OK, let's take a breath and try to figure out where we are.

Juan Francisco went away. In his place, the lovechild of an FBI boss and a D'Backs' closer. Which bodes well for his career as a reliever with filthy stuff. For more on JJ Hoover, see Yossarian's post and Thundering Turtle's analysis.

The roster was trimmed to the Opening Day 25, with Aroldis Chapman in the bullpen. Despite the fact that Dusty said in no uncertain terms: "he's a starter," he's going to be "starting" the year as the lefty set-up guy for Sean Marshall. One variable here is that the Reds are leaving camp with 11 pitchers, apparently keeping Frazier and Harris up, so it's not been announced who will be the fifth starter (on April 11). It will most likely be Homer Bailey, but the Reds will also most likely add a pitcher when the time comes, sending down Frazier or Harris.

Oh. And. Joey Votto, the same Joey Votto who is Joey Votto, is said to be CLOSE TO AN EXTENSION. With the Reds. Which is the same team that we really like a lot. This is not just a ploy for traffic on MLB Trade Rumors. Joey Votto himself confirmed that the deal is "close."

Lineups and Opening Day roster after the jump, as if you even have time for that.

2012 Reds Opening Day Roster

C Ryan Hanigan
C Devin Mesoraco

1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
3B Scott Rolen
SS Zack Cozart
IF Miguel Cairo
IF Wilson Valdez

LF Ryan Ludwick
CF Drew Stubbs
RF Jay Bruce
OF Chris Heisey
LF/3B Todd Frazier

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Mike Leake
SP(?) Homer Bailey

RP Sean Marshall
RP Aroldis Chapman
RP Bill Bray
RP Jose Arredondo
RP Logan Ondrusek
RP Sam LeCure