Cincinnati Reds Jersey, The Cincinnati Reds ended a 14-year postseason drought by winning the NL Central with an overall record of 91-71. Cincinnati\'s regular-season success didn\'t carry over to the postseason, as they were swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS. The Reds biggest off season move was adding veteran Edgar Renteria, but it isn\'t even likely he will win thestarting job from Paul Janish. For a better idea of Cincinnati Reds Jersey what Cincinnati will look like this year, here is a breakdown of their predicted starting lineup and starting rotation, plus our MLB predictions on where they will finish the year.
Projected Lineup
The Reds have two of the best young hitters in the game in Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Votto won the 2010 NL MVP with 37 home runs, 113 RBIs, and a stellar.324 batting average. If Votto can come close to those numbers, the Reds will once again be a threat in the division. Bruce ended last season with his best season as a professional, hitting 25 home runs to go along with 70 RBIs and a.281 batting average. Bruce could very well take that next Cincinnati Reds Jersey step, much like Votto did last year.
I would also keep an eye out for second baseman Brandon Phillips and center fielder Drew Stubbs. Phillips power numbers weren\'t their in 2010, but did score a lot of runs hitting in numerous spots. Stubbs showed flashes in his first full season as a starter with 91 runs, 22 home runs, and 77 RBIs, and just might be the surprise of the 2011 season.. Also don\'t forget about the catching duo of Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hannigan, both hit for a great average and should be more than capable of repeating their success this year.
I have my concerns with the rest of the lineup. Scott Rolen had a great run last year, but he is getting old and it will be hard for him to repeat those stats. Jonny Gomes and Paul Janish didn\'t offer much with the bat, and don\'t figure to be a huge factor offensively for.
Projected Rotation
The rotation is led by two veterans who must produce for Cincinnati to have a great shot at repeating in the division. It all starts with the full return of ace Edinson Volquez, who has missed most of the last two years recovering from Tommy John surgery. Volquez went 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA in 12 starts, but the Reds are hoping he will be more like the pitcher who went 17-6 in 2008. Bronson Arroyo had a very solid season, going 17-10 with a 3.88 ERA, and whether or not he improves or regresses from last season will greatly determine the Reds chances.
The back of the starting pitching staff is full of young arms who should be a big part of the rotation for years to come, but they don\'t have the experience to rely heavily on them this year. Johnny Cueto went 12-7 with a 3.64 ERA, Homer Bailey went just 4-3 with a 4.46 ERA, and Travis Wood went 5-4 with a 3.51 ERA. We wouldn\'t be surprised if they all pitched better than they did last season, but it\'s hard to imagine huge strides. Cincinnati also has to more young starting prospects in Mike Leake and Aroldis Chapman who could make their Cincinnati Reds Jersey way into the starting rotation this season.
2011 Projection: 3rd Place NL Central
While the Reds look to be loaded with a ton of young talent, we believe we will see a drop off in the number of wins this team produces in 2011. Votto and Bruce will carry the offense, but the starting rotation lacks a lot of experience at the back and is likely still a couple years from helping Cincinnati become a regular threat to win the NL Central and make a run at a World Series. If the young talent develops faster than expected, the Reds could end up on top the division once again.
