I am the Program Director at 1410 WING ESPN Radio in Dayton, Ohio...also host of Dayton Sports Scene weekdays at 5p! Find me on Twitter @ESPNMark!
Early thoughts on projected Reds line up
by Mark Neal,posted Mar 5 2013 6:37PM
I like the Reds line up going into 2013. If a few things go their way, this group could be very potent. Here is the projected 1 - 8, with a few thoughts from me...see ya Drew
1. CF Choo: Usually two schools of thought when a hitter changes leagues; he struggles early with new pitchers, or starts hot until pitchers catch up to him. I believe Choo will shine early. Choo gets on base more than Stubbs, by a lot. With the crew hitting behind him, he should score north of 100 runs in 2013. Just make contact, get on base, and good things will come. Drew Stubbs never could figure that out.
2. 2b Phillips: BP should sit in the 2-hole for all of 2013, barring an injury. He told me at the Reds Caravan that he prefers to hit 3rd, and if Votto goes down again, he may just fill that role. Brandon is in his prime, can hit and field. If he stays healthy, an All-Star trip and more could be headed his way.
3. 1b Votto: Look out baseball, Votto is a beast! He hit terribly last spring, but killed it until the injury. He is healthy, and on a mission. He is a unique guy, but he is a pure hitter, clutch with power. He got paid, time to pay it back, eh?
4. LF Ludwick: The biggest question mark in the line up, in my opinion. If he produces, and stays healthy like 2012, the Reds may win 100 games, if not, it will be Dusty and the line up shuffle all season.This is an important spot in the order, and it protects the franchise. Ludwick, we need you on that wall!
5. RF Bruce: Ok, Jay, time to put it all together. I saw the 19 year old "doubles machine" when he was a Dragon in Dayton, and we have all seen the power hitting Red in Cincinnati...we want all now. Jay is a great player, that hits lefties much better than maybe ever thought. 40 homers is very possible, but he is capable of so much more. Somewhere between Dayton and Cincy, Bruce fell in love with the long ball.
6. 3b Frazier: Full time play, at last. He is 27, so his prime years are now. Produce more than 3b gave the Reds last season, and you can't complain. Todd is a great clubhouse guy, a glue guy. He is worth almost as much in their as on the field as 162 drags through an Ohio summer. He will play well, I hope.
7. SS Cozart: He is much more of a 7 hitter than he ever was a 2 hitter. He needs to just try to get on base and get around, but focus on playing flawless defense. This offense won't live and die with the play of Cozart, but the defense could.
8. C Hanigan: Hanigan isn't going to tear it up at the plate, but he does make great contact. He is a hit and run possibility with Cozart ahead of him. He is so steady behind the plate, offense is a bonus. Mesoraco will come around too, and when he does, look out.
