Which Red will have a breakout season in 2008?

[OnBaseMachine]

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]

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]

Matt Belisle.

I can feel it in my bones.

[*BaseClogger*]

Matt Belisle.

I can feel it in my bones.

Amen

[dougdirt]

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]

Volquez, Belisle, Votto.

Disappointments?? Griffey, Weathers, Burton.

[Jpup]

It better be Volquez.

[pedro]

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]

Volquez is my pick. Very excited to watch him pitch.

[Ron Madden]

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]

Volquez is my pick. Very excited to watch him pitch.

have you watched "Volquez strikes out five" at

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/team/...ayer_id=450172

He's got good stuff.

[fearofpopvol1]

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]

have you watched "Volquez strikes out five" at

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/team/...ayer_id=450172

He's got good stuff.

Nice link, thanks. He has some beautiful stuff. Great movement.

[cumberlandreds]

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.

[NC Reds]

Joey Votto. I just hope he is wearing a Reds uniform when it happens.