Alright, a lot to cover here, but you have to let me rant for a minute.  As many of you know, I am a West Virginia Mountaineers fan.  I know this team wasn’t good enough to even make it to the Sweet Sixteen, I do.  But man, did they get screwed over by some of the most corrupt decisions in college sports history, as well as Indiana getting the short straw as well.  West Virginia was left out of March Madness, yet North Carolina, Xavier, and Texas somehow found their way in.  Baffling right?  Let’s take a look into the numbers for each of these schools and you tell me if Bubba Cunningham (Athletic Director of North Carolina/Chairman of the Committee) had anything to do with this-he did. He secured a $104,000 bonus for getting the Tarheels in the dance on top of it.  Maybe we should let Peebles High School Athletic Director be the chairman of OHSAA and get Peebles the easiest route in the dance every year, while giving him a bonus for doing so.  Works for Bubba, right?

West Virginia –  111/111 bracketologists had WVU in the dance, Wins over Gonzaga (Neutral court), Arizona (Neutral court), Kansas (at Kansas), and Iowa State, 6 Quad 1 wins, 0 Quad 3 or 4 losses, .500 in the Big 12, Defeated 4 ranked teams, 4 Big 12 road victories, 3 wins against AP Top 10 teams (most in the Big 12), 1 of only 30 teams to have 6 quad 1 victories.  And don’t give me the injury excuse.  Tucker DeVries hasn’t played since December 6^th before conference play.  Give me a break!

North Carolina – 27/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 1-12 in Quad 1 games (Atrocious), Quad 3 loss, Beat UCLA (Only ranked team they beat), 13-7 in a very poor ACC, 13 losses…But hey, they almost beat Duke

Xavier – 30/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 1-9 in Quad 1 games, ranked wins over Marquette and Uconn, 13-7 in the Big East. 

Texas – 50/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 15 losses, 6-12 in conference play (WOOF), Wins over ranked opponent Mississippi State, Texas A&M, UK, Missouri.

Which resume would you want if you wanted to get in the tournament?  Do you think the Athletic Director of North Carolina should be a chair on the selection committee?  I didn’t think so.  Shame on the NCAA. 

Bags Secured for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

At last, our beloved duo finally has reached an agreement with Chase and Higgins including: 4 year extension for Chase, $161 million, $112 million guaranteed (Highest paid non-QB in NFL history).  Higgins signed a four year extension for $115 million and becomes the highest WR2 in NFL history.  Never say the Bengals are cheap ever again, as they just forked up the cash and added tax!  However, this shows that they waited too long.  Nail the draft Cincinnati and start paying your stars early, while reaping the benefits later.  Prices don’t go down, Brown Family!  Be happy though Bengals fans, as this is huge.  Hendrickson, you’re next if at all possible.  Defense has some major holes that need filled and I expect the draft to be majorly focused on pass rush and secondary help. 

One Week until Reds Opening Day

With just a week and some change until Reds Opening Day, the excitement is building around Cincinnati.  This city is ready for some baseball and the city desperately needs a contender this year-and I think they will get just that.  However, there are some areas of concern as of late:

• Tyler Stephenson will miss some time with an oblique strain-Massive blow to the lineup
• Jose Trevino is day to day with a thumb injury, leaving us with Wynns should Trevino also miss time
• Spencer Steer will likely miss Opening Day, but Francona is giving him every chance to try and be ready come next week

Outside of this though, the Reds are relatively healthy and look to bounce back from these injuries fast.  Cincinnati is in a much better spot than last season regarding health.  Some notable players that will not be making the Opening Day roster this year include Noelvi Marte and Will Benson.  Both have struggled, although I can see Benson joining the team within a month or so of playing time in AAA, as I think he is a true Major League batter.  If Stephenson and Steer both miss time, I expect Blake Dunn to be given a chance to make an impact quick, with Hurtubise ready to get some major league time as well.  They both have been highly impressive this Spring. 

Reds baseball is nearly here and it is the most magical time of the year!  Well unless you ask my wife, as we visited Dollywood this weekend and she got to see Dolly Parton in the parade.  I guess I owed her for the years of dragging her to RedsFest, Reds Games, and Bengals games! Seeing her happy to see Dolly was worth it and I owed her for the amount of time she has spent in line with me to talk to players season after season!

