So this is a post about how nothing is happening. Seriously, there is really no Reds news to talk about, other than rumors and Jay Bruce's contract becoming reality. Which of course is nothing to wag your finger at (did I say that right?).
But at this point that's probably the best news for Reds fans. We don't need a GM who is going out making foolish moves just to do something. We need a GM who is patient and waits for the right opportunity. Who doesn't give up an ML guy and 2 top end prospects to land an ace who has had one excellent year.
I can honestly say that I've never been more interested in the Reds than I am right now. That I've never followed off season baseball in the way that I am this year. Football seems so secondary at the moment (probably being helped by the fact that the Bengals are an embarrassment).
Signing Bruce was the best thing that could have happened this off season. I have mentioned being annoyed at WJ for not really doing anything and insisting that "our team is good" and that the young players will continue to improve.
That is probably true, but there are certainly other things to consider. Will Janish hit like he did playing full time? Will Cairo have another career year as a bench guy? Will Rolen be able to be a viable clean up hitter (was he even last year)? Will Arroyo win 17 games again?
These are all things that went exceptionally well last year that the Reds can't really count on happening again. Yes, we have a lot of young players, especially on the pitching staff, who could be expected to improve. And should everything go well, the Reds could have 3 or 4 top of the line starters. But that's certainly far from a given, and considering everything that went right for the Reds last year, they'll need more than just a few improvements. I mean, Joey Votto won't be beating out Albert Pujols for best player in the NL every year.
The Reds excelled in a number of things last year. Two of the bigger ones, were bench play, and starting pitching depth. As great as these things are, THEY DO NOT WIN A PLAYOFF SERIES. Teams can get by with 3 starters in the DS. Pitching depth does nothing there. And while a good pinch hitter is helpful, I'd rather have another star than 3 good bench guys.
This has been an interesting off season and it's been so long since the Reds were defending division champs that I don't really know how it feels. So far it's been nice, but it may be foolish to assume that the Reds can coast and still be contenders. I am looking forward to that one big deal that gives the Reds that slight edge. And I have faith that WJ will know just when to make it.
