2008 MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds

Manager: Dusty Baker Arrivals: RP Jeremy Affeldt, C Paul Bako, RP Fransico Cordero, SP Josh Fogg, 1B Andy Phillips, P Edison Volquez Departures: IF Jorge Cantu, RP Eddie Guardado, OF Josh Hamilton, SP Eric Milton Offseason grade: C+ Starting rotation Aaron Harang has quietly developed into one of the National League's best starting pitchers at the top of Cincinnati's rotation. An absolute horse, Harang threw 231.2 innings last year, striking out 218 batters en route to a 16-6, 3.73 campaign.  In 2007, Bronson Arroyo lost some of the mojo he had in 2006, a year in which he went 14-11 with a 3.29 ERA. Arroyo's ERA was still respectable last year at 4.23, but he went just 9-15. Arroyo's numbes may be best suited for a mid-rotation starter, but for Cincinnati's sake, he's a good enough No. 2. Behind Harang and Arroyo, the Reds have five or six guys who are competing for spots in the rotation: Jeremy Affeldt, Josh Fogg, Matt Belisle, Homer Bailey, Edison Volquez, and Johnny Cueto.  ... (link)