Sports Illustrated has released its preview on the Reds. Really nothing that we haven’t heard (or wrote) already. Here’s the bottom line:
Final Analysis
There’s more stability now, but the Reds are still searching for an identity. Pitching had been the missing link, but once the Reds finally found some in 2006, their offense collapsed. Rather than addressing that deficiency, the Reds opted for defense in adding Gonzalez. The Reds have components of a contending team, with a couple of high-impact hitters in Dunn and Griffey, exciting young talent in Phillips and Encarnacion and workhorse starters in Arroyo and Harang. There just doesn’t seem to be enough there to overcome everything the Reds lack.