AUTHOR: Reds03 TITLE: Breaking down the Reds' lineup DATE: 5:36:00 PM ----- BODY:

The Reds were 29th in the league last year in batting average, 20th in home runs with 158, and 26th in the league in Slugging % with .394%. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that these are not good offensive statistics. Yes, the Reds were bombarded with injuries, but that is no excuse to be 2nd to last in BA. The additions of Rolen and Cabrera for a full year should put some fear in the pitcher's hearts. Without further ado, here is the Reds 2010 lineup!

Drew Stubbs CF- Stubbs was called up to the Reds in the middle of 09. In 42 games with the Red stockings, Stubbs hit a .267, and 17 RBI. After getting called up, Stubbs led the team in HRs, and was 2nd in stolen bases and total bases. The ironic thing is that Stubbs only had 3 HRs in 411 ABs at AAA compared to 8 Hrs on the MLB in over 200 ABs less. He has very good speed and is capable of swiping 40-60 bases if he can reach base. The Texas native looks to be the Reds everyday CF out of Spring Training, but is not a lock for the spot.

Orlando Cabrera SS- Cabrera signed with the Reds this off season to a one year deal worth $3 million. The Reds made it known that they needed a bat from the SS position throughout the off season. Last season the 35 year old played for the A's and Twins and combined to hit .284 with 36 doubles, 9 HR and 77 RBI in 160 games. He led all Major League shortstops in RBI and was fourth among players at his position with 83 runs scored. The Reds hope his veteran experience can lead the team to a playoff birth.

Joey Votto 1B- In my opinion Votto is with out a doubt the best player on the team. He was 3rd in the NL in SLG %, only behind Pujols and Fielder. Votto finished the year hitting 3.22, 24 HRs, and 84 RBI, despite missing a large chunk of games do to depression. Another thing that makes Votto tough is that 3 out of 10 of his fly balls (Not counting HRs) drop for hits. That's .300 for you non mathematicians. Also, the Canadian led the team in hitting with RISP. Votto is going to be one of the best 1B in the game in the near future.


Brandon Phillips 2B- Everyone in the Reds' organization loves this young man. He is funny, outgoing, and best of all, he can play. Phillips is one of the most talented fielders in the MLB, but can also do it with the lumber. Phillips is coming of two consecutive 20-20 seasons, along with a .276 BA, 20 HRs. Phillips led the Reds' in RBI with 98, but has publicly said he does not feel comfortable batting 4th. Can the Reds afford to keep Phillips and Votto in the future??


Jonny Gomes LF- Gomes was signed this week to a one year deal. Gomes was a bright spot in the Reds' outfield last year, hitting .267 with 20 HRs and 51 RBI in only 98 games. The downside of Gomes is his inability to hit right handed pitchers. Gomes hit well under 2.70 against them, but 3.02 against lefties. The Reds have been looking for a power hitting right hander since Adam Dunn was traded in 2008. Hopefully, they found their guy.

Scott Rolen 3B- The guy brings leadership, a good work ethic, and talent to the lineup. Rolen was acquired from the Blue Jays last year at the trade deadline for Edwin Encarnacion and showed the Reds he could still play. He hit only .270 in 40 games, BUT the Reds were 26-11 with him in the lineup. Rolen is capable of driving in 100 as he has done 5 times in his long career. Also, he's no slouch with the glove. Rolen adds veteran leadership and productivity.

Jay Bruce RF- Jay Bruce was the Reds' top prospect not too long ago. He struggled mightily in his sophomore campaign hitting under 2.25, and struggled to make contact vs lefties. The upside of Bruce is that he is only 22 years old and showed signs of improvement. He has some power. In 101 games, Bruce hit 22 Home runs. A large part of those games that he missed was due to a fractured right wrist, but he rebounded strong. Bruce was hitting .207 before the injury, but leaped to .326 in 18 games after. Bruce is one of the Reds' biggest keys to success this year.

Ramon Hernandez- Hernandez was another Red that was resigned in the off season. Hernandez suffered a knee injury at the end of July and only played 81 games in 2009. Despite missing so much time, he was one of the Reds' cluchest hitters with a .328 AVG with RISP. Also, his fluency in Spanish will help out guys like Chapman, who doesn't speak any English. Ramon Hernandez is a good fit for the Reds young rotation.

This lineup could be a danger to teams in 2010!

Reds03

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ebes DATE:3/02/2010 04:36:00 PM With those stats it's easy to see why their are so many doubters. But this is a new year! A great time to be a Reds fan! Maybe all that snow at GABP will have killed off the injury bug! ----- --------