Rotation... 2011 edition...

[REDblooded]

If things continue the way they are, I'm getting EXTREMELY excited about what the Reds will put on the field in 2 seasons.

A rotation of the following would be one of the best in the majors.

1.) Cueto
2.) Bailey
3.) Volquez
4.) Arroyo
5.) Leake

I don't really see Harang in the long-term plans of this team, and he should be dealt for anything worthwhile... Cueto and Bailey are both top of the rotation type arms with another year of seasoning, and Volquez should be back to form by the all-star break of 2011... That leaves 2 spots left that should be filled by 2 of the following 3. Leake, Arroyo, and Wood.

If the young bats are able to develop next season, then you have some serious offensive firepower in Stubbs, Bruce, Votto, Phillips, and hopefully Alonso/Francisco/Frazier by 2011...

I would look for the Reds to hang around much longer next season, and be primed for a 2011 push to the top.

[RedEye]

I'm not sure why you decided to hang onto Arroyo instead of Harang, but other than that this looks like a good plan. Both are decent pitchers, but Harang misses more bats. Can't blame the guy for getting no run support and having an appendectomy.

[REDblooded]

I'm not sure why you decided to hang onto Arroyo instead of Harang, but other than that this looks like a good plan. Both are decent pitchers, but Harang misses more bats. Can't blame the guy for getting no run support and having an appendectomy.

The way Arroyo throws, I see his arm having more life on it in 2 seasons.

[RedsManRick]

I wonder what people though the 2009 rotation would be two years ago. I'd be surprised if 3 of those 5 were in the rotation in 2011.

[GADawg]

I wonder what people though the 2009 rotation would be two years ago. I'd be surprised if 3 of those 5 were in the rotation in 2011.

funny, a couple of MONTHS ago neither Arroyo or Bailey would've been included in this one

[RedLegSuperStar]

Travis Wood? Matt Maloney?

How'd Leake get moved through the minors in one full season of the minors?

I too would rather have Harang over Arroyo. I'd prefer to have both.. but money is tight.

[HokieRed]

I'd prefer Halladay, Bailey, Volquez, Cueto, and Marquis.

[RedLegSuperStar]

I'd prefer Halladay, Bailey, Volquez, Cueto, and Marquis.

You'd also be needed a lot of cash that this team isn't willing to pay.. not even if it meant printing playoff tickets..

[HokieRed]

You'd also be needed a lot of cash that this team isn't willing to pay.. not even if it meant printing playoff tickets..

Not sure that's the case. What we will be paying Harang and Arroyo should not be that different from what Halladay and Marquis will cost. Should be easy to make up the difference with bullpen savings. Ondrusek for Lincoln for example.

[REDblooded]

Travis Wood? Matt Maloney?

How'd Leake get moved through the minors in one full season of the minors?

I too would rather have Harang over Arroyo. I'd prefer to have both.. but money is tight.

Maloney isn't a major league pitcher...

As for Wood, I'd love to see him in the mix.

Leake? By all accounts, he should be a fast mover. I guess we'll see how he does in the AFL.

Finally on Arroyo vs. Harang. I've always favored Harang over Arroyo, but I think Arroyo's pitching style will give him a longer career than Harang. Harang should be traded.

[*BaseClogger*]

What does Wood have that Maloney doesn't?

[mth123]

What does Wood have that Maloney doesn't?

Mostly its about HRs allowed IMO. Maloney is a big fly ball guy. Not sure if Wood will do well either, but not as many HRs in the minors.

For the Record, I don't think the Reds have a minor league starter who projects beyond the number 4 spot in the rotation. Stewart was the only one. I think they are mostly number 5 or long relief types. Hopefully Leake is better than that. I don't know as much about the younger guys, so maybe some one in rookie ball will step forward and be that pitching prospect, but the high minors guys: Wood, Maloney, Lecure, Ramirez, Klinker, Smith, Thompson, Buck, Avery, Horst, Jukich, Carroll and even Lotzkar are all a bunch of back of the rotation possibilities but none are likely to be TOR or even a number 3 type. The Reds may see several of those guys log time in the major leagues, but there isn't a Cueto, Bailey or even Stewart among them. Injuries have a lot to do with it. If Lotzkar could come all the way back he may do better. I like Horst and Klinker.

[paulrichjr]

For the Record, I don't think the Reds have a minor league starter who projects beyond the number 4 spot in the rotation. Stewart was the only one. ...The Reds may see several of those guys log time in the major leagues, but there isn't a Cueto, Bailey or even Stewart among them. Injuries have a lot to do with it. If Lotzkar could come all the way back he may do better. I like Horst and Klinker.

To be fair, how many teams can say that they added 2 starters (from their farm) with the potential (and realized) talents of a Cueto and Bailey to their rotation in the past 2 years?

[Falls City Beer]

What does Wood have that Maloney doesn't?

He hasn't been exposed by MLB hitters. :

[camisadelgolf]

The Reds have plenty of legitimate starting pitching prospects for the rotation in the next few years. The bullpen depth is arguably even better. Plenty of teams would kill for the pitching depth that the Reds have in the minor leagues.

Mike Leake
Sam LeCure
Matt Maloney
Travis Wood
Daryl Thompson
Matt Klinker
Jordan Smith
Dallas Buck
Scott Carroll
Jeremy Horst
Matt Fairel
Kyle Lotzkar
J.C. Sulbaran
Brad Boxberger
Tyler Cline