Project the Opening Day Roster

by justin0070000 on Feb 24, 2008 2:47 PM EST Comment 56 comments

Who do you think will make the opening day roster, what do you think the starting rotation will look like, and the opening day lineup?

My guess is...

CF-Bruce
SS-Gonzo
RF-Griffey
LF-Dunn
2B-Phillips
3B-EdE
1B-Votto
C-Ross
P-Harang

Rotation:
Harang
Arroyo
Belisle
Fogg
Bailey

Bullpen
Cl-Cordero
Setup-Weathers
Setup-Burton
Middle-Mercker
Middle-Majewski
Long/middle-Affedlt

Bench
Valentine
Hopper
Freel
Hatteberg
Keppinger
Dickerson

Stanton and Castro are DFA'ed

In June I am guessing the team will look like this

Same lineup/bench

Rotation
Harang
Arroyo
Belisle
Bailey
EV

Bullpen
Cl-Corderro
Setup-Burton
Setup/middle-Ronickie
Middle-Affedlt
Middle-Weathers
Long-Fogg

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Comments

has Merker been doing that well in

workouts? I haven't heard much coming out of camp about him but with a year off I figured be might be close to being back. Want to know if anyone of you knew more.

by OURob on Feb 24, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am projecting him

like i projected Wilson to be the 5th starter last year. I will probably be wrong. Kent Mercker seems to think Kent Mercker is throwing the ball well. He can't any worse than Stanton.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 24, 2008 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Where do you project Nader?

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 24, 2008 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

about 7%

but he will keep Johnny Cueto from making the club.

The Dusty path to the World Series!

by justin0070000 on Feb 24, 2008 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and thus ensuring the demise of the team

for the next 8 years

by OURob on Feb 24, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, you can only blame Nader for four years.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 24, 2008 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't you hear?

Dusty wants Nader pitching setup

Reds: WS Champs 2008... and every year after...

by crolfer on Feb 24, 2008 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

like rational fucking people and realize that dusty/wayner is not going to do the right thing here. anywhere. bailey and bruce are going to start in AAA. stanton and castro arent going anywhere. dunn will most likely be traded when his trade-clause runs out, in order to make room for bruce, who will have made louisville his own personal amusement park. and since hopper will be holding down CF, dunn will be the one who has to go. ive heard enough already from dusty to know how the next few seasons will go. strap in.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 24, 2008 4:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I can see Stanton being DFA'ed

he is in the last year of his contract. Cormier was DFA'ed after three innings last season.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 24, 2008 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it happens by opening day, though.

Likewise with Castro, though I'm betting Castro starts the year on the DL. If Keppinger isn't on the major league roster then we'll lose him, so he's not going anywhere, Hopper and Freel are pretty much locks unless Freel is traded, which I view as unlikely, and Valentin obviously has to be on the roster. I think it's pretty unlikely we only carry 11 pitchers as well.

by Geki on Feb 24, 2008 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

that Krivsky will not allow the youth to blossom. GM's scared for their jobs do not play youth and we should rely on our youth this year. I do find this unfortunate that we have to stare at the likes of old balls Stanton and droopy sac Castro.

by buckeye22fox on Feb 24, 2008 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My guess:

C Ross, Valentin
1B Votto, Hatteberg
2B Phillips
3B Encarnacion
SS Gonzalez, Keppinger
LF Dunn
CF Bruce, Hopper
RF Griffey, Freel

SP Harang
SP Arroyo
SP Belisle
SP Fogg
SP Volquez

RP Affeldt
RP Stanton
RP Majewski
RP Coffey
RP Weathers
RP Burton
CL Cordero

Bray, Castro start the year on the DL. Cueto and Bailey in AAA, Bailey up for Belisle within three weeks of the beginning of the season, Belisle or Fogg to the pen and Majewski sent to Louisville (or hell, I don't really care). Roenicke comes up for Coffey in early May, Stanton is DFA'd around the same time when Bray is ready to come off the DL. Cueto has some early struggles in AAA preventing him from being called up until around the ASB, at which point he takes over for whichever of Fogg or Belisle is left. Maloney bounces up and down a couple of times as a temporary injury replacement for one of the starters, but doesn't break the rotation full-time until the Reds shut down Bailey in early September to keep his innings at a reasonable level. Castro comes off the DL temporarily when Freel goes on with a minor injury, but is DFA'd upon Freel's return. Bruce tears it up in spring training and the Reds have no choice but to let him start the year in the majors due to fan outcry.

