Cincinnati Reds

Losses: OF Willy Tavares, IF Adam Rosales

Gains: SS Orlando Cabrera, P Aroldis Chapman, P Jose Arredondo, IF Aaron Miles, OF Josh Anderson, IF Miguel Cairo

Analysis: The Reds quietly had a really nice offseason. They didn’t lose much at all, trading Tavares and Rosales to Oakland for Miles. The Reds shouldn’t miss Tavares, as Drew Stubbs emerged as a more attractive option in centerfield during the last two months of 2009. On the flip side, Miles should add depth as a proven utility infielder (although he is coming off a year in which his OPS was .466 in 74 games!).
The signing of Orlando Cabrera certainly upgrades their situation at shortstop, which was held down last year mostly by Paul Janish and Alex Gonzalez before he was traded to the Red Sox. Janish will now come off the bench, which is where he probably belongs at this point of his career until he figures things out at the plate. I would post his career stats, but I vowed to be a kinder individual in 2010.
The marquee acquisition for the Reds this offseason without a doubt was the signing of coveted Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman. The Reds locked in the 21 year old for 6 years, $30.25 million, and if he lives up to his immense potential, that contract will be worth every penny. He will get a shot to make the team right out of Spring Training, and there are people within the organization that believe that he is ready for the majors right now, despite control problems and his lack of a solid third pitch. Even if Chapman starts in the minors, a rotation of Aaron Harang, Edinson Volquez (expected back by the All-Star Break after Tommy John surgery), Bronson Arroyo, Jonny Cueto and Homer Bailey or Micah Owings is nothing to scoff at, so they can afford to bring him along slowly.
More moves: After making a splash with the Chapman deal, one would think that the Reds are done making moves. The recent resigning of Jonny Gomes solidifies their left-field platoon (with the other half being Chris Dickerson, presumably), and the Reds front office has signified that they are prepared to move forward with this squad.

2010 Thoughts: This team still has some holes, but they are moving in the right direction. If Arredondo can even mildly approach his bananas 2008 season, the bullpen could be respectable, but as of right now the link between their solid starting rotation and Francisco Cordero is looking tenuous at best. If Joey Votto can stay healthy this season, look for him to have a monster year. The Reds can also count on solid production from Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce (who will only be 22 on Opening Day) and Scott Rolen, but they are still a bat or two away from having a truly formidable lineup. This all adds up to them falling short of the postseason again, but the future is bright.

Prediction: Jumbled somewhere in the middle of the NL Central, but with the division being pretty weak (other than the Cardinals of course), I’m guessing the Reds end up in 2nd in the division, flirting with a wild card berth until the final weeks of the season.

APT's Prediction: The Bolt has the Red's back this year. We think they have it figured out. With a little bullpen help at the deadline, they could be a playoff team. 2nd in the NL Central is theirs. The playoffs is a question, but they will be in WC competition. I will say no for now, but stay tuned for the full list of 2010 predictions for my final thoughts on the subject. These predictions will feature a Cincinnati Red in line for a big award...

-The Bomb.