Cincinnati Reds Set to Defend Their NL Central Division Crown

The Cincinnati Reds find themselves in uncharted territory as their pitchers and catchers get set to report to spring training for 2011 on February 16. For the first time since opening Great American Ballpark in 2003, the Reds enter a season as the defending National League Central Champions after a somewhat unexpected run to the flag last summer. That Cincinnati arrived at least a year earlier than most expected only raises the expectations for this season. Can the Reds answer the bell?

On the surface, the Reds pretty much stood pat over the winter, content with the team they fielded last season. Dig deeper, though, and you'll find that some potentially important personnel moves were made. Most prominent among them were the rash of long-term extensions that GM Walt Jocketty handed out to young players Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Edinson Volquez, and Johnny Cueto, as well as to veteran starter Bronson Arroyo. If nothing else, these signings make manager Dusty Baker's job easier, as Jocketty has sent a clear message to players and manager alike that these guys are the core of the team and will be expected to be regular contributors all season long. These moves may also serve as foundational work for a longer, bigger Votto contract at the end of 2013.

Even with all of these players locked up, though, the Reds still enter the spring with some question marks. In particular, the loss of Arthur Rhodes leaves a hole in the team's long-relief corps, and it seems likely that flameballer Aroldis Chapman will help out in this role. The shortstop position also remains somewhat unsettled, though it appears that Paul Janish may have the inside track here. Don't forget, though, that Jocketty brought in Edgar Renteria over the winter, ostensibly to serve in some sort of utility role. Dusty Baker just loves crusty veterans, and since Orlando Cabrera has departed, that description seems to fall most appropriately on Renteria. Don't be surprised to see a lot of Edgar in the middle of the Reds' infield this year, and it likely won't be at Brandon Phillips expense.

Otherwise, the Reds are pretty well set: Votto at first, Phillips at second, Rolen at third, Hernandez behind the plate, with Gomes, Stubbs, Bruce in the outfield. On the mound, Francisco Cordero will continue to close out games for Volquez, Cueto, Arroyo, Homer Bailey, Travis Wood, and Mike Leake. All in all, the composition of the team looks much like it did a year ago.

Will this group be enough to keep the Reds playing into October? Hey, it worked out fine in 2010, and Cincy's main competition from last year are dealing with their own distractions. Barring a Brew Crew resurrection, the Reds have a good shot.