Cin-cinn-ati (Part 1)

You got to love the spring time, leaves start to bud back on trees, flowers start to bloom, and another year on the diamond picks up full speed ahead! This year our boys to the north, the Cincinnati Reds have playoff aspirations just like all the other 31 teams in the MLB. Its been 14 years since the Reds made the post-season, they would like to change that 2010. The Reds have a good nucleus in tact, but there is always question marks when it comes to small market ballclubs like the Reds. Lets look at some of these questions for this years club.

1. Where does Ardolis Chapman fit in the rotation?

The Cuban fireballer signed a lucrative contract this winter to the tune of 6 yrs. for 30 million dollars! This is big bucks for a small market ballclub to invest in a pitcher who hasn't even taken a major league mound yet. Considering they're paying him "mucho dinero" all Reds fans are hoping he comes along quickly and can get in the rotation as soon as possible.

He has shown signs of brilliance so far in spring training, with his 100 mph fastball and sharp slider he could turn out to be a gem. I look at the Reds letting him get some starts in the minor's before bringing him up to "the show". One thing is for certain this "flamethrower" has Cincy fans dreaming of a festive future and October appearances. If things keep progressing, Chapman keeps improving, the Reds could get back to the top. With a young rotation, Chapman could be, "just what the doctor ordered" to go with Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey, and youngster Mike Leake.

A rotation with those four, including Chapman could end up being the best young rotation in baseball for years to come.

2. Who will be on the trading block this season?

You'll hear me say this over and over, but small market ballclubs aren't able to afford and spend like bigger market clubs like the Yankees and Red Sox, and teams like the Reds have to look to build young talent. This being said, even if they build this talent, sometimes it even gets too good to afford.

Teams like the Reds grow talent and look for journeymen, players who have been around the league and are looking for a job. Sometimes these journeymen are either traded for or signed in the off-season, and sometimes they have big years, want more money, and have to be traded for younger talent.

Now that you know how the "monopoly" of baseball works, lets look at some of the players who might have to be traded:

-Bronson Arroyo- Great pitcher who changes speeds better than anyone in the league, a big market team may need a pitcher like Arroyo for the stretch run

-Aaron Harang- Another older pitcher with a live fastball and a great slider, he also might be needed by a playoff contender around July as well.

- Ramon Hernandez- Good inside out hitter that can be traded for a younger talent. If Ryan Hanigan keeps improving he could be trade bait.

- Brandon Phillips- Maybe the best overall second baseman in baseball, he will be expensive to keep around Cincy for the long-term.

Now if the Reds are in the playoff hunt this could change, but if not look for the Redlegs to shop these players.

More underlying Reds questions to come.

Until Next Time, Adios!