New Blog Look, Votto Musings, Roster Preview

First off the blog has been remodeled.  Hope you like it.  We may vary the background photos throughout this upcoming year to keep it fresh or to break a losing streak (LOL).

Well with Prince Fielder's contract signing in Detroit the attention locally in the Queen City and nationally (MLB Network) quickly jumped to what this means for Joey Votto's future.  As usual, John Fay of the Enquirer has the most level-headed approach.  To a man, no one in the baseball world thinks Votto will stay in Cincinnati.  A friend told me, ESPN's Buster Olney said Votto might ask for $300 million. Saw where Fox Sports.com/MLB Network's Ken Rosenthal keeps bringing up the possibility of trading Votto this offseason.  Bottom line nobody knows but Joey.  I think the Reds brass will do everything they can within reason to sign him and I truly believe Votto likes the anonymity of playing in Cincinnati.  It just depends whether Votto wants to break the bank or take a little less and continue to apply his craft without the glare of the white-hot spotlight.

The one exception to this rule would be the Dodgers.  As odd as that sounds, Los Angeles makes sense. Remember Lakers star Kobe Bryant commands the headlines in LA.  The Dodgers ownership situation will be well settled by the time Votto would come on the free agent market.  With All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp along with 2011 Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw entrenched as the faces of the franchise, Votto would be able to defer any media attention to them and keep his preferred low profile.  My only question is how does the organization sign Votto to a big deal without risking upsetting Kemp, who inked a $160 million, 8-year contract this offseason.  It's a scenario I wish I had mentioned on the blog sooner; and all credit to Mr. Fay of the Enquirer for putting it into his story first.  In the meantime, the best advise I can give Reds fans, is just enjoy and appreciate Votto while he's wearing a Reds uniform.  He is a credit to the organization and a possible future Reds Hall of Famer.

Lastly, the roster looks set with the trade for back-up infielder Wilson Valdez from the Phillies.  Barring an injury here's how I think the 25-man roster will shake out:

Starting Pitchers: Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Mike Leake, Bronson Arroyo, & Homer Bailey.

Relievers: Ryan Madson, Sean Marshall, Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Bill Bray, Jose Arredondo & Sam LeCure.

Infielders: Votto, Brandon Phillips, Zack Cozart, Scott Rolen, Miguel Cairo, Juan Francisco, & Valdez.

Outfielders: Jay Bruce, Chris Heisey, Drew Stubbs, & Ryan Ludwick.

Catchers: Ryan Hanigan & Devin Mesoraco.

That likely leaves Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Brackman, Paul Janish and Todd Frazier in the minors unless they beat someone out for a spot.  But remember Arredondo, Bailey and Valdez are out of options.  Whether non-roster invitee Jeff Francis heads to Louisville as well will be up to him.  His minor league contract with the Reds allows him to opt out by March 28 if he doesn't make the big league squad.  Get ready Reds fans, pitchers and catchers report in 3 weeks!