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View Full Version : Which Red will have a breakout season in 2008?


OnBaseMachine
02-07-2008, 09:19 PM
Just curious to see what Redszone thinks. Which Red, if any, will have a big breakout season in 2008?

My choice would have to be Edwin Encarnacion. In the second half of the 2007 season EdE hit .309/.360/.488 - .848 OPS. In addition to hit improvement with the bat, EdE'd defense was much improved from what we've seen since he entered the majors in 2005. From what I saw of him in the second half of last season, I just think EdE is ready to take his game to the next level and become one of the top 3B in the league. I think this is the year he tops the 20 HR plateau and hits around .300/.370/.500 with 25 HR and becomes that big RH power bat in the middle of the order that the Reds have been lacking.

Another obvious choice would be Homer Bailey. He impressed me in his three September starts and while I don't expect him to set the world on fire this year, I do think he'll be much improved over his 2007 stats. 150 innings of 4.50-4.75 ERA ball and a 7.0+ K/9 isn't out of the question from him this season, IMO of course.

Who is your breakout player for 2008?
RedsManRick
02-07-2008, 11:06 PM
I'll go with Bill Bray. By the time the season ends, he and Burton are the primary set up guys. I'm thinking 55 IP, 50 K, 18 BB, 5 HR, 3.15 ERA.
wheels
02-07-2008, 11:18 PM
Matt Belisle.

I can feel it in my bones.
*BaseClogger*
02-07-2008, 11:20 PM
Matt Belisle.

I can feel it in my bones.

Amen
dougdirt
02-08-2008, 12:26 AM
Edinson Volquez.

I just think he has been tried enough and he is ready to break out. He will clearly be the #2 pitcher by the end of the year hovering between a 3.90-4.20 ERA next year.
mth123
02-08-2008, 12:47 AM
Volquez, Belisle, Votto.

Disappointments?? Griffey, Weathers, Burton.
Jpup
02-08-2008, 12:55 AM
It better be Volquez.
pedro
02-08-2008, 12:57 AM
Edinson Volquez.

I just think he has been tried enough and he is ready to break out. He will clearly be the #2 pitcher by the end of the year hovering between a 3.90-4.20 ERA next year.

I agree on Volquez.
WMR
02-08-2008, 01:05 AM
Volquez is my pick. Very excited to watch him pitch.
Ron Madden
02-08-2008, 01:17 AM
I've always liked Matt Belisle, he should have a breakout season if he avoids back problems.

I honestly believe Edwin Encarnacion will be much more relaxed without Jerry Narron lurking over his shoulder.

Edinson Voquez has a lot of upside.

I can't wait for the season to start. :)
pedro
02-08-2008, 02:12 AM
Volquez is my pick. Very excited to watch him pitch.

have you watched "Volquez strikes out five" at

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=450172

He's got good stuff.
fearofpopvol1
02-08-2008, 02:24 AM
Interesting picks.

I'm not going to lie. When I opened this thread, I was expecting most to say "Jay Bruce."

Anyway, I'm not sure I have a clear favorite, but I think Brandon Phillips is going to prove that last year was not a fluke (since I've seen many think he'll regress). I don't know if he'll match the HRs hit last year, but I think he'll easily be in the 20s and I think SBs go up, average goes up as well as walks. I think his defense will be great as well.
WMR
02-08-2008, 03:02 AM
have you watched "Volquez strikes out five" at

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=450172

He's got good stuff.

Nice link, thanks. He has some beautiful stuff. Great movement.
cumberlandreds
02-08-2008, 07:52 AM
Nice link, thanks. He has some beautiful stuff. Great movement.

Watch the six strikeout one too. Hits 97 on one and has an 84 mph change/sinker. Looks pretty nasty. :thumbup:
NC Reds
02-08-2008, 09:23 AM
Joey Votto. I just hope he is wearing a Reds uniform when it happens. :(
TRF
02-08-2008, 09:25 AM
Volquez AND Belisle. I'll throw in Arroyo as bounceback player.
membengal
02-08-2008, 10:44 AM
Echo others on Volquez. Also, put me down for a breakthrough for Burton in the pen, leaping to legitimate set-up guy and supplanting Weathers.
sonny
02-08-2008, 11:50 AM
Mark me down for EE. His offensive numbers will be better, but I think his defense will show the most marked improvement.
klw
02-08-2008, 11:56 AM
I've been hearing good things about this Griffey JR kid and expect him to have a breakout season if he has the opportunity for playing time. Otherwise I see EE primed for a good year, good second half hopefully will lead to confidence from and in him.
BuckeyeRedleg
02-08-2008, 12:05 PM
EE and Belisle.
Tommyjohn25
02-08-2008, 12:22 PM
I'll go against the grain. Bailey.
princeton
02-08-2008, 12:37 PM
I'm hoping that Jr doesn't break out the walker
Triples
02-08-2008, 12:42 PM
I'll go against the grain. Bailey.