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I didn’t want to have to rant about this and it is sad that it has gotten to this point, but the mismanagement from Bengals ownership has truly sent this organization on a downward spiral.  I’d like to stand outside of Paycor Stadium and yell “The Price will only increase” until one of them understands.  If Cincinnati would’ve acted when they should have, Bates would be playing for 12 million per year, Higgins would’ve signed for 23 million per year, Chase for 35 million per year, and Hendrickson for 25 million per year.  Prices aren’t going down and after the Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby signings, these players will want even more.  Now that Duke Tobin has agreed to make Ja’Marr the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history (never ever say that before a signing), we now are looking at 40+ million for Chase. 

It’s time to get the deals done, eat the losses that are a direct result of incompetence, and change the way this organization operates.  I love the Bengals, I really do.  Paul Brown was known as one of the biggest influencers to the game of football, but his family has failed to understand how to properly handle contracts and forming a roster.  As JJ Watt stated, “Reward your players earlier and reap the benefits in the long run.”  Never allow yourself to get in these standoffs year after year with your franchise players.  With that being said, I expect a deal done with Higgins today.  If not and if this team goes into camp with multiple players unhappy with contract situations, you can nearly bank on another slow start.  Now, there has been some good news as of recent, as Cincinnati locked up Gesicki and Ford, but it’s time to take care of our star players.  Easy for me to say though when it’s not my money, right?

17 Days Away from Reds Opening Day

With just over two weeks away from meaningful baseball, the Reds are in a relatively healthy position and I truly believe this team has a chance at surprising a lot of people around the baseball world.  Hats off to Meador, Krall, and ownership for everything they’ve done to get this roster to a point of truly being able to compete.  Francona is ready to make some noise and the city needs a quality year of Reds baseball.  This truly feels like the year that it happens. 

• The Reds announced the first 4 in the rotation to begin the year: Greene, Lodolo, Martinez, and Singer.  The 5^th spot is up for grabs between Abbott (injury), Lowder (injury), Spiers, and Ashcraft.  I’d feel a whole lot better if Lowder or Abbott filled this 5^th spot in the rotation. 
• If Steer is out, I think it comes down to Hurtubise or Dunn for that final spot.  I think they’ve both played well, but Blake Dunn deserves that final spot. 
• We have a true professional that will likely debut this year or next for the Reds in Sal Stewart.  His approach is just different than our other prospects.  He gets a lot of praise around the league. He looks major league ready.
• Chase Petty could find himself on the big league roster after a stint in AAA.  He’s finally coming around and is posting some impressive numbers. 
• I want to see Chase Burns on the fast track to the big leagues.  The 22 year old could find himself in a Skenes situation this season and I hope he pitches well enough to force the hand of calling him up early on this season.  He has major league stuff already. 
• Chris Sabo is the 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade Grand Marshal.  This is awesome and I am hopeful for a Votto appearance in the future. 

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The best sports month of the year has just begun, as we have finally reached March.  March Madness, Reds baseball beginning, and Winter coming to a close always makes for an entertaining month.  The Reds open the regular season on March 27^th against the Giants at 4:10 and I can’t wait to be in right field watching Tito lead this team.  For now though, the Reds still have some kinks to work out, along with deciding the roles of each player and filling out this roster. 

Noelvi Marte

With roughly three weeks until the season begins, it’s safe to say that the Reds have a decision to make on Noelvi Marte.  He was 0-3 on the 2^nd, has 7 strikeouts in 15 plate appearances, and is batting .067.  In 2023, he looked like a star in the making in 35 games, but has been on a downward spiral ever since.  I’m rooting for Marte, but he simply cannot be on the roster as it stands right now.  I’m not giving up on Noelvi by any means, but I truly hope we aren’t running into a “Jose Barrero 2.0” situation. 

