2012 MLB Predictions: Why Teams Will (and Will Not) Win the World Series
By Editorial Staff
National League Central – Cincinnati Reds – Lew Freedman
- Why the Reds Will Win the World Series
This team is constructed to win now. General Manager Walt Jocketty worked overtime in the off-season filling holes, adding to the pitching staff, and shoring up all spots that were weak during a disappointing 2011. The Reds have an excellent, run-producing, day-to-day lineup. That wasn’t the problem last year. Starting pitchers alternated between letting the club down and going on the disabled list. But the rotation now appears rock solid and the bullpen has been improved. The wild card problem that weakens the equation was the late spring training elbow injury that knocked out closer Ryan Madson.
First baseman Joey Votto, the league MVP in 2010, is definitely one of the best players in the league. The guys who have been around, like All-Star Brandon Phillips, are hungry to bring Cincinnati its first World Series crown since 1990, and if things break the right way it is not an impossible dream.
- Why the Reds Will Not Win the World Series
From the external side the Philadelphia Phillies are going to be hard to beat. The Phillies will be the National League favorites and did not sit around in the off-season idly. The Reds have all of the ingredients for success under first-rate manager Dusty Baker, but the loss of Madson for the season was a huge blow that leaves the bullpen as one big ?. If Madson can’t close, who can? There is no ready answer. Health could be an issue, too. Third baseman Scott Rolen seems to have trouble holding his body together for a whole season, so anything can happen on that front.
Flame throwing Cuban Aroldis Chapman is a guy who could be part of the solution or part of the problem. He wows fans with his 100 mph heater, but it’s not known if he can deliver consistently as a closer, middle reliever, or starter. The Reds are starting youngster Zach Cozart at short and he has to prove himself over a full season. Drew Stubbs brings a lot to the table, but striking out 200 times a year as he did last year, is unacceptable.
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