[jammin' jamey]

The Reds wrapped up another losing season yesterday. It's gonna take pitching to turn the corner in Cincinnati if the Reds have any aspirations of contending for the NL Central next season.

Predictions for 2008...
1. Homer Bailey will be the #2 starter behind ace Aaron Harang...Bronson Arroyo will continue to faulter. Arroyo is (14-20) since the 2006 All-Star game.
2. Norris Hopper will be the starting CF come Opening Day 2008 against the D-Backs.
3. Jeff Keppinger will be the starting SS for the Reds in 2008.
4. Brandon Phillips will finally get the recognition he deserves with an All-Star appearance in 2008.
5. The Reds will pickup Adam Dunn's option for 2008. (in hindsight, it looks like keeping Dunn was a wise decision.)
6. David Weathers will remain the closer, with Jared Burton waiting in the wings. Remember Marcus Macbeth come 2008.
7. Jay Bruce will get a serious look in Spring Training, but will start the season at Louisville.
8. Tony LaRussa will be pursued by the Reds as the next Cincinnati manager if he doesn't return to St. Louis. If LaRussa turns the Reds job down flat or returns to the Cards, Pete Mackanin will be back as skipper. The Reds were 41-39 under Mackanin, but were 3-7 once Junior was done for the year and 1-5 when Dunn was put on the shelf.

These players will not be with the Reds in 2008.
Jason Allison, Juan Castro, Mark Bellhorn, Eric Milton, Eddie Guardado.

At least 3 of these players will be traded to improve pitching.
Ryan Freel, Scott Hatteberg, Joey Votto (gotta give good to get good), Josh Hamilton, Alex Gonzalez, David Ross.

Any thoughts??? It's a long offseason until the Reds comeback on March 31st, 2008 at home vs. the D-Backs. (Brandon Webb on Opening Day in Cincinnati vs. Harang).