Week 1 impressions/observations?

[Vottomatic]

It's 1 week in.

1. Pitching appears to be all it's billed to be.
2. Choo is the real deal and just what this team needed.
3. So far, Votto is the weak link. LOL. Never thought I'd say that, but he didn't deliver when he had many chances. Might be undefeated if he had it going already.
4. They could have won every game. In all of them.
5. I never dreamed Frazier would do this well. He was an average minor leaguer. Late bloomer? Dude hits the ball hard every time.
6. Bench appears much improved.

This team looks tough as nails so far.

[kaldaniels]

"Votto is the weak link" is just begging for a fight.

And it's not true. Hanigan has been the weakest link if you factor out your expectations.

[Red Raindog]

It is early but yesterday they showed me they won't give up easily in a game --- there HAS to be a lingering embarrassment from how they exited last year which should be good motivation.

[sdwagers]

Votto wasn't pitched to very much...

Frazier and Choo will have their slumps - but I d love to see them continue...

This team fights to the end and that is what matters to me.

[RedsfaninMT]

Frequently observed on here that Reds struggle against other teams #1 and #2 starters, and also against particularly good teams. It was great to see the Reds pound Strasburg and Wilson. I was worried about this opening home series. To win 4 of 6 is outstanding.

Choo is making a huge difference. When Votto starts consistently driving the ball teams are going to dislike facing this lineup.

[Kc61]

No glaring weakness. Defense still good without Rolen and Stubbs.

It's early, some stretches will be good, some not so good.

But team seems very sound in every department. Wasn't true last year.

Ludwick injury not killing the ballclub because there are some good reserves and Phillips can handle cleanup spot.

Everything is on track, for now.

[Redlegs Homer]

4-2 against two of the top five teams in MLB. Choo has been great, Cozart and Frazier have provided some offense, I really don't see any weaknesses right now.

The Ludwick injury shows the kind of talent that is on the bench. Paul & Heisey are both capable of stepping in and not hurting production. I'm especially fond of Xavier Paul.

[Caveman Techie]

If anything I would think that Bruce showed himself to be the weak link. Votto has delivered with RISP, except for today Bruce has failed miserably at that.

[PuffyPig]

If anything I would think that Bruce showed himself to be the weak link. Votto has delivered with RISP, except for today Bruce has failed miserably at that.

Votto has one hit with RISP this year.

[Griffey012]

Love me some Choo. His defense thus far has looked plenty solid in CF, and man does he have a cannon.

Also, I may be in the minority here, but I think BP is our best cleanup option.

[bigredmechanism]

Observation: The Reds look really good.

[Vottomatic]

"Votto is the weak link" is just begging for a fight.

And it's not true. Hanigan has been the weakest link if you factor out your expectations.

LMAO.

He's only my favorite player. But he sucked this week. If he delivered in some key situations, we're probably undefeated.

Lineup is rockin' so far except for him. I'd say Cozart, Bruce and Hanigan need to get it going too. Cozart, other than the 2 bombs, hasn't done much.

With Bruce, I do like that he's willing to go the other way. Something he hasn't done much of in the past.

[foxfire123]

Joey is a slow starter by his own admission. He'll be fine.

[Steve4192]

7. Hoover has been terrible. Maybe he could have used an extra month or two in the minors after all.

[Roy Tucker]

I couldn't have asked for a better start. Very competitve games against very good opponents. Great basebaal and great crowds at GABP. I hate to use the word like, but I like they lost a couple. Not some big streak so they know they need to keep chopping wood and nose to the grindstone and all that rot.