So Much to be Excited for

This Spring Training has been exciting to watch and I truly think this Reds team could have a breakout season under new leadership.  My main takeaways thus far include:

• Christian Encarnacion-Strand is hitting the ball HARD.  His power is needed and if healthy, he looks good enough to have a 30 home run year. 
• Elly De La Cruz is batting .500 with a team leading 3 home runs.  Protect him for the next three weeks, he is ready to go.  His swing looks like it has come changes and he has only struck out 3 times.  MVP season incoming?
• Matt McLain is 7/14 and is back to looking like his normal self.  Stay healthy Matt, this team needs you!
• Jacob Hurtubise is batting very well in his 10 at-bats, including 6 hits, 2 doubles, and a triple.  He is fighting for one of the last roster spots. 
• In 4 innings pitched, Chase Petty has yet to give up a run, along with only giving up 1 hit.  He really looks comfortable on the mound to begin the season.  The 21 year old might just find himself in a big league role this season. 
• Jake Fraley crushed a home run on Sunday.  If he could get back to hitting for power, I’d feel a lot better about our outfield. 
• Blake Dunn might be the most impressive player thus far.  He is batting .385, including1 home run, 1 double, and only a single strikeout.  He might be the fastest player on the roster outside of Elly and is making his case to be on the roster come March 27^th. 
• Spencer Steer is dealing with a right shoulder issue and he might begin the season on the injured list.  While this is a major bummer, injuries are expected, and this is why depth is so important. 

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At last, I can finally write about actual results and not just speculations or predictions, as Spring Training games have officially started.  As I do each season, it’s always a good reminder to ignore win-loss records during this time, focus on the “wins” for each player, and to keep in mind that this is a time for players to dial-in before the season begins in a month.  Younger players are competing for spots, pitchers are perfecting their craft, and batters are attempting to get their feel back at the plate.  Add in the new manager and the new additions, and you really have to take a step back and look at the positives individually. 

Impressive Beginning

• Elly De La Cruz hasn’t missed a step and is looking for a breakout season.  In his first two at-bats in the Cactus League, he smoked two home runs including one from each side.  If he stays healthy, we might just have an MVP on our favorite team in 2025.
• Santiago Espinal was highly impressive in his 5 at-bats, including a triple and a home run.  His depth should be talked about more. 
• Rece Hinds smoked a triple off the wall and I think we all know his ceiling.  If he could just be more consistent, he could certainly play a lot of major league ball this year.
• The new Red, Gavin Lux, had a great game, including 3 RBIs and a double. 
• 25-year-old catcher, Will Banfield smoked an impressive home run.  Banfield, Wynns, Trevino, and Stephenson will be fun to watch this season. 
• Chase Petty, Connor Phillips, Nick Martinez, and Graham Ashcraft all had impressive outings, including 2 scoreless innings from each of them.
• Cam Collier had a big double in his first at bat.  Collier and Stewart are some Reds on the Rise that are trying to get to the big league level. 

Quotes from the Weekend

• Terry Francona on Nick Martinez: “I know there’s some versatility there and he’s willing to do it, but bouncing guys around unless you have to is not what we’re shooting for.” Welcome to the rotation, Nick. 
• Bent Suter: “I want to see us having a parade in Fountain Square at the end of the year.”
• Terry Francona on the Pete Rose Patch: “I will wear that as proudly as you can.”
• Terry Francona on Elly: “Don’t quote me, but he’s got a pretty good chance of sticking on our club.” (LOL)
• Terry Francona on Elly: “I want you to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball.”
• Terry Francona on playing the Guardians: “It’s just not the right time to have a hug fest.  I want these guys to know how important they are.  I’m a (explicative) Red.”

Upcoming Schedule

• Dodgers 2/24
• Angels 2/26
• Diamondbacks 2/27
• Athletics 2/28
• Padres 3/1
• Cubs 3/2

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Baseball season is officially back!  Well, Spring Training at least and I’ll take anything at this point, as it has been the longest Winter stretch that I can recall in my lifetime.  The snow, wet grounds, brutal weather, and boring Bengals season is going to put even more pressure on the Reds to have a good start to the season.

Early News out of Spring Training

• Gavin Lux will play 2^nd base and 3^rd base to begin Spring Training and will not be working on outfield rotations.
• Rhett Lowder is ramping up throwing this week.  He added roughly 20 pounds this offseason.
• Andrew Abbott lost 20 pounds this offseason.
• Terry Francona has continuously stated to Elly that he wants him to be the best player in baseball on the best team in baseball.  He’s been a frequent visitor to Francona’s office.
• Jeimer Candelario came into Spring Training healthy and ready to redeem himself and his contract in 2025.

