Yeah, baseball season! You've probably been reading all sort of previews from the experts, but they are not half as entertaining as the kool-aid induced thoughts from the fans who love their teams the most. Over the next month you'll be previewing the MLB, so let CF know if you'd like to contribute. Up next, Cincinnati native Fat, who has had to endure not only the usual late season Reds collapse but also having me as a roommate during college ...

Expectations: Well this is a tough call... after going 72-90 last year and not having made the playoffs since 1995 it's hard to say that I am optimistic. However, because of an influx of young talent, two talented starters at the top of the rotation, and a much improved bullpen Reds fans have reason to believe things are about to get much better. That and the fact that they play in the worst division in MLB makes this a year that many Reds fans feel their beloved Red Legs can contend.

What's New in 2008: Dusty, Dusty, Dusty... without question the Reds biggest offseason move was brining in Dusty Baker as manager. Love him or hate him the guy wins games. In addition to Baker signing up the Reds made the not so small move of signing Francisco Cordero. In addition to giving them the closer they sorely need it also allows David Weathers and Jeff Burton to sure up the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings.

Reasons to be Optimistic: See above... For the first time in a long time it appears Reds ownership is willing to do what it takes to win some games. While Dusty Baker was not my first choice as manager it shows me two things 1) Management wants to win now. Why else would you bring a veteran manager out of retirement, 2) A commitment to spend some money, high priced manager plus high priced closer = money is no longer the problem. The other reason to be hopeful is all of the young talent the Reds have. Jay Bruce is the reigning minor league player of the year and ranked as the #1 minor league prospect in MLB. Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto are the first home grown Reds pitching prospects of note since Tom "Mr. Perfect" Browning made his debut in 1984.

Reasons I'll still be drowning my sorrows in a pool of Hudy Delight: In the end, in order for the Reds to win anything they need their youngsters to mature quickly and lots of help from their fellow NL Central competitors. The Cubs are the clear favorite in the NL Central and with good reason... they are better than the other teams. However, they have pitching questions marks, a grocery list of injury histories, and a curse to deal with. In order for the Reds to compete they need the Billy Goat to step up his game and take the Cubbies out. The Cards and Brewers on paper appear to be as good if not better than the Reds as well but I think the Reds can overcome that if their young talent steps up big. In the end this team is probably 2-3 years from being a true threat to do anything big... but it sure would be nice if they speed that time frame up a little bit.

The Jay Bruce Quandary: What do you do with the most talented player in your organization who happens to have 2 1/2 years of minor league experience and only half a season at the AAA level. Conventional wisdom around the Queen City is that Dusty, who has a history of preferring veterans to youngsters, will start the season with Bruce in AAA and Freel and Hopper manning center field. Fine, but how long can you ignore this kid in AAA. He will hit, he will hit a lot, and at some point he's gotta play. The question is not if he'll be in the Majors this year it is only when.
Likely Lineup/Rotation

R Freel/N Hopper CF
J Votto/S Hatteburg 1B
K Griffey Jr. RF
B Phillips 2B
A Dunn LF
E Encarnacion 3B
A Gonzalez/ J Keppinger SS
D Ross C

A Harang
B Arroyo
J Cueto
M Belisle
J Fogg
Long - Homer Bailey (in my dreams)
J Burton
D Weathers
F Cordero

Five Bold Predictions
1. Johnny Cueto will win rookie of year... this kids stuff is freaking electric!
2. The Reds will finish at .500 or better.
3. Brandon Phillips will receive some MVP votes
4. Aaron Harang will finally get his due and finish in the top 5 in Cy Young voting.
5. Ryan Freel will not be a Red at the end of the season

Official Kool Aided prediction: While I am optimistic I am not full on crazy... I think the Reds will finish 81-81 and build on a good young base leading into next year. While I love their young talent they are just not ready to contend for a division title... unless a certain goat takes care of business.