2006 Cincinnati Reds preview
2005 Summary:
The biggest news for Cincinnati Reds fans in 2005 was the fact that Ken Griffey Jr. (. 301 35 92) was able to play a full season injury free for the first time in more than 5 full seasons. What was so impressive about Griffey’s performance in 2005 was his ability to fully return to form, hitting for both power and average. Griffey took home the Returning Player of the Year award for his outstanding efforts.
The rest of the Reds’ offense in 2005 was led by Adam Dunn (.247 40 101), veteran second baseman Rich Aurilia (.282 14 68) and outfielder Austin Kearns (.240 18 67). Unfortunately, the Reds’ starting pitchers didn’t deliver many wins in 2005. Starting pitchers Aaron Harang (11 13 3.83), Brandon Claussen (10-11 4.21) and Ramon Ortiz (9 11 5.36) were joined by Eric Milton (8 15 6.47). ) and closers David Weathers (7-4 3.94 15 saves) to handle most of the pitching duties during the season. Weathers’ was picked up from the Mets and became a full-time closer who had 15 of 19 save chances. No real Ace from the staff emerged in 2005 with Harang leading the rotation with 11 wins. The Reds finished the season with a less than impressive 73-89 final record, finishing 27 games behind the National League Central Champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Removals out of season:
The Reds recognized pitching as their top priority during the offseason, so they traded popular first baseman Sean Casey to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-handed starter Dave Williams (10-11 4.41). Unfortunately, the Reds did little else to address their starting pitching needs. Veteran infielder Rich Aurilia re-signed, and Cincinnati also traded for manager Tony Womack (.249 in 2005), who was designed to give the team some options off the bench in 2006. Left-handed reliever Chris Hammond (5- 1 3.84) also signed by the Padres, the defending NL West champions.
2006 analysis:
Expect Adam Dunn to move to first base now, leaving outfield responsibilities to Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey Jr. and Wily Mo Pena. The Reds didn’t really address starting pitching in a meaningful way in the offseason and the new starting pitcher they acquired (Williams) will hardly make a difference for the team in 2006. With Harang leading the group with just 11 wins, there’s plenty of work to be done before the Reds can compete. Williams only won 10 games in 2005, so fans shouldn’t expect much from him, either.
Like many major league teams, the Reds rely heavily on their youngsters, which include Kearns, Pena, Dunn, shortstop Felipe Lopez and Ryan Freel. Fans were happy to get old Griffey back in 2005 and hope he picks up where he left off when the 2006 season begins. Dave Weathers is simply not a strong closer, although the team managed to get 15 saves from him last season. Hammond was a good player and should help a struggling bullpen, but even more help is needed. Cincinnati Reds fans should expect more of the same in 2006.