In Cincinnati, when it comes to the Reds in spring, you’re not likely to get much of a positive response or any anticipation for the team’s baseball betting odds as they hadn’t reached the playoffs since 1995, or a .500 season since 2000. But that all changed last year as the Reds stormed to the National League Central title, and now they enter the 2011 campaign as the targets in what should be a very difficult division.
The Reds didn’t do much to the team that won last year’s title, and in fact, they may keep starter Mike Leake down in the minors to start the season as he has struggled in the spring. But the Reds have Edinson Volquez back after visa problems, and he is slated to get the ball on Opening Day.
Everyone is looking to the next phenom, Aroldis Chapman, who can hit 105 mph on the radar gun and turned some heads in a late-season call-up. With Francisco Cordero blowing eight saves in 2011, Chapman could get a look at the closer’s role this season.
At the plate and in the field, the big worry for the Reds is the age of Scott Rolen, who will be 36 in the first week of the regular season. Rolen had his best season in years for the Reds, but how long can he hold up? Expect World Series MVP Edgar Renteria to earn a look at third base to rest Rolen, and the Reds have plenty of experience in the lineup.
Now, can Joey Votto have another MVP season at first base? And what about Jay Bruce, who is turning into a superstar?
The Reds have the talent to win the division, but now they have to show maturity with St. Louis, Milwaukee and Chicago on their heels, and they’re going to have their hands full in the Central.


