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When outfielder Bruce was called up to the majors in 2008, he started off his career with three home runs and seven RBIs in his first week as a pro.

Also keep in mind left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis, a former All-Star with the Florida Marlins, who signed with the Reds during the offseason but will begin the season in the Reds’ farm system.Īll four players have the potential to play at the major-league level and make an impact. If injuries catch up to the Reds at any point this season, don’t be surprised to hear names like infielder Yonder Alonso, outfielder Dave Sappelt or infielder Chris Valaika get a chance to step into the starting lineup.Īlonso and Valaika both saw playing time for the Reds last season. Last year, players like Janish, veteran infielder Miguel Cairo and then-rookie outfielder Chris Heisey came up big when regular starters were injured or needed a day off. Regardless of who ends up as the full-time starter, the shortstop position appears to be the most intriguing entering the season. Renteria will likely see significant playing time. Reigning World Series MVP Edgar Renteria was signed in the offseason and will serve as Janish’s backup. His batting numbers have been weak, but have improved over each of his three seasons in the major leagues, while his defense has always been superior.

He is a player who isn’t talked about often, but he could have a huge impact on the season. Building on their rookie success could be key factors in the Reds’ 2011 success.Īfter declining to bring back shortstop Orlando Cabrera, Paul Janish will enter the starting role. With starting pitchers Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey battling shoulder injuries that have them on the disabled list to start the season, Wood and Leake will begin the season in the starting rotation. In 2010, the Reds debuted two pitchers - Travis Wood, 24, and Mike Leake, 23 - who came into the starting lineup and flashed signs of dominance in giving the club a combined 13 wins between the two rookies. Here are five key factors for the Reds to reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons - a feat the club hasn’t accomplished since winning consecutive World Series titles in 1975–76. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons last year, the Cincinnati Reds open their season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon to begin their 2011 campaign.