I don't know if there are any other Cincy Reds fans here, but this kid we've got, Sam LeCure, I think he is gonna end up being a bad-ass pitcher. The guy has GREAT stuff (not high-velocity, just great movement/command/etc.). I REALLY liked what I saw of him when he pitched last season, and this season, he really looks like he has pulled it all together. Still too early of course to be sure, but I REALLY like what I have seen of him. Our other youngin', Mike Leake (who got to skip playing in the Minor's all-together) started off last year on-fire, but towards the latter half of the season, it seemed as though the book had gotten out on him and he was not nearly as effective. So far this year, I think he is so-so. He says his goal is to never end up having to go to the minors, but I kinda feel as though when we get Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto back here within prob. the next month, if he doesn't pull it back altogether, I think a nice stint down in Louisville will be a good experience for him and I think he needs it. But, only time will tell. Bailey and Cueto might come back and end up being non-effective, just have to wait & see.
Our bullpen, minus Nick Massett (who ALWAYS seems to get off on a slow start & is stinking the place up lately), though our other relievers are really rockin' and rollin' w/Bill Bray and Logan Ondrusek looking damn fine. Jordan Smith looking better and better and of course, Aroldis Chapman goes w/out saying. Once that guy gets all of his minor control issues and a kink here and there worked out, he is going to be LETHAL. I mean, c'mon, throwing at 105 MPH!
Now THAT is some friggin' VELOCITY! I think the kid is going to wind up being straight-up PHENOMENAL! LOVE watching him every time he pitches and can't wait til he works himself into a starting role.
Our offense is looking quite excellent this year and our defense, wow, it doesn't get much better than the Cincy defense. Brandon Phillips at 2B is amazing, Scott Rolen, an 8 time gold-glover still getting it done at 36 yrs. of age. Our main short-stop, Paul Janish is just about as good a defensive player as you'll ever find at the position. Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs are a killer OF tandem (and back-up Chris Heisey is gonna be a BEAST, he is already showing flashes of brilliance at both the offensive and defensive ends this season). Even Jonny Gomes is improving his defensive game, which was def. his weak link. Our catching tandem is easily the best in the NL and I think our back-up/part time SS, Edgar Renterria still has some serious game left in him (I mean hell, he WAS the World Series MVP last yr. and he's playing some pretty decent ball thus far this season). And Joey Votto; what the hell can I say about THAT guy that hasn't already been said? He very well MIGHT end up being another Albert Pujols caliber 1b. I think the guy is going to be an All-Star caliber player for many more seasons to come. SO fucking glad he is a Red and very seriously hope we can lock up him on a LTC. Jay Bruce has struggled mightily at the plate thus far this season, but if he can get his shit together offense-wise, I honestly think we will run away with the NL Central division.
Anyways, I'm LOVING this season thus far.
