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A new look with a marquee manager at the helm in Dusty Baker. Now, if there's a new look on the mound, the Reds will be on to something. This is an intriguing team that has all the tools to be the NL's biggest surprise of '08 ... or something much less. As always, Great American Ballpark will be a boon to their hitters, with the risk of keeping their pitchers more than perplexed.Video Outlook
Strengths
Second baseman Brandon Phillips is the best player you've barely heard of. He posted a nice breakout year in '07 (30 homers, 94 RBI) and should only get better. Third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, who can put up big numbers; Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn and some legit rookies to watch in first baseman Joey Votto and two who were optioned to the minors but should be heard from yet this season: pitcher Homer Bailey and outfielder Jay Bruce.
Weaknesses
Behind Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo, the Reds' pitching is shaky. Last season, their 4.94 staff ERA ranked 15th in the NL, and their pitchers surrendered an NL-high 796 earned runs. They must do better in '08, otherwise, it's going to be another long year. GM Wayne Krivsky got exactly who he wanted for outfielder Josh Hamilton from Texas, and now it's up to Edinson Volquez to step up. The addition of veteran Josh Fogg is a wise one. He helped pitch the Rockies to the season of their lives in '07.
Difference Maker
Bronson Arroyo. Two years ago, he was 14-11 with a tidy 3.29 ERA. Last year, he slipped to 9-15 with a 4.23 ERA. That's an extra run a game he allowed, and Arroyo must reverse that trend. No surprise that two years ago, with Arroyo on, the Reds remained in contention longer than many expected. And last year, with Arroyo down, the Reds were one of the NL's biggest disappointments. You do the math.
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