Who to Keep an Eye on?

As the Reds begin Spring Training this week, there are a few key players to keep an eye on as they compete for positions.  Injuries will occur, as with any team, and after last season’s disaster, complaining about too many infielders should never be a complaint ever again. 

• Jeimer Candelario – Can he be versatile enough to play third base?  Or will Christian Encarnacion-Strand play well enough to play this position?  Perhaps, Spencer Steer will even find himself in the infield again.
• Santiago Espinal isn’t being talked about enough.  His defense is immaculate, and his .246 average last season was solid for this team in just 357 at bats.  If his WAR can get back to his 2021 or 2022 levels (2.2-2.5), he could compete for a lot of playing time. 
• Gavin Lux and how he fits into this roster if fully healthy will be quite interesting. 
• Can Noelvi Marte or Will Benson play well enough to make the roster on Opening Day or will their droughts from last season continue?
• Nick Martinez’ role should be seen early into Spring Training and it’ll be interesting to see if they initially use him as a starter.  Same for Graham Ashcraft and his role going forward for this team.
• Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand or Elly De La Cruz will have to become the power bat that this team desperately needs.  A 30 homerun guy on this roster shouldn’t be too much to ask for. 

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Now that the Super Bowl is officially over, we can finally declare it baseball season, although I’ve personally declared that ever since the Bengals didn’t make the playoffs. The sun is shining, warmer days are ahead, and Pitchers & Catchers have officially reported.  “Hey Alexa, play ‘The Boys are Back in Town’ by Thin Lizzy on high volume.”  I am excited to see some sessions from the pitching staff and it’s a massive relief to know we have Trevino over Maile this time around as a backup catcher. 

Approaching Important Dates

• February 12 – Pitchers and Catchers first workout
• February 15 – Position players report
• February 17 – Full squad workout
• February 22 – First Spring Training Game
• March 27 – Reds Opening Day

Injuries

While the Reds are currently healthy overall, injuries from last year and the offseason will have an impact on this season.  Having a relatively healthy Spring is key to beginning the season on a high note.  Injuries to Julian Aguiar, Tejay Antone, and Brandon Williamson are notable for now and that list will hopefully remain small, as I don’t see any of those players pitching in 2025.  Antone possibly could find himself on the mound, but that would require coming back from a third Tommy John surgery. 

MLB Pipeline

As we all know, smaller market teams require an influx of young talent year in and year out to remain successful and to compete with billionaire team owners.  Included in the Top 100 Prospects this season on the Reds are Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Sal Stewart, Cam Collier, and Edwin Arroyo.  I believe all of those listed have a chance to make it to the big leagues at some point this season, while we already witnessed what Lowder could do in the majors last season.  Fans might just see the Wake Forest duo earlier than expected if Burns is as good as many expect him to be. 

Baseball Memories

Everyone who loves the game of baseball in this area has favorite baseball memories, whether that is playing, going to see the Reds, or simply watching them on television with friends or relatives.  As baseball season approaches, many of my favorite memories from the past continue to come to my mind.  What are some of your favorite baseball memories?  Here are a few of mine:

• Chris Reed and Michael Cheesbro took me to my first Reds game, where I recall slipping a note down to Pokey Reese in the dugout, only for him to throw the ball to a fan nearby.
• Attending Opening Day every year with my wife, Jenna.  We’ve created some awesome memories and there is nothing I love more than waking her up at the crack of dawn on the last Thursday of March each year.
• Knothole baseball matchups year after year against Manchester and the battle growing up as a kid.  Those were some of the best times.
• Wiffle ball games at Coach Arey’s house where a home run was anything hitting the gutter on the house or above, or the tree out in right field.  Being a “town kid” resulted in memories that I will cherish forever roaming from Hopping Avenue and Vine Street to High Street in Peebles. 

