beatings catchers take in a season, Navarro without question qualifies for the Reds insurance catcher. Expect more insurance signings heading into spring training, which starts February 19 with the first team workout.

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