Times are tough for everyone.
For Cincinnati Reds fans, times are just a little bit tougher.
The Reds haven't had a winning season since 2000 and haven't made the playoffs since 1995.
However, things are beginning to change.
The Reds biggest acquisition last season may have been former St. Louis Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty. He has the ability to shape a winning baseball club. Bonus.
Before the trade deadline, Jocketty sent outfielders Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey, Jr. packing. See ya, bye. Trim that money off the payroll.
The starting rotation looks better than it has in many, many years.
Harang, Volquez, Arroyo, Cueto, and whoever else in the fifth spot will keep the Reds in games. Maybe Micah Owings? At least he can swing the wrenches.
The bullpen is decent, with Francisco Cordero ready to come in and shut the door. Go team.
Jocketty just picked up a bona-fide big-league catcher in Ramon Hernandez. He should help out. People say that Ryan Hanigan is the catcher of the future, but they don't realize he is already 28 years old. It is hard to be the catcher of the future when you're that old.
Second baseman Brandon Phillips and first baseman Joey Votto are locks in the infield, and the left side will be occupied by two of the following: Edwin Encarnacion, Alex Gonzalez, Jeff Keppinger...and maybe Jerry Hairston?
The biggest hole for the Reds is in the outfield, with Jay Bruce being the only lock at starter. The only other outfielders currently on the 40-man roster are Norris Hopper and Chris Dickerson. Jermaine Dye, perhaps?
Altogether, I think this team is shaping up. If they can acquire Dye, Hairston, and a left-handed starter, the Reds could be dangerous. Then again, maybe not.
What do you think?
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