The 25 Man Roster, and Final Day in Arizona

Back in Cincinnati, unfortunately. The paradise that was Goodyear, Arizona, is now gone, and I'm left to agonize over the days remaining until Opening Day. That would be 19 days, if you were wondering. Spring Training was definitely a cool experience, and I would highly recommend anyone to go out there if they had the chance.

Arroyo, with that familiar leg kick

Anyway, to the game on Thursday. I couldn't have asked for a better lineup of players for the day, especially considering I got to see three of my favorite pitchers, and basically what will be the Opening Day lineup. Bronson Arroyo got the start, and looked fine in three of his four innings. His third inning, bad Bronson showed up. He hung several curve balls and the San Franciso Giants jumped all over him. They blasted three homers in the inning off of him, and tallied four on the board. Andres Torres, Freddy Sanchez, and Cody Ross were the culprits. Nonetheless, what does it mean in the end? Most likely, nothing. Arroyo has bad games here and there in the regular season, and he isn't the kind of guy that will let a meaningless spring start get to him. Most likely that inning where he gave up the homers, he was merely just working on pitches.

Edinson Volquez looked decent in his first appearance

Following Arroyo's four innings of work, the Opening Day starter for Cincinnati finally made it to Arizona to pitch. Edinson Volquez had been stuck in the Dominican Republic with visa issues, but made it to the game in time to get his first work in for the spring. Volquez looked pretty much like he always does: effectively wild. He gave up two runs, just one earned, on two hits in 2 2/3 innings, while striking out two and walking two. I didn't think his stuff looked too bad, but he just didn't have a whole lot of control out there. That can't be the case in the regular season. The Reds absolutely need Edinson to continue to grow into a top flight pitcher, or else they could be in trouble. Aroldis Chapman also worked two innings, and struck out three, though he did give up a run due to Jeremy Hermida's inability to cover ground in left field. Nonetheless, the Cuban Missile looks just as electric as he did last year.

Good to see BP back and healthy

As for the bats, once again, there was very little to talk about. I was able to see Brandon Phillips for the first time all spring, and he had a single in two at bats. Drew Stubbs struck out twice, and Joey Votto struck out again, going hitless in two at bats. Jonny Gomes, Jay Bruce, and Ramon Hernandez were all held hitless as well, as the Reds managed no offense on the day. Paul Janish did have another hit to raise his average to .389 on the day, but the Giants' pitching held the Reds scoreless in a 7-0 beatdown.

With my time at Spring Training over, I'll leave you with my projected 25 man roster, and notable guys that I left off. I struggled the most with the end of the bench and the back of the bullpen. I really like Chris Valaika, and personally think he could be much more valuable than Miguel Cairo, but I know Cairo will make the team. Also, I feel like Dave Sappelt deserves to make the team, but won't, since he still is young and should play everyday. He won't get that opportunity up here. Basically, the last two spots on the bench came down to three outfielders: Chris Heisey, Fred Lewis, and Jeremy Hermida. Heisey is an excellent defensive player, and has shown to be clutch when given opportunities - he has to be in. At the end of the day, the last spot on the team goes to Lewis, because he is a better fielder than Hermida, and is a leadoff option. Neither has been impressive this spring, but Dusty won't carry three extra infielders and just one outfielder. Lewis is the better player. The rotation was easy, Bailey had to make it since he is out of options. Also, at this point in their careers, Travis Wood is better and more valuable than Mike Leake, so he made the team. Leake, though, will be up at some point this year. I like the bullpen, and as good as Jared Burton has been, he has to make it. With the need for a long man, I decided to go with Sam LeCure, instead of the lefty Bill Bray, or Jose Arredondo, who has been up and down this spring.

(Note: Locks for the roster are in bold)

Starting Rotation:
Edinson Volquez
Bronson Arroyo
Johnny Cueto
Homer Bailey - He's out of options, so he has to make the team, or else some other team will grab him.
Travis Wood - The lefty was impressive last year, and has the ability to be a top of the rotation pitcher.

Bullpen:
Francisco Cordero
Nick Masset
Aroldis Chapman
Logan Ondrusek
Dontrelle Willis - Impressive this spring, having gotten rid of that big leg kick and awkward delivery.
Jared Burton - Looks like the Burton of old.
Sam LeCure - The Reds need a long/swing man, and he is the perfect fit.

Starting Lineup:
Drew Stubbs (CF)
Brandon Phillips (2B)
Joey Votto (1B)
Scott Rolen (3B)
Jay Bruce (RF)
Jonny Gomes (LF)
Ramon Hernandez (C)
Paul Janish (SS)


Bench:
Ryan Hanigan (C)
Miguel Cairo (IF)
Edgar Renteria (IF)
Chris Heisey (OF) - Too versatile offensively and defensively to leave off the roster.
Fred Lewis (OF) - Not a big fan of him, but he's the best option left of the outfielders - unless they are willing to play Sappelt everyday.

Notables left off:
Mike Leake (RHP) - We will here from this kid at some point in the year, he's too good to be kept in the minors for too long.
Matt Maloney (LHP) - Sam LeCure is just a tad bit better than Maloney, who has to wonder if he will ever get a prolonged shot in the majors.
Jose Arredondo (RHP) - As soon as someone struggles, Arredondo will be up. His stuff is electric, and he is definitely a closer-type pitcher.
Bill Bray (LHP) - Dontrelle beats him out in a race that hasn't even been close lately.
Jordan Smith (RHP) - This big right hander was impressive at times last year, but he could use some more seasoning.
Juan Francisco (3B) - If he cuts down on the strikeouts, he's the future at third.
Chris Valaika (IF) - As I said, I think he could be more valuable than Cairo, but there's no room for him on the roster.
Todd Frazier (OF/IF) - The once top prospect is playing his way out of the organization.
Dave Sappelt (OF) - He's the future in left field, but there's no room for him right now.