[Nick Soulis]

CINCINNATI REDS

Overall (9940-9639 W-L, 1882 - 2011) - 5 World Championships, 10 Pennants, and 13 Playoff Appearances

Ball park: Great Amercian Ball Park

Manager: Sparky Anderson

C	Johnny Bench	Ernie Lombardi
1B	Joey Votto	Ted Kluszewski
2B	Joe Morgan	Bid McPhee
3B	Pete Rose	Chris Sabo
SS	Barry Larkin	Dave Conception
OF	Vada Pinson	Ken Griffey Sr
OF	Ed Roush	Paul O'Neill
OF	Eric Davis
DH	Tony Perez	Adam Dunn
SP	Eppa Rixey
SP	Johnny Vande meer
SP	Jim Maloney
SP	Joe Rijo	Mario Soto
CL	Rawly Eastwick	Rob Dibble

Catchers: Maybe the best combo of catchers any team has. Johnny Bench is the starter of course and brings the complete package as maybe the prototype of his kind. Bench gives the Reds an edge in every game they pay. Ernie Lombardi could start on almost anyother team, but his presense on the roster will only help things.

First Base: The youngest star to start in the CTL is Joey Votto which says alot about his ability. Votto is coming off an MVP season where he flirted with a triple crown, now those albilities will be tested to tbe maximum. Votto also has a good glove while his backup Ted Kluszuski is a power man that can DH at times or pinch hit for power.

Second Base: Joe Morgan will be the legs at the top of the Red Machine and his ability to steal bases and get on base will be key. Morgan is a smart player who can take the extra base and turn the double play quickly. Bid McPhee is the man from the small ball days. this player started in over 2100 games for the team and deserves to be part of this roster. As expected he is an excellent contact hitter.

Short Stop - The depth and talent continues for this Reds team at short stop. Barry Larkin gets the call over Dave Conception because Larkin was such a good hitter and has power at the position. Conception of course will be part of things with his excelllent glove and great personality in the clubhouse. Lark will likely bat at the bottom of the order but is a keen hitter and a mainstay for the Reds for over a decade.

Third Base - The heart of this team along with Bench is here as Pete Rose will play third among other positions. Rose just refuses to lose and comes at things at 110%. At the plate he is a tough out who finds the big hits and scores the big runs, no Reds team would be complete without him. Chirs Sabo is a fringe player on this roster but is a fan favorite and does have more pop in his bat then Rose does.

Outfield - Maybe a little thin here in comparison to other teams but the Reds will field a good group. Vida Pinson played proudly for the Reds for 11 years and had over 200 hits four times. Pinson also had over 300 steals and can play all outfield spots. Eric Davis for a certain time was considered the best player in the game for hi five tool ability. A very quick bat and also someone who could really run, Davis will man center field and will give a boost to the defense as well. Finally Ed Roush is a Hall of Famer with a .323 average so he will be on base alot. Roush is often forgotten when talking about the greats, he wont be after 162 games here. Paul O'Neil will be a good part of this roster for his fire and bat. Ken Griffey Sr isnt as good as his son but can run and field and should help in the late innings. Adam Dunn will also make the roster but he wont see much of the field at all.

Designated Hitter - There has to be a spot on the Reds for Tony Perez. Perez will be asked to drive in runs and he surely will answer the bell. Big Tony is a hitter who can use the entire field and also knows how to win. Dunn may see time here as well as Kluszuski. Perez can fill in at first or third as well.

Starting Pitching: Many very good arms to choose from but maybe not a great arm. Johnny Vander meer brings his deceptive stuff to the rotation and for a time in the 1940' was dominant and literally unhittable. Eppa Rixey is a clear cut Hall of Famer and in truth the ace of this staff. Rixey will have the pressure to perform but can haul long innings and pile up wins. Jim Maloney won 15 games or more 6 times for the Reds and has a career ERA at 3.19, he will also be key in the rotation. For the time being Jose Rijo has the last spot in the rotation due his assortment of pitches at this level. Still three men could very easily see time here, Dolf Luque, Mario Soto and Tom Browning all will be in the mix if needed and if any of the four starters struggle.

Closer: The bullpen is strong and Rawly Eastwick has been chosedn to close things out. The Reds however have other candidates for this and may close by commitee. Rob Dibble is also here as well as Tom Hume and Danny Graves.

Spring Training battles
Jose Rijo vs many (rotation)
Closer Role is wide open

Cooperstown Rating
Hitting - B+
Defense - B
Starting pitching - C+
Bullpen - A-
Prediction - 81-81

Quick word with Sparky Anderson
"With the greatest players ever on display in this league, the Reds will show why we are the greatest team to ever play."