Cincinnati Reds Show Strong Pitching, Future Looks Bright

Over the past few years, pitching has been the weak link for the Cincinnati Reds, but things look like they may be changing.

While the season got off to a rough start for the Reds, losing two of three to the St. Louis Cardinals, they then took two of three from the Chicago Cubs and had won three of their last four going into week number two of the young Major League Baseball season. The team took to the road for the first time this season on Monday, beginning with three games against the Florida Marlins, which are just a couple of games out of first in the National League East.

Strangely enough, the Reds pitching staff had the third lowest earned run average (ERA) in the National League, according to the Cincinnati Reds Web site. The staff finished the first week with a solid 3.11 ERA. Opening day starter Aaron Harang was the only Red pitcher to start two games, going 12 innings, striking out 9, giving up 9 hits and ending with an ERA of 4.50. However, it needs to be remembered his first start was against the Cardinals, featuring Albert Pujols, the team that arguably is the best in the National League. Bronson Arroyo ended with a 1.13 ERA, though he got a no-decision in his eight innings. Johnny Cueto had a 3.00 ERA, though he had given up four runs in five innings during Monday's game (April 12) against the Marlins.

The story of the first week, though, was the performance of rookie Mike Leake, who pitched 6 2/3 innings to get a win against the Cubs. He struck out five, gave up four hits but also walked seven batters.

The future looks even brighter when taking a look at the Triple A farm team Louisville Bats. In his minor league debut, the Reds' prize acquisition in the offseason, Ardolis Chapman, hit triple digits in the radar gun three times in a game against the Toledo Mud Hens, which is the Triple A club of the Detroit Tigers. The Reds capture the rights to Chapman, a Cuban defector, after offering a six-year, $30.25 million contract. Chapman pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowed one unearned run and five hits while striking out nine. In fact, the starting rotation for the Bats combined for only four walks and 30 strikeouts. Prior to the first game with the Marlins April 12, commentators on Fox Sports Ohio predicted it would not be long before Chapman is brought up to the big club. However, whether he will be used as a starter or reliever is unknown, though barring injury and the way the starting rotation has pitched, he likely will start in the bullpen.

Despite all this pitching, the offense has struggled and ranked 12^th in the National League after one week. The team was batting .230 with 22 runs, though many of those came off six home runs, including a grand slam by Drew Stubbs, the leadoff man. That gives him five runs batted in already this season while he only had 17 RBIs in 180 at bats last season.

While manager Dusty Baker doesn't seem worried about the lack of offense, fans are already beginning to get restless. The Reds have four games against the Marlins followed by three against the Pittsburgh Pirates, all on the road, before coming back home for six games. Those games are against the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.