Happy Pitchers and Catchers Day

In about an hour pitchers and catchers report for the Cincinnati Reds. Baseball is almost here.

I'm going to take this opportunity to predict who will make the 25 man roster for opening day. Honestly, this is based more on what I would like to see than it is what I expect to see.

Lineup:

SS Jeff Keppinger
CF Jay Bruce
RF Ken Griffey, Jr.
2B Brandon Phillips
LF Adam Dunn
3B Edwin Encarnacion
1B Joey Votto
C Dave Ross

Bench:

C/1B Javier Valentin
SS Alex Gonzalez
OF Norris Hopper
OF/IF Ryan Freel
1B Scott Hatteberg

Rotation:

Aaron Harang
Bronson Arroyo
Homer Bailey
Edinson Volquez
Matt Belisle

Bullpen:

Francisco Cordero (CL)
David Weathers
Jared Burton
Todd Coffey
Bobby Livingston
Jeremy Affeldt
Jon Coutlangus

The most surprising thing is Jeff Keppinger occupying the leadoff spot. (Though some may argue that it is surprising to see him in the starting lineup at all.) Who would you rather see there? Norris Hopper and Ryan Freel are the most qualified for the job. There is talk about Brandon Phillips getting a shot. It works for Alfonso Soriano (the only other 2B to ever go 30-30). I like Keppinger's consistency. Gonzalez may be a better defensive shortstop, but Keppinger showed himself to be capable last year (at SS for 2007: 47 games, 390.2 innings, .989 FP, 2 E). He is no where near as streaky of a hitter as Alex Gonzalez is. I'd like to see his controlled swing and patience at the top of the lineup. Jay Bruce in the two hole? Basically, it boils down to having no where else to put him and no one else to hit there. Joey Votto all the way down at 7th? It's merely an attempt to not have three lefties hit back-to-back-to-back. That is also why Junior is in the three hole and Phillips is at cleanup instead of the other way around. The bench has a ton of experience and versatility. Freel can pretty much play anywhere. Valentin can play 1B if needed. I'm sure Gonzalez could sub at 2B or 3B (or Keppinger could slide to one of those and Gonzalez could play SS). Hopper provides solid backup at each of the OF spots and makes for a great late-inning pinch runner. One thing I would like to see is more power off of the bench. Maybe Craig Wilson makes the team and we have to cut back a bit on bullpen?

The rotation is fairly straight forward with no surprises. I wouldn't complain if Belisle and Livingston swapped places. I would be surprised if Johnny Cueto were to start out in the majors. I'll be shocked, annoyed, irritated and irrate if Jeremy Affeldt starts out in the rotation. There are rumors still that the Reds are going after Joe Blanton from Oakland. Josh Fogg is still jobless despite being effective for Colorado last year and having some good times in Pittsburgh. However, barring a surprise move, this should be the Reds' opening rotation. I cannot believe I am saying this.....I like our bullpen. Cordero solidifies the closer role. Weathers will be outstanding as a setup guy. Burton's stuff is electric and he has closer of the future written all over him. Coffey worries me a bit, but I have high hopes for him. Having three lefties in the pen is exciting. Affeldt provides us with some veteran stability from the left side (and the best part is he is not Mike Stanton). He can also be the long man if needed. Coutlangus, aside from his fantastic name, excites me almost as much as Burton does. Livingston is a good option for spot starting and soaking up innnings.

My prediction....89 wins and a second place finish. We have the bats, we have the arms. I just don't know that we have enough to overtake the Cubbies. If things go our way, who knows. If Bailey, Bruce and Votto can live up to the hype, who knows. It should be an exciting season.