Future #2: The Cincinnati Reds

Why they're ranked second:

The Big Red Machine was once one of the most revered franchises in all of baseball; and, it looks like it's second coming is right around the corner. The Reds first flashed their potential last year, winning the NL Central, and it won't stop there. They rotation has a ridiculous amount of potential. The offense was the MLB's most powerful last season, and they have the resources to hold that title for a long time. They're young, they're explosive, and they're going to be real good.

TEAM: Cincinnati Reds

LEAGUE: National League
DIVISION: Central

Top Pitching Prospect: Aroldis Chapman

Top Hitting Prospect: Yonder Alonso

Marquee Player: Joey Votto

Future Lineup

Albert Pujols who?

Position: Name, Bats- Best tools

1. Drew Stubbs: Centerfield, RH- 5-tools

2. Brandon Phillips: 2^nd Base, RH- 5-tools

3. Joey Votto: 1^st Base, LH- Power/Patience/Contact

4. Jay Bruce: Rightfield, LH- 5-tools

5. Todd Frazier: 3^rd Base, RH- 5-tools

6. Yonder Alonso: Leftfield, LF- Power

7. Billy Hamilton: Shortstop, RH- Speed

8. Devin Mesoraco: Catcher, RH- Defense/Power

Future Rotation

Name, Throws

1. Aroldis Chapman, LHP

2. Jonny Cueto, RHP

3. Edinson Volquez

4. Travis Wood

5. Homer Bailey

Closer: Mike Leake

Overall Evaluation

Areas of Improvement:

The biggest problem facing Cincinnati is getting a great leadoff man. Drew Stubbs can hit, but he doesn’t get enough walks. The Reds will also be facing a problem with finding room on the team for both Votto and Yonder Alonso (both first baseman). They’re also very right-handed heavy. With their young arms they’ll be very reliant on Dusty Baker to help them learn and reach their ceilings, and he doesn’t have a great track record with these things.

Outfield:

Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce are nothing but solid contributors. Stubbs broke out last year, playing great defense while displaying 30-30 potential. With more patience he’ll be the next Grady Sizemore. Jay Bruce displayed his emerging power down the stretch last September and looks ready to grow into his #1 prospect title from 2008.  

Infield:

Joey Votto is emerging as the best first baseman in baseball. He already has one, of potentially many, MVP awards; with a little better defense he could be the best player in the game. Todd Frazier still has good potential (despite a rough go at AAA), and analysts love Billy Hamilton’s athleticism. Let’s not forget Brandon Phillips, who has become a consistent 20-20 player.

Chapman's stuff is pure filth

Rotation:

With all their depth and potential they’re six young and promising starters deep. Aroldis Chapman can be scary good (seriously, 105 MPH) and as long as he’s healthy he’ll be dominant. Volquez is on the road back to dominance after TJ surgery, and Johnny Cueto keeps getting better and better.

Intangibles:

They’re real young and have a lot of potential. The rotation has phenomenal potential and it’s scary how electric these arms are. The offense is filled with power/speed guys, and the middle of the order could be ridiculously powerful.

Walt Jocketty has done a really good job piecing this team together. He’s been a big player in the international market, and that’s turned the pitching around. Jocketty has an understanding of the NL Central, runs a strong draft, and has been actively trying to extend his young players.

With Joey Votto’s MVP award, Aroldis Chapman’s ridiculous arm, and all the international players the Reds boast they are beginning to gain a lot of notoriety. This will make them an even bigger destination for international players and free agents. All that PR does count for something when it comes to getting players.

The Reds have a deep history and their division is thinning out. Pittsburgh and Huston aren’t turning things around, contracts are dragging Chicago down, St. Louis faces uncertainty, and without Prince Fielder Milwaukee loses a lot of their clout. At top gear Cincinnati can coast through the regular season and become a huge factor in October.