Cincinnati Reds 2015 season preview and predictions
By Robby Sabo
3 Keys for Success
- Comeback Seasons for Vets
- Billy Hamilton
- Cueto Able To Repeat?
It’s only natural to see such a dip in offensive production when the two top sluggers on your team both fall flat on their faces at the same time.
Thanks to ace Johnny Cueto, the Reds stayed in many games they had no business to be a part of. While the offense finished third to last, Cueto helped the pitching staff finish 16th overall in runs allowed.
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Votto and Bruce must return to form. Sure, they do have Todd Frazier and now Marlon Byrd who’ll also make up the middle of the lineup, but stars need to be stars for a big league club to have success.
The perfect recipe also includes Hamilton improving his plate vision and discipline to a level that see’s his on base percentage increase at least .25 points in 2015. Should it happen, a table-setter in the nastiest form would be realized.
Despite being the solid unit for the club last season, the starting rotation needs a little help.
After his league-leading 243.2 innings pitched last season, the argument can easily be made that Cueto will see his fair share of disappointments this season. When starters usually touch the 250 inning mark, the next season is often one to forget.
One-time pitching phenom, Homer Bailey, will be looked upon to fill in as that bonafide number-two starter. His past three seasons have been solid enough to suggest he can do it.
Next: Season Predictions