The 2012 Cincinnati Reds have announced to the world that they'll take aim at a championship, in part thanks of a series of moves made by general manager Walt Jocketty during this offseason. Gone are the high-profile prospects the organization assembled over the past few years, giving way to the arrival of the newest member of the Reds rotation, Mat Latos, as well as new closer Ryan Madson. The Reds are attempting to make a push towards a National League Central crown, and possibly a world championship.
The best of the best: Joey Votto. As the premier first baseman in the National League, Joey Votto anchors a powerful offense in Cincinncati. The Canadian is an above-average defender at first and is a former MVP. The Reds will have to do a better job protecting him this season, as last year teams were able to pitch around him and avoid his bat. With only two years left on his current contract, the Reds need to start working on an extension as soon as possible.
The new guy: Mat Latos. Latos is a live-armed pitcher acquired from San Diego and someone the Reds think can be a top-of-the-rotation ace. Pairing Latos up with Johnny Cueto gives the Reds a pair of high quality arms that could revitalize a pitching staff that needs a lot of help. The questions about work ethic could disappear for Latos if he can step up and help lead this team to the postseason.
The fatal flaw: The rest of the rotation. If the Reds plan on winning, they'll need another pitcher to step up besides the top two. There are plenty of options, but the chances of one of them panning out are a stretch. Bronson Arroyo had a rough season in 2011, but there aren't many signs of him getting back on track. Mike Leake has limited upside, but can definitely help the rotation. Homer Bailey has all of the talent in the world, but can't seem to put it all together. The best option might be the power arm of Aroldis Chapman, who the Reds will try and stretch out in between now and opening day.
Down on the farm: Billy Hamilton. The best part of Billy Hamilton's game is his blazing speed, and though many scouts feel he needs to put some weight on his frame, he's still got plenty of upside. Shortstop may not be the spot that Hamilton ends up at later on in his career, but for now the Reds will play him there until he can't handle it anymore. By the time you read this sentence, Hamilton's probably stolen another base. He's that fast.
Final verdict: The Reds have the pieces to make a major run this season, especially with the changes the Cardinals, Cubs, and Brewers have made. Cincinnati must take advantage of this, and if they can earn a playoff spot, Cincinnati could be on the verge of being a championship contender. Manager Dusty Baker is the wild card, as he's one of the few managers who can hurt a team instead of helping it. The team is constructed very well, but all it takes is one bad architect to bring it down.
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