What you're looking at above is the cute logo of the short-lived Cincinnati Redlegs. From 1954 to 1960, the Reds were known by this longer name because in 1950's America, it wasn't exactly a cool thing to be known as "Red." However, once the "Red Scare" ended, the team once again became the Reds. As for the mascot, he resigned in shame after admitting to being the bastard father of Mr. Met.Ironically, the Reds may now be best known for their strict grooming policy, which makes very specific requirements for proper uniform display and severely limits facial hair. The 2007 Reds would prefer that you focus instead on their improving ballclub. Realistically, a break to their streak of six consecutive losing seasons would be a step up. However, the Reds chances of hitting .500 are probably about as good as those of Ken Griffey Junior being injury-free (wait - he's hurt again? scratch that). Here's what you can expect from the 2007 Reds:
Biggest reason for hope: In the recent past, Reds starting pitching has been hit harder than a punter by Sean Taylor at the Pro Bowl. However, the Reds have two frontline starters, Aaron Harang and Bronson "Shaggy" Arroyo," locked up through 2010. They also may have the best pitching prospect in the minors in 20 year-old Homer Bailey, who may start the year in the Cincy rotation. There's a foundation for the future here. For Cincy fans who worry that their staff may get too good, however, don't worry - Eric Milton is still in the rotation. Thus, you'll still have plenty of opportunities to catch balls in the left field bleachers this season.
Biggest potential nightmare for Reds fans: Even though the Reds traded for approximately 42 relievers last year, the bullpen still was shaky. Now, the bullpen has few guarantees outside of David Weathers. Bill Bray? Great potential, but he has to show it. Todd Coffey? Ditto. Eddie Guardado? Hurt. Rheal Cormier and Mike Stanton? Didn't they pitch in the 70s?
Player to watch: Adam Dunn. So is this guy a superstar or not? He has tremendous power and a great eye, but he's stiull only a .245 hitter who's never knocked in more than 102 runs in a season. Oh, and he's averaged a whopping 170 strikeouts the last five seasons and and is to fielding range what Adam Sandler is to acting range. For the Reds have a shot this year, Dunn needs to be the man, as they can no longer count on the worn down Griffey (who I think just broke another bone while I wrote that last sentence).
Why do we still have to watch this player?: Kyle Lohse. The former cant-miss prospect missed. After 6 years of patience in Minnesota, the Twins finally grew tired of Lohse's whining and ineffectiveness. In his last three seasons in the Twin Cities, Lohse allowed 535 hits in only 430 innings. Now, he's probably in the Reds rotation. This means that Eric Milton and Lohse could be the Abbott and Costello of pitchers this year, only Reds fans won't see the humor.
Telling Statistic: In six seasons with Cincinnati, Ken Griffey Junior has averaged 92 games and 324 at bats per season. In those six seasons, he has suffered from three torn hamstrings, a torn knee tendon, a dislocated shoulder, a torn ankle tendon, and a broken bone in his hand, and numerous bouts of tendinitis. I suspect he may get hangnails more ferquently than the average person, too. Webster's, meet your new definition for the term "injury-prone."
Interesting fact signifying nothing: Cincinnati is MLB's oldest franchise, having started play in 1869 as the Cincinnati Red Stockings. In their first game, they defeated the Great Westerns of Cincinnati 45-9, thanks to 7 RBIs from then-rookie sensation Julio Franco.
Projected record & finish: 70-92, 5th place, NL Central
Prediction that won’t come true but should: Impressed by Ryan Freel's allegedly suave way of looking for a "disease-free" hookup during spring training via Craigslist, GM Wayne Krvisky posts a request on the site for middle relievers.
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