Ultimately, the Reds finish 78-84, getting off to a slow start and going on a big run from the middle of August on.

by Geki on Feb 24, 2008 4:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

"Castro start the year on the DL"

is this wishful thinking? based on some of dusty's comments, well, seems like hands of lead, bat of foam will get a lot of playing time.

i am afraid. very, very afraid.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 24, 2008 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's more that I can't see a spot for him.

I would think Keppinger is pretty much assured of a spot since he's out of options. Valentin, Freel, Hopper, Hatteberg are almost definitely assured of spots as long as they're not traded. Of course, if Bruce starts the year in the minors, Hopper or Freel would move into a starting role and Keppinger could possibly serve as the 5th OF, giving Castro a shot.

But I'm still at an idealistic enough point that I don't think this team would keep Bruce down to make room for Juan Castro. That will probably change if Dusty isn't muzzled, but it really seems like he's complimenting everyone regardless of what they do because he's a "player's manager". So I'm not too concerned with the nice things he has to say about everyone yet.

by Geki on Feb 25, 2008 1:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is true.

I cannot think of a single critique from Dusty in Sarasota.

But I think we should all drink every time Dusty mentions a player or manager no longer active in MLB.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 9:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So you want us all dead?

by Geki on Feb 25, 2008 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That could be a problem...

Reds: WS Champs 2008... and every year after...

by crolfer on Feb 27, 2008 9:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts:

C- Ross
1B- Votto
2B- Phillips
3B- Encarnacion
SS- Gonzalez
LF- Dunn
CF- Bruce/ Hopper (I'm thinking a pretty even righty/lefty platoon to start out, with Bruce increasing load as season goes on)
RF- Griffey

SP- Harang
SP- Arroyo
SP- Fogg*
SP- Belisle*
SP- Bailey

* Belisle and Fogg may switch...

CL- Cordero
SU- Weathers
SU- Burton
MR- Stanton
MR- Coffey
MR- Majewski
MR/LR- Affeldt

Bench-

OF- Hopper
OF- Freel
INF- Keppinger
1B- Hatteberg
C- Valentín

Some thoughts:

I'm really hoping that once (not if) Stanton proves ineffective, Affeldt will take his spot as the main go-to lefty, and Bray might come up as long as he's healthy. Also would like to get a look at Cueto. If he does well, I'd like to see him replace either Belisle or Fogg IF they are proving ineffective. Doubt Castro will really be around much... Maybe come up due to injury, but I'd guess the end result will be a DFA. Also think Volquez will have trouble finding the strike zone and not be up until around the All star game.

Also... Bruce will win the Rookie of the Year and the Presidency as well.

Reds: WS Champs 2008... and every year after...

by crolfer on Feb 24, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i really would like to see affedlt

crack the rotation, it would be nice not to have an all righty pitching staff

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Feb 24, 2008 10:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

why does it matter?

I would rather see 5 good righties than 4 good righties and a bad lefty. I don't care if he throws from the right side, left side, or a spring out of his head, just as long as he is effective.

Thinking of lefties, anyone know anything about Brandon Claussen. It is like he feel of the face of the earth. Nothing on him on rotoword since July, google doesn't help, i asked over at federal baseball and they didn't really have an answer, and by they I mean he. I guess he was pulled off his rehab, but I have no idea if he is even has a contract this year.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 25, 2008 1:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Last I heard

he was caught up in that crazy cult.

by Red Menace on Feb 25, 2008 1:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Obama campaign?

And here I thought he was a Republican.

Quick! Somebody make a Cincinnati loves Ken Griffey Jr. too! video

by TheC on Feb 25, 2008 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Volquez

Everything ive read from Fay about Volquez has Dusty creaming his jeans over Volquez. I bet hes in the rotation. And I can't see them putting Bailey in the pen or the minors, also Affeldt will be there because hes a lefty. Do you think Fogg would go to the pen or just cut himself?

by The Crushinator on Feb 24, 2008 11:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Also,

Has anyone considered Belisle going back to the pen?

by The Crushinator on Feb 24, 2008 11:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think..