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FanDuel currently has Cincinnati at +450 to win the division this season, behind the Brewers and Cubs.  With the additions of Francona, Martinez (returning), Singer, Rogers, Lux, Trevino, Hays, and Miley, I am truly in belief that this team has the ability to win the division.  The return of McLain, a healthy Friedl, and the return of Encarnacion-Strand has me hopeful this time, far different from years past.  If this team stays healthy, they can truly compete with the young Pirates team, the Brewers who have lost a lot of talent, and the Cubs who appear to still be adding to their roster.  Time will tell and Spring Training will be a good indicator of the roles for each player, as there is competition throughout the entire roster.  While a power bat is missing, I think Candelario, Elly, CES, and Hays can provide enough power to put enough runs up on the board for this roster. 

Concerns with the Roster

As with any team, there are certainly concerns.  A few concerns I have prior to Spring Training include:

• A true power bat is not on this roster. 
• Can Lodolo stay healthy?
• If Hunter Greene would get hurt, the rotation could crumble.
• Can Andrew Abbott pitch well after the All-Star break?
• If there are outfield injuries, Cincinnati might require Will Benson, Blake Dunn, Rece Hinds, or Jacob Hurtubise to play more innings than one would like, barring any improvements.
• If Candelario struggles and Marte continues to struggle, will moving roster spots too much with Steer, CES, McLain, and Lux turn into players not getting truly comfortable rather than having defined positions?

Bullpen Preview

In today’s game, having a stellar bullpen with depth is much needed in order to provide quality innings.  With eight spots to fill, I can only imagine that the bullpen will include the following:

• Graham Ashcraft (Unless he earns a starting role)
• Alexis Diaz
• Emilio Pagan
• Taylor Rogers
• Sam Moll
• Brent Suter
• Up for grabs
• Up for grabs

For the “up for grabs spots,” Tony Santillan, Carson Spiers, Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, Ian Gibaut, Alex Young, and Luis Mey come to mind on potential arms to bolster the pen.  I am intrigued about the thought of Ashcraft pitching out of the pen and being able to throw 98-99 mph fastballs and letting loose for a couple innings.  He’s a high energy guy that I believe would be well suited for a bullpen role.   

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Two months from now, I’ll be sitting in right field enjoying an ice cold beverage, enjoying 65 degree weather (let’s hope), and watching the Reds take on the Giants with Greene likely to take the mound vs. Logan Webb barring any injuries.  There are many unanswered questions as of now regarding this roster, as expected for a small market team in January.  Who will play the corner outfield positions?  Where will McLain end up?  Can CES get back to hitting the long ball?  Can Jake Fraley find power again?  Can Lodolo not get injured? Can Noelvi find a way to get going?  Can Candelario prove his contract was worth it?  Can Brady Singer adapt to one of the smallest ball parks in the league?  So many questions, but there is a lot of time left to truly nail down the core of this roster and to get a winning ball club ready for Francona to lead.

Free Agents/Trades still available that the Reds should target

• Taylor Ward
• Luis Robert Jr.
• Austin Hays
• Ramon Laureano

Reds Trivia

(Answers at the end of the Column – No Cheating!)

1. Who are the top 3 batters in extra base hits in Reds baseball history? 
2. What Reds players in history has grounded into the most double plays?
3. When was the last time the Reds won more than 84 games?
4. Who were the last 3 Opening Day Starters at first base?
5. Who started at 2^nd base on Opening Day in 2020?
6. Who are the last 3 Cincinnati Reds to make the Hall of Fame?
7. Who were the last three first round draft picks for the Reds?
8. What was the highest fan attended year in Reds history?

Trivia Answers

1. Pete Rose (868), Joey Votto (837), Johnny Bench (794)
2. Dave Concepcion (267)
3. 2013 (90)
4. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jason Vosler, Joey Votto
5. Mike Moustakas
6. Dave Parker, Scott Rolen, Lee Smith
7. Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Ty Floyd
8. 1976 (2.6 million)

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With the Major League season roughly 2 months away, do you believe the Reds have done enough to contend for the National League Central title?  Let’s dive in:

