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Cincinnati Reds 2015 season preview and predictions

By Robby Sabo

Jun 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) in the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. The Reds won 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) in the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. The Reds won 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

2015 Predictions

Projected Lineup:

  1. CF Billy Hamilton (R)
  2. 2B Brandon Phillips (R)
  3. 1B Joey Votto (L)
  4. 3B Todd Frazier (R)
  5. RF Jay Bruce (L)
  6. C Devin Mesoraco (R)
  7. LF Marlon Byrd (R)
  8. SS Zack Cozart (R)

Bench:

  • C Brayan Pena (S)
  • OF Skip Schumaker (L)
  • 1B Josh Satin (L)
  • INF Eugenio Suarez (S)
  • OF Brennan Boesch (L)

Rotation:

Jul 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (34) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park. The Diamondbacks won 2-1 in 15 innings. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (34) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park. The Diamondbacks won 2-1 in 15 innings. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. RHP Johnny Cueto
  2. RHP Homer Bailey
  3. RHP Mike Leake
  4. LHP Tony Cingrani
  5. RHP Anthony DeSclafani

Bullpen:

  • LHP Aroldis Chapman (Closer)
  • RHP Jumbo Diaz (Setup)
  • RHP Sam LeCure (Setup)
  • LHP Sean Marshall (Middle)
  • RHP Burke Badenhop (Middle)
  • RHP J.J. Hoover (Middle)
  • LHP Manny Parra (Long)

Top Prospects:

  • RHP Robert Stephenson
  • OF Jesse Winker
  • OF Yorman Rodriguez
  • RHP Michael Lorenzen

The problem for this franchise right now is the uncertainty surrounding so many of their staple players. If comeback seasons happen for Votto, Bruce and even Brandon Phillips to a degree, then mixing those guys in with Frazier and Devin Mesoraco, who each had brilliant seasons in 2014, will provide Baker with one of the better hitting teams in the league.

The problem though is also the uncertainty that is present at the top of the lineup with Hamilton and his on-base inconsistencies.

Because of this, the team is one that could fall in line with postseason challengers or basement dwellers.

My bet will be the safe one as they’ll reside in mediocrity all season.

Cueto will take a major step back after his ridiculous workload last year. Without him the rotation is going to suffer in the worst of ways. Aside from closing force Aroldis Chapman, that bullpen will also give Dusty headaches in the dugout while he chomps on his familiar toothpick.

Votto will come back to his regular Earth a little bit, but don’t expect a full season from him. He now has that injury bug so many players his age start to feel.

Expect a team that’ll fight hard for .500 all season long, but finish a little below.

  • Record: 78-84, 4th in the NL Central
  • Playoffs: Will Not Qualify

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