Lil Red Machine

The season is still young, but the Reds are onto something here.  Pitching and defense wins ballgames.  Folks, we are looking at a Reds team that is 4th in the national league in team ERA, with a 3.91 mark.  This team has 4 LEGIT starters.  Any of these guys can go out and throw a great game on any given night.  5 team shutouts so far.  The proof is in the pudding

Lets start with Johnny Cueto.  Many say he has the best stuff out of anyone on the Reds’ staff.  He is current 2-1 with a shiny 1.65 ERA.  Last year, when faced with trouble, he would oftentimes fall apart.  This year, he has shown a tougher resolve.  He has a great fastball with tons of movement.  He challenges hitters.  He’s got 3 great pitches.

In addition to Cueto’s success, Aaron Harang is becoming the workhorse that he once was before last season.  The record isn’t there, but he’s working deep into games.  Edinson Volquez, after a tough start, has settled into a groove.  The 4th starter, Bronson Arroyo, needs to lower his ERA a bit, as it stands at 4.91.  However, he is extremely durable and has a proven track record of success.  In that 5th slot, Micah Owings has shown promise, but has also been inconsistent at times.

The bullpen has been amazing.  If you are trailing the Reds heading into the latter stages of games, you are in big trouble.  Arthur Rhodes, David Weathers, and Francisco Cordero are a trio in the back end of that bullpen that few teams can top.

As for the offense, it has sputtered at times, but is coming around.  Joey Votto is the clear leader of the attack, batting .363.  He hits both right handers, and lefties very well.  He’s a very solid guy whose strong mental approach won’t lend itself to very many slumps.  I have also been impressed with Wily Tavares.  He’s shown more plate discipline than I have expected, and has given the Reds something in that leadoff spot that they haven’t had in quite some time.  Guys like Jay Bruce and Ramon Hernandez have played OK.  Not spectacular, but they are coming around after early season slumps.

Disappointments include Brandon Phillips and Edwin Encarnacion.  Neither is showing very much patience at the dish.  Alex Gonzalez is also struggling after being out the entire 2008 season.  Encarnacion is currently out, as he is being replaced by Adam Rosales.  He had a great spring training, as he eventually pushed Jeff Keppinger out of town.  He has looked good so far, granted, the sample size is small.

The biggest problem remains left field.  Chris Dickerson and Jerry Hairston Jr. aren’t getting it done.  This is a major weakness for the Reds.  A guy like Dickerson, in particular, is very athletic and played well last year, so I am optimistic that he can bounce back.

Overall, I am pleased with the beginning of the season. I don’t think Phillips and Encarnacion will continue to hit as poorly as they have. Phillips may never return to that 30/30 form, but he’s not a sub-.200 hitter. I think once they get going, the Reds won’t have a great offense, but with that pitching, it may not have to be.