• The Reds finished in 4^th place last season in the Central with a record of 77-85.  They were without Marte for half the year, McLain all season, Friedl for many games, Luke Maile played in 53 games (yikes), Candelario played injured, Lodolo missed time, and Encarnacion-Strand nearly missed the entire year.  Without counting additions this season, health alone should improve this roster by 8+ games, right? 
• The division is up for grabs yet again, as nobody has really stood out as a clear favorite yet.  The Cubs and Brewers are the two teams above Cincinnati in NL Central odds right now according to many sites, but outside of Kyle Tucker being added to the Cubs, I’m not sure this is a good representation of rosters before the season.  I wouldn’t count out this Pirates roster either.   
• Young talent could be a big boost for Cincinnati in 2025.  Non-roster invitees to keep an eye on this Spring Training include Chase Burns, Zach Maxwell, Chase Petty, Edwin Arroyo, Cam Collier, Hector Rodriguez, and Sal Stewart. 
• The Reds record last season in 1-run ball games was absolutely atrocious. They lost nearly 30 1-run ball games.  Defensively, the addition of Trevino and Lux should help improve this record.  I would feel more comfortable though if the Reds added a power bat before it’s too late. 
• Looking at starting rotations, I believe the Reds have the upper hand over the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs.  I think the Pirates, however, have a very underrated rotation with Skenes (best in baseball), Keller, Falter, and company. 
• Terry Francona managing this team has to add a few games too, right?  Bell’s record of 409-456 with the organization will be remembered as a frustrating time in history of Reds fandom.  Francona has two World Series titles. 

So, can the Reds win the National League Central?  I think the answer is yes, but health, progression from young stars, and another addition would go a long way in making this happen.  I haven’t been this excited for a Reds season in…well a year.  I get this excited every single offseason, but with Francona aboard, along with Singer, Lux, and Trevino, this feels like the recipe for a real chance to win a mediocre division.  Go Reds!

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• Important Dates: 2/10 Pitchers and Catchers Report, 2/17 Full Squad Workout, 2/22 First Spring Training Game vs. Guardians, 3/27 Reds Opening Day vs Giants
• Cincinnati had a record of 77-85 in 2024 with a ton of injuries.  The Reds currently have an O/U of 78.5.  I think they are 2 games better in comparison to last season.  I’d bet the over if I was a betting man (I am)
• Major Additions: Brady Singer, Jose Trevino, Gavin Lux, Owen White, Terry Francona
• Major Subtractions: David Bell, Jonathan India, Fernando Cruz, Luke Maile (Addition by subtraction with Luke), Buck Farmer, Jakob Junis, Ty France

Possible Rotation and Bullpen

• Rotation Mix – Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, Rhett Lowder, Andrew Abbott
• Bullpen Mix – Graham Ashcraft, Julian Aguiar, Alexis Diaz, Casey Legumina, Sam Moll, Luis Mey, Connor Phillips, Lyon Richardson, Tony Santillan, Carson Spiers, Brent Suter, Yosver Zulueta
• Pitchers to keep an eye on – Chase Burns (Fast Track?), Chase Petty, Zach Maxwell

Possible Starting Lineups as the Roster Stands

Vs RHP

• McLain (2B)
• De La Cruz (SS)
• Steer (DH)
• Stephenson (C)
• Candelario (3B)
• Lux (LF)
• Encarnacion-Strand (1B)
• Friedl (CF)
• Fraley (RF)
• Bench – Marte, Espinal, Trevino, Fairchild

Vs LHP

• Friedl (RF?)
• De La Cruz (SS)
• McLain (CF?)
• Marte (DH)
• Fairchild (LF?)
• Espinal (2B)
• Trevino (C)
• Candelario (1B)
• Steer (3B)
• Bench – Fraley, Lux, Encarnacion-Strand, Stephenson

Others Who Could Improve and Get Playing Time

• Will Benson, Rece Hinds, Tyler Callihan, Blake Dunn, Jacob Hurtubise

Clear Needs

• Outfield Power Bat, Defined Positions, Clarity on Pitching Roles, Extended Bullpen Help, Young Players to Shine, Injuries to be Limited

Way Too Early Predictions

• Reds MVP – De La Cruz
• BA Leader – McLain
• HR Leader – De La Cruz
• OBP Leader – Steer
• Wins Leader – Greene
• ERA Leader – Singer
• Strikeout Leader – Greene
• Bullpen ERA Leader – Moll

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