Reds Preview at Bucs Dugout

The bit of info I saw missing was the high probability of young ace Johnny Cueto joining the Reds mid-season.  Also I was surprised you realized Encarnacion is poised to break out.

One note: you brought up Krivsky's tendency to bring in small-ball guys to fill his bench.  That is not a problem, the main problem is that Dusty insists on starting these guys.  So be prepared in Pittsburgh for Norris Hopper and his sneaky drag bunts to litter PNC's infield.

Jared Burton will do well this year?  He's a stud!

I agree Weathers will probably drop of some, if for no other reason than he lost the closer's job, even though he did nothing wrong (in his mind).

I also have high hopes for Coffey to bounce back in a big way.  And Roenicke may open your eyes before the season is half over.

"God help the Reds if Juan Castro wins the job instead."

Amen.

Best non-Reds fan preview of the Reds I've ever read.

And good luck to you guys too.  I mean, I don't want you to win, but hopefully your boys will have a competitive season here soon.  If any group of fans deserves it, it's you guys.

Charlie's take on Dusty Baker is in line with the RR faithful's view. With all the emerging talent that the Red have for '08, Drainopants (AKA Dustbag) seems to be one of the worst choices possible to manage them.

Excellent preview.
thanks for taking the time to share it.

Nice summary of our team.  There's no way I could do anything like that for your team.

I had my youngest son at Duquesne (in Pitts., for those of you who don't know) today for an open house.  During one of the presentations, they were discussing "fringe benefits" of attending the school.  First, they showed a Steelers' helmet, and stated that probably everyone was familiar with the team.  Then they showed a Peguin, and said they had an exciting NHL hockey team.  And then they showed an empty PNC Park, and said, after a lengthy pause, "Well, we can always hope."  There was quite a chuckle from the crowd.

I have slightly higher hopes for the bullpen this year, but I'd say otherwise you nailed it.

Well-researched and generally reasonable.

the picture of Dunn bunting. A riot and quite apt as a Krivsky/Sweatband reference.

i would echo questions about the bullpen; i think with the additions of cordero and (hopefully) fogg, the roles of burton, weathers and bray will be considerably easier. that leaves only 2 or three other guys, and todd coffey is likely to have a much better season this year. Add the potential of seeing Josh Roenicke or johnny cueto in the pen, and i think it could actually be a strength for us.

also, i think edwin has finally secured his role at third base (keppinger didnt take much of his pt after edwin was called up last season), so i doubt highly kepp will start much at third if he rakes and gonzalez comes back. more likely, he'll platoon at first and rest each of the other infielders on occasion, playing 4 or 5 games a week.

overall it's really excellent analysis. thanks for it.