In NBCsports.com Reds preseason preview, I think the key addition and key loss says it all. When your biggest addition is slappy Alex Gonzalez, and when the key loss is Rich Aurilia, it pretty much means we get more of the same in 2007. The Reds will hit the ball well enough (even without Austin Kearns), but once you get past Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang, the pitching gets pretty spotty. The Reds could add one to that in Homer Bailey, but you really have to be careful in rushing the kid.
My opinion is, the Reds will lose close to 90 so you’re better off keeping the kid down in Triple A. I don’t think the pen is as good as the preseason report says, but it won’t be a glaring weakness like it has in years past so it won’t be talked about as much. Oh yeah, and Adam Dunn is finally going to hit 50 homeruns. He’s two short of 200 career dingers and I think he’ll not only top that mark, but 250 as well.
And to add to your reading pleasure, here’s a nice analysis of the Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang signings. Good stuff here.


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