..that veteran manager conventional wisdom says that you talk EV up all over the Grapefruit League and then you give him an "atta boy" and a pat on the butt for making the 25-man roster and then you make him earn his way out of the pen against real MLB hitters in real MLB parks in real MLB cities. (Yes, I know that he already has ~15 big league starts under his belt but... does Dusty know that?)

I think Dusty might be hoping that Fogg (and/or perhaps Affeldt as well) pitches well enough to block EV from the rotation in March but not necessarily through April.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 24, 2008 11:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder...

...if Krivsky of Castellini will be weighing in on the opening day 25 at all. Possibly Krivsky placing guys on the DL that Dusty leaves off the 25 man.

Montana. It's everything Colorado thinks it is.

by jacob brumfield on Feb 25, 2008 12:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure Krivsky is very involved in it.

I doubt Castellini will stick his nose in there, though he could on Bruce. I'm curious about Jocketty's role, though.

by Geki on Feb 25, 2008 12:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"The Jay Bruce's chance"

From Fay:

When Baker was asked who would hit leadoff when Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper aren't playing, he said: "I hope one or the other is in the game."

That would appear not to bode well for the Jay Bruce's chance.

Fay copy error! Drink!

Dusty love for Hopper! Drink!

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 8:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dusty

is drinking Jay Bruce's milk shake. I hope he doesn't backwash. ugh!

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day" - Harry S. Truman

by Lonesome George on Feb 25, 2008 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hal McCoy is sloppy with his facts, DRINK!

Pitcher Bobby Livingston was moved to the 60-day disabled list because he isn't recovered from Tommy John surgery (and wasn't expected to be ready)

He make so many mistakes, he really needs to be less sloppy. Maybe his memory isn't what it used to be, but he needs to check is facts, or his editors need to check his facts, before his articles go to press.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 25, 2008 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mine

My guess is not too different than the OP...
CF-Bruce
2B-Phillips
RF-Griffey
LF-Dunn
3B-EdE
1B-Hatteberg (gets the opening day start, but Votto gets most of the regular season starts.)
SS-Gonzo
C-Ross
P-Harang

Rotation:
Harang
Arroyo
Belisle
Bailey
Fogg

Bullpen
Cl-Cordero
Setup-Weathers
Setup-Burton
Middle-Coffey
Middle-Stanton
Long/middle-Volquez
Long/middle-Affedlt

Bench
Valentine
Hopper
Freel
Votto
Keppinger

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Feb 25, 2008 10:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jay Bruce

I hope to see him in Cincinnati come opening day. Looks like they're already having fun with him around. Just for this stuff alone, you gotta love Adam Dunn.

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie "New Jack City"... (-Deion Sanders)

by satyanaas on Feb 25, 2008 3:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

trent says 'fuck you' to griffey and dunn!

that guy is so cool.

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Feb 25, 2008 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, boobs...

boo.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If that's all it takes to be cool

then most of Cincinnati is pretty damn cool.

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie "New Jack City"... (-Deion Sanders)

by satyanaas on Feb 25, 2008 5:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why didn't Wayne..

..sign Bartolo to a minor league deal?

(And ya'll better be on the look out for ctownboy's next ride. The Rays are gonna get Carl Crawford some protection in the lineup.)

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 3:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like the Sox's moves

Adding Colon and Casey for very little are moves that could really benefit that team (potentially). And if they don't work out, nothing lost. Thumbs up to Theo.

Of course, Wayner's pretty much done the same thing for us, getting us Fogg and Affeldt. No risk, potentially decent reward. And honestly, I'm looking forward to Affeldt making the team strictly because of all the "Jeremy" references we'll get to make. Including reminiscing about the naysayers during the offseason. "Clearly I remember picking on the boy. Seemed a harmless little fuck."

by Brendanukkah on Feb 25, 2008 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

quibble

I think Red Sox fans can resonably trust that Casey and Bartolo will not block the Red Sox' young talent simply by virtue of their presumed experience.

As Reds fans, rooting for a team under the control of Krivsky, Baker and Jocketty (to whatever extent), we can have no such faith.

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 25, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I thought about that

I chose to lump it all under the umbrella of "organizational depth." Looking for the bright side, y'know?

by Brendanukkah on Feb 25, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This reminds me...

