Cincinnati sports teams have not exactly been held in high esteem the last few years. The early exit of the Bengals has done nothing to sway that opinion. As the 2010 MLB season looms, fans may finally have something to hope for in Cincinnati. The moves that the Cincinnati Reds have made will make them very competitive and could have them right in the middle of it this year.
Cincinnati stepped up big by signing Aroldis Chapman. He is a Cuban player who defected last year and that many teams were in the running for. Cincinnati committed early and stayed true to their cause and they were rewarded by getting his signature on a contract. Hopefully, this kid will live up to the hype and once again breathe life into this franchise.
The bullpen of the Cincinnati Reds has been steady for years and this year will be no different. Cordero is a solid closer and with Burton finally signed, they have a very potent late inning staff. If the ball can get to these guys with a lead, they can more than likely close it down and get the win.
Of course, the question that is on everyone’s mind is who is going to get it to them. The reality of the starting rotation is that it is loaded with players that have a lot of talent, but have never seemed to get it focused. Harang is the ideal example as he can be lights out one day and then get knocked around the next. While this is not the Atlanta Braves rotation, it can be respectable if they play to their potential.
One of the keys of the offense is going to rest on young Jay Bruce. There was quite a bit of hype about him when he first came up in 2008 and after starting off hot, he tailed off and finished the season with a .254 AVG and 21 HRs. He still hit 22 HRs last season, but his average tailed off dramatically. He is flat out going to have to step it up for this club to be successful.
Hopefully, he is past the sophomore jinx and will put up huge numbers this season. He has made several appearances throughout the off season and looks be relaxed and ready to get back on the baseball field. If his production level matches his attitude, Cincinnati fans are going to have plenty to cheer about this season.
One way to make sure that the Reds get off to a quick start will be to get into those seats and show them a lot of support right from day one. A team this young is going to need a little support and the only way to do that is to be there in person and keep them pumped up. Who knows, that little push may be all they need to start a huge run.
By Heather Maxwell, article sponsored by Stub.com. Stub.com sells Cincinnati Reds Tickets, MLB Tickets, Sports Tickets and more to just about any event in the world.
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