Looking back on this season, there were a lot of players that we were expecting to live up to their high upside over the course of this season. So far, the only one to truly live up to that is Johnny Cueto, while others have either had seasons reminiscent of past years or encountered steep drop-offs. Which ones do you think are still overdue for a true breakout season, and which ones have the boat passed on?
Homer Bailey- He's grown into a decent fourth starter option when healthy, but his pitching repertoire and streaks of dominance have proven he can be so much more under the right circumstances. Seems to be the most easily rattled member of the staff, with apparent ongoing confidence issues, multiple injuries, and immense ERA splits between Hernandez and Hanigan.
Edinson Volquez- Yet another example of a pitcher with dominating stuff but plagued by inconsistency. His recent stints coming off of TJ surgery and failure to adjust over a major league season have left him in limbo with this Reds team, though recent minor league numbers provide hope.
Jay Bruce- Already a very good player with excellent defense and 30-HR power, but he remains too streaky and frustrating for a regular spot in the 4-hole. He has all-star/MVP potential and is still young, but he's currently finishing up his fourth season in red and may have already become the player he was destined to be.
Aroldis Chapman- Clearly has the stuff to dominate any batter, but to call him streaky is an understatement. He goes from 103+ mph fastballs and relief no-hitters to absolute failure to find the strike zone. His transition to a starting role remains unclear, but enticing.
Chris Heisey- His minor league numbers were strong, and he continues to be outstanding against relievers, but his numbers as a starter have failed to inspire. He has shown more power than in past years, however.
Travis Wood- Looked like a possible #2 starter up until the first game of the year. To call his season disappointing would be an understatement, but he's still very new to the majors and has plenty of time to bounce back.
Drew Stubbs- As much as this club has been through in the last two years, it's easy to forget how young and raw Stubbs remains. He was never projected to have an overpowering average, so some may see him as having reached his maximum value, but he has room to improve his steals and lower strikeouts may come with time.
Nick Masset- Our bullpen's greatest enigma. Aside from Chapman, he has the most powerful stuff of any of our relief squad, and has occasionally shown the skills to become a closer. However, he has been equally as inconsistent as Chapman, as he has been responsible for a number of Reds losses this year.
Originally Posted by bigredmechanism
