ESPN Power Rankings: Nationals, Reds 1-2

[RedEye]

Anyone else catch this from ESPN today? Seems the Reds are getting some respect for 2013 already. Here's the love David Schoenfield gives our beloved team:

2. Cincinnati Reds (97-65, plus-81)

The Reds solved their big hole in the leadoff position by acquiring Shin-Soo Choo, and Jack Hannahan and Jason Donald will improve a bench that carried Miguel Cairo and Wilson Valdez in 2012. The biggest move, however, will be the transition of Aroldis Chapman to the rotation, with Jonathan Broxton taking over as closer. The Reds' rotation was outstanding in 2012, but also went through the season without the five starters missing a single start. But the Reds do have depth here in case Chapman falters or Bronson Arroyo regresses from a strong 2012.

Strengths: Joey Votto; rotation depth; bullpen depth.

Weaknesses: outfield defense with Choo in center; some players -- Ryan Ludwick, Todd Frazier, Johnny Cueto -- will have to repeat their big seasons.

[cincinnati chili]

seems like a fair assessment of the Reds to me. As for his overall top 10, he left both the Angels and Giants out of it, expecting the Angels to finish 3rd in the division again. I think you have to

[Dom Heffner]

Broxton is not the answer at closer....maybe if this were 2007...

[dougdirt]

Broxton is not the answer at closer....maybe if this were 2007...

If Broxton the Reds from 2012 shows up, he can close. If Broxton the Royal from 2012, be worried.

[Johnny Footstool]

If Broxton the Reds from 2012 shows up, he can close. If Broxton the Royal from 2012, be worried.

I'm betting we're getting Broxton the Red in 2013. Broxton the Royal was still shaking off the rust in the early days of his comeback from TJ surgery. By the time he got to the Reds, his control appeared to have returned, and his K/9 and K/BB rates were pretty dominant.

[Kc61]

If Broxton the Reds from 2012 shows up, he can close. If Broxton the Royal from 2012, be worried.

Frankly, I'm not even sure about Broxton the Red. It's hard to be confident in any closer when you had Chapman in 2012. Nobody would be that dominant.

The solace, to me, is Hoover. If Brox has trouble, I could see Hoover moving into the closer position. He has the stuff.

The other point is that Chapman could still wind up closing. It's a long shot but Walt said Aroldis might begin the season in the pen (to keep innings down) and if that happens, who knows. Leake could start off hot and the Reds might not change things.

And, of course, they could use Marshall although I think he's better as a set up man for a number of reasons.

So there are back up plans, even with no additional personnel.

[REDREAD]

Broxton is not the answer at closer....maybe if this were 2007...

It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out.
I think Broxton will be good enough to close, but he's obviously a step down from Chapman.
People bring up a good point about save percentage over the course of the season. Someone pointed out that Chapman's actual save percentage last year was only marginally better than others. This team is pretty deep in the bullpen and rotation. I am guessing even a Danny Graves type closer might be adequate. As long as Broxton isn't 2011 Coco, we probably still win the division.
If we make the playoffs though, save situations will be a little bit more tense than if Chapman was in there.

[PuffyPig]

I am guessing even a Danny Graves type closer might be adequate. As long as Broxton isn't 2011 Coco, we probably still win the division.

The difference in save % between the 2011 Cordero and the 2012 Chapman is that the 2011 Cordero had one more save opportunity and one more blown save. Though Chapman had an additional 6 holds that needs to be calculated into the equation, since one of his blown saves came in a hold situation prior to him being closer.

[REDREAD]

The difference in save % between the 2011 Cordero and the 2012 Chapman is that the 2011 Cordero had one more save opportunity and one more blown save. Though Chapman had an additional 6 holds that needs to be calculated into the equation, since one of his blown saves came in a hold situation prior to him being closer.

I didn't realize it was that close.
Another strong point that Broxton will probably be more than adequate as closer.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out.
I think Broxton will be good enough to close, but he's obviously a step down from Chapman.
People bring up a good point about save percentage over the course of the season. Someone pointed out that Chapman's actual save percentage last year was only marginally better than others. This team is pretty deep in the bullpen and rotation. I am guessing even a Danny Graves type closer might be adequate. As long as Broxton isn't 2011 Coco, we probably still win the division.
If we make the playoffs though, save situations will be a little bit more tense than if Chapman was in there.

Then again, looking at the possible offense...we might not even HAVE a save situation all year. :O)

[*BaseClogger*]

Ya gotta figure the Blue Jays should move into the top 10 after the Dickey trade.

Yet another plus factor for the Nats is having Storen for a full season. It would be a disappointment if that team wins less than 95 games...

[RedsManRick]

Anyone else catch this from ESPN today? Seems the Reds are getting some respect for 2013 already. Here's the love David Schoenfield gives our beloved team:

Looks like they did the classic "Your 2013 assessment = your 2012 final record + your offseason". Unfortunately, it doesn't really work that way.

[smith288]

Looks like they did the classic "Your 2013 assessment = your 2012 final record + your offseason". Unfortunately, it doesn't really work that way.

How else would you judge them during the offseason?

Go watch each player workout and get a sense of their determination for the upcoming season?

[RedsManRick]

How else would you judge them during the offseason?

Go watch each player workout and get a sense of their determination for the upcoming season?

No. There are better ways to project next season's performance than simply by assuming they'll repeat last year. And they don't involve watching the player work out.

[RedEye]

No. There are better ways to project next season's performance than simply by assuming they'll repeat last year. And they don't involve watching the player work out.

Yeah, I didn't take this as much more than a conventional wisdom barometer. Still, nice to see the Reds getting some play. Only time will tell, of course.