ROBINSON'S OUTLOOK ON THE REDS' 2011 STARTING CINCO
1.26.11 BY:MSR
THE PITCHING STAFF
ROBINSON'S OUTLOOK ON THE REDS' 2011 STARTING CINCO
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images North
America)
It’s a freezing eight
degrees outside. The Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team has been losing as
of late. The very tired Cincinnati Bengals are obviously not participating
this championship Sunday. So what is a Cincinnatian sport enthusiast like me
to do? Start thinking about the best sport to ever be played...our American
pastime, BASEBALL. Since I have already gone over the starting lineup goals
it seems logical to dig into the ole’ pitching mound and go over our very
talented and deep staff of hurlers.
Robinson says, "You Gotta Know This..." Field manager Dusty Baker has a
perplexing problem coming up in spring training 2011. The other 31 managers
in the Major Leagues would love to have such a dilemma, though I believe the
Phillies are excluded from that group. Dusty has to build a five man
starting rotation. The problem and difficulty comes with the fact that he
has too many candidates for those positions. The Cincinnati Reds are deep
with several qualified starting pitchers. With five chambers, Dusty has
eight to nine bullets available. This will all be worked out based on the
performances from spring training but I would like to speculate. Just
another cool factor that comes with being a baseball fan, we get to
speculate based on the question of "what if" and potential.
It is obvious that Bronson Arroyo is this staff's unquestionable leader. The
reliable righty has earned that title from his consistant durable seasons in
the past. Is he the ace of the staff? Does he have the best "stuff" of the
staff? Are you gonna give him the ball to pitch in the first game of a five
game playoff series? Probably not. At least I hope not. He deserves to pitch
OPENING DAY but I would feel hesitant to give him the ball in a one game
playoff. Aroldis Chapman has the blazing stuff to warrant him as our ace but
ownership has decided to relegate him as a reliever. I predict he will
become the first Red to win a Cy Young award, just not this year. So where
does that leave us? Let me attempt to build a rotation with some loft to aim
at.
The Starting Rotation beginning OPENING DAY:
1. Bronson Arroyo RHP: 16-10 record with a 4.45 ERA, 200+ innings
pitched, 34 starts, a couple complete games with a shutout sprinkled in
there. His season is the easiest to predict; another ho-hum, outstandingly
typical consistent season. From here on it gets a little dicey with a lot of
wishful and hopeful thinking...
2. Edinson Volquez RHP: 15-8 record with a 3.90 ERA. 190 innings
pitched with 190 strike outs during 30 starts. How about posting 20 quality
starts and at least one shutout? The Reds need a bounce back year from this
one time all-star. Finding the strike zone and regaining his confidence are
very key components to his possible ace like arsenal. His fastball and
changeup could get the Reds to the postseason. Volquez of 2009 sorely needed
and required for this team's success. The Reds possible ace...
3. Travis Wood LHP: 14-9 record with a 4.15 ERA. 185 innings pitched
during 30 starts. Wood could develop into a Tom Browning clone with a better
bat. His first full season has a lot to prove toward his destination.
Possibly the best athlete on the team, among it’s fastest on base paths.
Valuable pinch runner. He is a gamer who could become a workhorse for this
staff in the future. Too early to expect those types of results. Good
pickoff move and works fast. Keeps the defense in the game. Doesn't possess
ace stuff but quality #3. Has a few shutouts in him and is a nice buffer
between Volquez and 24 million dollar man, Johnny Cueto.
4. Johnny Cueto RHP: 16-11 record with a sub 4.00 ERA. Close to 200
innings with about 190 strike outs during 34 starts. Earned a huge 3-year
deal based on the potential he has briefly displayed. Possibly the best
stuff on this staff. Cueto and Volquez are very similar. Needs to work on
mechanics and consistency. Could throw a no hitter this season. Weak bat and
a weak fielder but can improve. Fairly decent bunter and he wants to be a
winner. Big fan of Cueto just not sure if I am as confident in him as
ownership. He is my dark horse pick as an all-star this season.
5. Mike Leake RHP: 13-5 record with a 3.65 ERA. Around 155 strike
outs with close to 180 innings pitched during 25 starts. Reminds people of
the great Greg Maddux. Great athlete. Great glove and bat. Future Silver
Slugger award winner. Hustles on base paths and was a sponge last year,
absorbing how to be a big leaguer. Had a dominating first half but stumbled
late. A great back end of the rotation pitcher though he may need more
consistent reps to develop. The Reds' hopes do not hinge upon his success
because of depth but Mike Leake is an integral part for the future.
Other candidates:
Homer Bailey RHP: Make or break year for a big Texan arm. Top of the
rotation stuff but where is his head at? A great spring training will reveal
this 24-year olds’ future. Possible trade bait but would hate to part ways
with potential. Still young...
Matt Maloney LHP: Left handed arm adds value. Has displayed brief moments of
rotation worthy stuff. Another make or break season. Could be destined for
bullpen but a good change of pace spot starter.
Sam LeCure RHP: Filled in admirably last season in spot starts. In the mix
for 5th spot in rotation because he has guts. Decent stuff with a big heart
who comes at batters with what he has. Could end up in bullpen.
Aroldis Chapman LHP: Bullpen this year, but I can't wait to see him start.
100+ mph. Devastating stuff!!!
