[757690]

Do the Reds really have 97 win talent? Who ever thought that the Reds would win 97 games this season and win the division as easily as they did?

They have one of the best hitters in the game, but he was injured the entire second half of the season.

They have an All- Star worthy second baseman, and an All-Star RF, but other than that, their offense is rather pedestrian.

They have a Cy Young Candidate, but so do the Mets and Dodgers.

Their #2 pitcher is 24 years old, was a .500 pitcher last season, and has some anger issues.

Their #3 starter is coming off a 5 ERA season.

Their #4 starter had a 4.89 career ERA coming into this season

Their #5 starter is 24 soft tosser who never pitched in the minors, and was league average his first two seasons.

Their bullpen is strong, but had to overcome losing it's closer, setup man and LOOGY to injury for the whole season.

They have great defense, probably their strongest part of the team.

They have a lousy bench.

Does all of that look like a 97 win team to you on paper? Where's this overflowing talent that should be the next BRM or 1927 Yankees? I think this is clearly the best team since the BRM, but definitely not the most talented.