Draft preview: Cincinnati Reds outlook

Team-by-team outlooks

Since the current front office took over, the Reds have transformed from a slug-it-out club to one focused on pitching and defense. The change moved them close to competing last year.

This year will be the true litmus test.

New aces Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang have reached their prime for Fantasy owners, while a rebuilt bullpen is at least deep. Additionally, shortstop signee Alex Gonzalez is a Gold Glove upgrade up the middle -- plus, he has low-end pop for his position. The offense shouldn't be hurting too much with potential Fantasy MVP-breakout candidate Adam Dunn having turned 27.

But, if we're still talking about the Reds missing the bats of Austin Kearns, 27, and Felipe Lopez, this season could turn into yet another disaster.

Spring position battles

Starting pitchers Nos. 4-5 -- Kyle Lohse and Elizardo Ramirez vs. Paul Wilson, Homer Bailey, Kirk Saarloos and Bobby Livingston

Here we have a bunch of retreads and perhaps the most intriguing pitching prospect in the world (outside of Daisuke Matsuzaka, of course). Bailey is as raw as he is talented, but the Reds have resisted temptation in calling him up early to date. They say he will have a legit chance to break camp with the club, but even a few of these retreads could prove capable enough to allow them to be patient. If Bailey doesn't start the year in the minors, own him in all leagues. He could be this year's Jered Weaver, who led many Fantasy teams to titles last year. While his command might not be as impeccably good as Jered's, Bailey's 98-mph stuff is considered potentially more dominant.

Closer -- David Weathers vs. Todd Coffey, Bill Bray, Mike Stanton, Gary Majewski, Kirk Saarloos, Brian Meadows and Eddie Guardado

This will remain the messiest closer situation in all of baseball, and we advise -- unless you're in a league with middle relievers matter -- avoid everyone one of the Reds' options at closer on Draft Day. It will be a wasted pick most likely. While Guadardo recovered from Tommy John surgery late last year and attempts one of the quickest comebacks ever -- good luck with that -- Weathers has the most experience and is likely the first option for saves. Bray has the most potential, but he's raw and left-handed, which could mean more of a situational role for him until he proves irresistably dominant.

Center, left field -- Ken Griffey vs. Ryan Freel

This is really just a "hmmm, interesting" battle than anything else, because both of these oft-injured outfielders will be playing every day and hitting in the top three in the lineup. Griffey has owned center on his teams for the past 15 years and The Kid will be considered certifiably old. He still has value as an injury-risk sleeper on Draft Day and could reach 30 homers and 100 RBI if he can make it through 135 games. Freel is the steals hog who will be snatched up in all Rotisserie leagues far earlier than Head-to-Head points leagues consider him.

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