1 Cincinnati Reds

ENEMY LINES

A RIVAL SCOUT SIZES UP THE REDS

I'm going with Cincinnati over Milwaukee to win the division, but it's going to be a hell of a race if they both stay healthy. The Reds' pitching depth and their bullpen are a little better. . . . Their rotation is solid 1 through 5, with Mike Leake just sitting there waiting to fill in. If they have an injury, they won't miss a beat. . . . Edinson Volquez ranges from 93 to 96 on his fastball, with sink and life. If he can harness his command, he can be an ace. . . . Johnny Cueto can get erratic. If their catchers can keep him under control and on line to the plate and prevent him from overthrowing, he'll be fine. . . . Aroldis Chapman has got a great arm, but he has a bullpen delivery, lots of excess motion, not as smooth as you'd see from a starter. There's a lot of effort to it in the knees and arm, making it harder to stay under control and repeat. If he ever gets plus command, s---, it's all over because his stuff is devastating. . . . Francisco Cordero may not have the stuff he once had, but the ability to close is still there. He used to be a power guy, but he knows how to throw the ball over the plate and change speeds. . . . Joey Votto has a nice, quiet swing. He's a hell of a hitter, the center of it all for them. . . . With older guys like Scott Rolen, the question if he starts slow is whether he's slipping or just getting himself ready. I say he's just getting himself ready. He's still a professional hitter. . . . I love Jay Bruce. I think he can be a force. He can get a little overanxious, but he's becoming more selective at the plate. The physical skills have always been there.

THE LINEUP

WITH 2010 STATISTICS

MANAGER DUSTY BAKER

4TH SEASON WITH REDS

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

NEW ACQUISITION