I'm with you; I think Bailey is going to quiet all the naysayers....closely followed or lead by Cueto. I wouldn't vote against Bruce or Votto either. In general I think the young talent in the sytem are going to make names for themselves...at least I hope so.
RichRed
02-08-2008, 12:48 PM
Votto.
camisadelgolf
02-08-2008, 02:57 PM
I don't see how Volquez can't break out in 2008. I really like that trade. My sleeper picks are Ryan Hanigan, Drew Anderson (the outfielder), and Ty Pelland.
bucksfan2
02-08-2008, 03:26 PM
Votto.

I think Votto works his name into the top two or three for rookie of the year. I think a major factor into Hamilton being delt is that the reds felt that Votto could replace Hamilton's offensive numbers. If Votto plays everyday and is placed in the middle of the order (I have no idea where Dusty plans on hitting him) he could hit anywhere between 20-30 hrs and drive in 80+ runs.
*BaseClogger*
02-08-2008, 03:58 PM
I'm with you; I think Bailey is going to quiet all the naysayers....closely followed or lead by Cueto. I wouldn't vote against Bruce or Votto either. In general I think the young talent in the sytem are going to make names for themselves...at least I hope so.

I would have said Cueto, but I don't see him getting as much playing time as others...
OnBaseMachine
02-08-2008, 08:00 PM
Volquez and Bray are also good picks, especially Volquez. I definitely see him having a breakout season with an ERA in the 3.80-4.20 range with a 8.0 K/9 or higher.
Falls City Beer
02-08-2008, 08:04 PM
Dunn has a 1.000 + OPS this season. A breakout of sorts.
Falls City Beer
02-08-2008, 08:07 PM
Volquez, Belisle, Votto.

Disappointments?? Griffey, Weathers, Burton.

Good groupings. I agree. I'd add Bray to the disappointments list. I think he's more Ryan Wagner than Randy Myers (or even heyday Mike Stanton).
OnBaseMachine
02-08-2008, 08:08 PM
Dunn has a 1.000 + OPS this season. A breakout of sorts.

I usually make that same prediction every year. :D

But I do agree, this could be the year. He looked locked in in the second half of last season.
marcshoe
02-08-2008, 08:13 PM
I'm a bit surprised at the lack of Bruce mentions. Okay, then, I'll mention him. Like many others, I also like Volquez.

Last year I picked Belisle, iirc. I feel better about this year's picks.
chicoruiz
02-09-2008, 02:21 PM
...Gary Majeski.



I figure if he pitches well I'll look smart, and if he doesn't I'll just tell everyone I was kidding.
Ron Madden
02-09-2008, 07:19 PM
I'd like to add Craig Wilson to my original list.

I hope Wilson wins Comeback Player Of The Year.

:)
KronoRed
02-09-2008, 09:34 PM
I'll be frightened if he gets enough at bats to qualify :help:

My breakout player is also EE.
11BarryLarkin11
02-10-2008, 09:58 PM
I would have said Cueto, but I don't see him getting as much playing time as others...

I'll agree on Cueto. I think he's more than ready for the Majors. He's got the stuff and the polish to be successful right away. It would be a mistake for the Reds to deal him away for a nominal "upgrade" in Blanton or to keep him stashed in the minors for the majority of the season.

Cueto could have a big impact on the fortunes of the Reds in 2008. He's got the control and arsenal to be an impact pitcher right away. His command could use some work, but he should be able to step right in and contribute.
deltachi8
02-10-2008, 11:03 PM
I would say Votto but I am not 100% convinced he will be with the team very long....i think Edwin already had a break through in the 2nd half last year, so I will go with Belisle. I like his stuff and make up, now want to see him put it all together.
Will M
02-11-2008, 10:18 PM
EE showed a lot of improvement with the bat and glove in the 2nd half of 2007. With Keppinger on the roster he knows that he has to perform otherwise he loses playing time. I think EE will have a great 2008.
reds44
02-11-2008, 10:20 PM
I'll agree on Cueto. I think he's more than ready for the Majors. He's got the stuff and the polish to be successful right away. It would be a mistake for the Reds to deal him away for a nominal "upgrade" in Blanton or to keep him stashed in the minors for the majority of the season.

Cueto could have a big impact on the fortunes of the Reds in 2008. He's got the control and arsenal to be an impact pitcher right away. His command could use some work, but he should be able to step right in and contribute.
Agreed with all of that.

:thumbup: