Like him or hate him, but you’ll enjoy what this article says (other than where he calls Travis Wood, Tim):
“The Reds may be the single biggest favorite in any division going into the season,” said one GM. Pause.
“I think you’re right,” said another. “Boston and New York are too close, so are the Braves and Phillies and the A’s and Rangers …”
He continues:
“What I see is a team that is very deep,” says one GM in Arizona. “The pitching is deep, the bench, and Walt and Dusty [Baker] clearly respect one another.” Jocketty knows that the players respect and trust their manager, and the manager trusts Jocketty to get him players.
Johnny Cueto isn’t going to be ready to open the season because of forearm stiffness? Baker had six starters, with Mike Leake and Tim Wood competing for the fifth spot, so both can open in the rotation with Bronson Arroyo — the National League runner-up in wins and the leader in innings during his five years since the Wily Mo Pena trade with Boston — as well as Edinson Volquez and Homer Bailey. Dusty has three lefties, including Aroldis Chapman, and two righties in front of Francisco Cordero. Jay Bruce may be on the verge of stardom with Joey Votto, and they have depth in the outfield, infield and behind the plate.
Read the article…talks somewhat about the other possibilities in the division also.