The Cincinnati Reds are looking pretty good right now in many aspects of the game.

Pitching

The Reds have very good pitching.  Newly acquired star pitcher, Mat Latos, will truly help the Reds in pitching depth.  He is one of the most feared pitchers in the game.  I’m very surprised the Padres traded him.  Bronson Arroyo, is also a very good pitcher.  He didn’t have a great year last year, but has had five years with 14 or more wins.  I think Bronson is a very under rated pitcher with all of his good statistics and performances.  The rest of the starting rotation is pretty solid.  The Reds have lost their great closer, Francisco Cordero, but have found a new closer that I think will be just as good.  He’s from the Phillies and he is Ryan Madson.  Ryan had to replace Brandon Lidge when he was on the Phillies and he did an outstanding job.  If Aroldis Chapman can locate his record breaking speed, I think he’ll be unstoppable.  The Reds pitching seems to be pretty good at the time.  Pitching will probably be the biggest part of the year for them.

Batting

Another good player the Padres traded to the Reds is outfielder, Ryan Ludwick.  He’s an above average hitter that teams would love to have.  The best hitter on the team is obviously the 2010 NL MVP, Joey Votto.  Votto can hit with power or for contact, and he also has great plate discipline.  The Reds are very thrilled to have other hitters whom are Scott Rolen, Jay Bruce, and Brandon Phillips.  Cincinnati has a solid line up.  There are threats up and down their batting order.

I think the Reds will have a good year, but not good enough to win the World Series.  I say they take third place in the NL Central.