Optimism:
1) The Reds have a rotation that make it conceivable to run off 10-12 wins in a row--we know the team has problems, but what this team has is the potential to go through the rotation 2+ times without tossing a real stinker. This has not been the case in the past, and the Reds ceiling has been 8-game, offense-driven winning streaks. Not that it will happen, but the Reds could have a run that puts them at the top fairly quickly.
2) The Reds could possibly have the best hitting outfield in the league: Junior seems poised to have a big year at the plate, Hamilton has become a force that teams have to change their game plans around, and Dunn has matured greatly as a hitter, along with making great strides on his D.
3) Bullpen: there are options, if not immediate ones in Majewski, Bray,Guardado, Burton. This is a change from the past.
4) Gonzalez seems to have more stick than was anticipated.
Pessimism:
1) It seems that there is a continuing problem with the baseball culture in the bullpen. I don't think Jerry has the type of personality to cut through it.
2) Bench lacks a viable home-run threat when Conine starts.
3) Encarnacion seems worse than last year--he doesn't seem to be making adjustments, and his fielding is just as bad as last year.
4) The six 10+ day road trips will not be easy.