The Future

WOW!

That is all I can say after the Reds afternoon game today at GABP. Many of you may remember my last post about the Reds from late last season when they called up Homer Bailey. I thought that it was a sign of the future, and made several predictions about 2008:

• Bailey will dominate in his 2nd year.
• Harang and Aroyo will eat up innings.
  
• Hamilton will come into his own.
  
• Our infield problems look to have been solved with Gonzalez.
• We trade/acquire a couple relievers and a closer. (The key to the team's success)

Looking at these predictions now, I feel almost prophetic. Bailey had a subpar spring, but will almost certainly be called up to enter the rotation at some point this summer. Hopefully, he can become the dominant starter we all think he can be. Harang and Arroyo looked great in spring, and are being counted on to lead a young rotation. They have each turned in a good start thus far. We traded for Cordero as a stud closer and for Affeldt as a reliever. This allowed Weathers to fall into a setup role, and our bullpen is actually a great strength now! Gonzalez is on the DL, but Keppinger is filling in admirably.

While many of my predictions hold true, one I couldn't have imagined has occurred. The Reds traded Hamilton for Edinson Volquez. This guy is just nasty, and he unexpectedly jumped into our starting rotation after making huge strides since a short stint in the majors with Texas last year. Also, the Reds have actually developed a starting pitcher - but his name is not Homer Bailey. It is Johnny Cueto. Get to know him. Today, Cueto made his major league debut and DAZZLED! Try this stat line on for size:

7.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K

This guy is unbelievable! He throws 4 good pitches for strikes. What the stats don't tell you is that he hit 96 mph on his fastball. His slider was up to 92. He mixed in an occasional 85 mph changeup. He did not go to a three-ball count. He threw 92 pitches, 68 for strikes. He was the first Reds starter since 1900 to have 10 K's in his major league debut. A brief check of ESPN experts show 80% of them picking Cueto for rookie of the year. Another few actually picked Jay Bruce, who should be called up to play CF as soon as Patterson hits his annual wall.

I am anxiously awaiting the debut of Volquez to see if he lives up to his amazing spring performance. I even have high hopes for Josh Fogg. I am really starting to look forward to this season.