Future Weapons

Over the last few days I've talked about the young prospects the Reds have at their disposal, the future may look bright but it will mean absolutely nothing if the pitching doesn't get better. There is reason to be cautiously optimistic about the starting rotation for the coming years. Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo are under contract until 2011 and are good one (Harang) and three (Arroyo) starters. I would almost be tempted to set Arroyo as a fourth starter, but he is a horse and in the National League he is in the upper tier. Homer Bailey should be ready to take the leap to number two by 2009, keeping Arroyo as number two for 2008. Bailey certainly has the potential to be an ace in the vein of a Jake Peavy (please God), but will sit comfortably behind Harang for several seasons. My hope for 2007 is that if and when Homer Bailey struggles Dusty Baker keeps him with the big club; Bailey has proven all he can in the minors. Johnny Cueto is another interesting name going forward. Cueto has put up impressive numbers at every level of the minor leagues, but as much as I'd like to see him in the rotation on opening day he should probably spend a couple months at triple-A and wait for an injury. Matt Belisle would be my choice for the fourth starter out of spring training. Belisle is still young and has some of the best stuff in the organization. He'll probably never be more than a fourth starter, but if the Reds are going to do anything in 2008 Belisle will play a big part in the success. Matthew Maloney is the player the Reds received for Kyle Lohse from the Phillies, and could be the fifth starter next season. Maloney posted 13 wins and a very respectable 3.64 era between double A and triple A last year. Most importantly he struck out 177 and walked only 54 and while throwing left handed.