Last year was not what the Reds had hoped for, but it showed promise here and there. Finishing with a record of 76-86, the Reds were fourth in the Central Division while missing out on a Wild Card berth by 12 games. Bryan Price debuted his first season as a manager and you will hear no complaints from me on his performance. The Reds had a division record of 40-36, with the Cardinals being the only team they were sub-500 against. They finished the last three months of the season with a combined record of 33-47. An 18-10 record in the month of June was the only winning month the Reds have. The key issue with Bryan Price's first season at the helm was the injury bug. It seemed like every week someone was shaken up. Aroldis Chapman started the year off on the DL after fielding a line drive off his cheek in spring training. Homer Bailey made his last start on August the 8th and was shut down for an elbow issue. Joey Votto missed 100 games and is hoping to return this year for his first healthy year in the last few. The Reds had a slew of other bumps and scratches, but these three made the most impact.
The three keys I am looking at this season for the Reds are as follows
1.) Will Bryan Price get this team over the hump in year two?
I by no means think that Price is the wrong man for the job, but if there isn't vast improvement this season, Reds' fans might start getting restless. The knock on Dusty Baker was that he had taken the team as far as they could go. Baker took the team to the playoffs in 2010 for the first time in 15 years (only to get swept). His team also made the postseason in 2012, and the Wild Card game in 2013. Needless to say, Baker spoiled the fans with his competitive teams. Price needs to show improvement this year, or he could be on the hot seat next Opening Day.
2.) Will the Reds re-sign Johnny Cueto?
The Reds are in a rebuilding mode. The team took on large contracts (Votto, Bailey, and Phillips) that have yet to pay off. With such large contracts, it's hard to think that a small market team like the Reds will she'll put the money that a free agent like Cueto will ask for. Cueto's camp said there will be no negotiations once the season opened and that would give the Reds a slim chance to sign him back come Winter Meetings. Look for Johnny to have a career year as most big time pitchers do when it's a contract year.
3.) Will Joey Votto return to his MVP type playing?
For the first time in a few years, Votto has had plenty of time in the offseason to heal up. The Reds will rely on him this season to get back to his basics and play as the player they signed to a $225 million extension. Should Votto be healthy year long, one has to hope his power numbers return and his average hovers around 300 for the Reds to have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.
For now, let's just enjoy the fact that baseball is back. Live in the now, not in the future. As always, I hope my Reds are in the playoffs come this fall, but with a new contender in the division in the Cubs, it will be hard for them to overcome the Cardinals and Pirates too. Best case scenario: a record just north of 500 and a shot at the wildcard berth in the final weeks of the season. Worst case scenario: Injury bug, sellers at the deadline, and cellar dweller at season's end. Regardless, let's be grateful that baseball is back.
Dug
@chansm1th
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