Coco Crisp is likely to soon be available on the trade market.

Hmm?

(I think he is under contract through '09 so I doubt that Wayne and Dusty would put that kind of boulder in Bruce's path. Plus, Crisp doesn't really seem veteran-y enough.)

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He's mad

Coco's upset because he wants to play full-time and will probably have to, at best, split time with a hot prospect. So yeah, Cincy's probably not a good match for him either.

I'd like to see him go to Texas, so he could be reunited with Milton Bradley again. Players with humorous names need to stay together. Now, does Texas need a center fielder?

by Brendanukkah on Feb 25, 2008 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I saw that German Duran

might make the Rangers, as long as we're talking about funny names. I really like how "German" can serve as a first or last name. Not a lot of languages can claim that.

In the same article Hamilton talks about the supportive atmosphere in the Texas clubhouse, which apparently wasn't the case for him last year.

by ken on Feb 25, 2008 6:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you know

that the German Chocolate Cake is named after Samuel German, rather than the shepherd?

Thank you, Splendid Table

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 25, 2008 6:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You're a Rosetto-Kasper-head?

My wife wants to know what you're doing next Saturday afternoon.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll be driving my Passat

down to Whole Foods listening to my iPod nano.* Perhaps she'd want to meet me at the Sara Vowell reading/teach-in later?

(*only if I can't find Homi Bhaba's newest on tape)

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 25, 2008 6:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

She does drive a Passat.

And she would shop at Whole Foods if it weren't alllll the fuck way across town.

And if they carried the brand of chicken pot pie I like.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

Perhaps she'd be interested in a certain tote bag bemoaning the homogeneity of American culture?

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 25, 2008 6:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah.

That was always my cross to bear. Before I got old and stopped giving a fuck.

Take a look around this dump. You're just a tourist with a typewriter. I live here.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 25, 2008 7:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah well this is Dustball's roster,

CF-Freel
SS-Gonzo
RF-Griffey
LF-Dunn
2B-Phillips
3B-EdE
1B Hatteberg
C-Ross
P-Harang

Rotation:
Harang
Arroyo
Belisle
Fogg
Shearn

Bullpen
Cl-Cordero
Setup-Weathers
Setup-Burton
Middle-Mercker
Middle-Majewski
Long/middle-Stanton

Bench
Valentine
Hopper
Crawford
Patterson
Keppinger
Casto

After the all star Break we'll see Bailey and Ceuto. sept, callups for Bruce and Votto.

I mean it could be that STUPID.

"I'm trying to be a wine dude," Dustball Baker

by Madville on Feb 25, 2008 5:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like that Bench guy

as a reserve.

I hear he was good once.

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day" - Harry S. Truman

by Lonesome George on Feb 25, 2008 9:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

He sure did Maker (his) Mark.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 26, 2008 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok here we go

Starting line up

CF Norris Hopper
2B Brandon Phillips
CF Griffey
LF Dunn
3B Edwin
1B Votto
SS Gonzo
C Ross
P Harang

Stupid question that I am too lazy to look up...The Reds are playing the D-backs opening day right?

I Misremember lots of things

by Zach K on Feb 25, 2008 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Harang v. Webb

Getting nasty in the 'Nati. Be there!

by Brendanukkah on Feb 25, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

darn...

And here I was hoping we'd get to see the Big Eunuch by then...

Reds: WS Champs 2008... and every year after...

by crolfer on Feb 25, 2008 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Zach you must have a hotline to dustball

See: Dustball's 2008 Starting line up
by Madville

"I'm trying to be a wine dude," Dustball Baker

by Madville on Feb 26, 2008 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

dusty will never

bat griffey and dunn back-to-back. "you have to split up the lefties" is tatooed across his rippled back. here's your opening day roster (pending injury):

freel
gonzo
griffey
phillips
dunn
EE
votto
ross
harang

in the end, i think freel will win the job, based mostly on the fact that he is a few million dollars richer than hopper and is more experienced. bruce will break camp with the big club only in the case of injury.

and you know, for all the clamboring for a RH bat for the bench, this lineup leans prominently to the right. just like brumfield.

is it April yet?

by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 25, 2008 9:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs