So, we’re nearly three weeks away from seeing Reds’ pitchers and catchers report to the new spring training facility in Arizona. I just don’t know if I can wait that long for some real baseball news.
There are a number of questions the Reds will have to answer this spring, so I expect it to be a fairly eventful camp. Some items that I will be watching closely:
–How is the left field situation going to shake out? There are a number of options: Laynce Nix, Chris Dickerson, Chris Heisey, Juan Francisco, Todd Frazier, Joey Votto (just seeing if you’re paying attention).
–Who is going to win the fifth spot in the rotation? The first four should be, in no particular order, Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, and Homer Bailey. Will Micah Owings win that fifth spot again (or will he be in the mix for the left field job)? Will Matt Maloney earn it? What about a guy like Travis Wood? Or Aroldis Chapman?
–Is Paul Janish going to be the everyday shortstop, or will something crazy happen this spring (a surprise signing or trade, or the emergence of Frazier as a candidate)?
–How is the whole Drew Stubbs/Willy Taveras situation in centerfield going to resolve itself?
–Are the Reds going to show any signs of putting together an offense that can improve on last year’s putrid performance?
Forgive my random musings on this Tuesday morning. It’s freezing cold here and it snowed last night and I’m tired of winter. I’m ready for spring.
I’m ready for baseball.