Reds roster projections and season predictions

After careful consideration and research, I have come to the conclusion that 23 spots on the Reds current roster are filled. This means that the majority of my predictions are likely to be accurate and I will look way smarter than I really am so I am also going to make 10 season predictions at the end of this post to show my true lack of intelligence.

Roster Locks:
- Pitchers
Johnny Cueto
Mat Latos
Homer Bailey
Bronson Arroyo
Aroldis Chapman
Jose Arrendondo
Sean Marshall
Jonathon Broxton
JJ Hoover
Alfredo Simon
Sam LeCure
(11)

- Position Players:
Joey Votto
Ryan Hanigan
Brandon Phillips
Zach Cozart
Todd Frazier
Ryan Ludwick
Shin-Soo Choo
Jay Bruce
Chris Heisey
Devin Mesoraco
Xavier Paul
Jack Hanrahan
(12)

Bubble Players:

- Pitchers (of which I think they will keep 1)
Manny Parra: Left handed reliever with nasty stuff but poor results
Mike Leake: Could be used as a long reliever/"6th" starter to give Chapman rest in order to cut innings
Tony Cingrani: The longest of long shots, the future top of the rotation starter proved he could handle his own out of the bullpen at the end of the season last year
Logan Ondrusek: Mainstay in the bullpen the last few seasons, but struggled towards the end of last year and is now in a fight for his position.

Prediction: Manny Parra (Must have 2 lefties in bullpen)

- Position Players (of which I believe they keep 1)
Miguel Olivo: Veteran catcher with some power, but most likely only in camp to add depth to be able to handle excess of pitchers at beginning of Spring Training
Jason Donald: Very versatile, can play infield or outfield
Cesar Izturis: Veteran infielder with great hands but ability to play three positions, age is concern
Emmanuel Burriss: Killed the Reds in post season last year

Prediction: Jason Donald (Too much versatile and not much competition)

Wildcards:

Nick Masset: When healthy, possibly the nastiest stuff in the bullpen. Key words: When Healthy
Scott Rolen: Appears to have ability to make decision on return. I'm not convinced they aren't better off without him

10 Reds Predictions

(Will tell of success at end of year)

1. Aroldis Chapman will miss time this season due to elbow soreness.

2. Ryan Ludwick will come back down to Earth and people will be clamoring for Heisey by early May.

3. Joey Votto will return to being Joey Votto (32 hrs. 117 RBI .356 BA) and end up 2nd in MVP race

4. Jay Bruce will become Bruce Almighty (41 hrs 112 RBI .282 BA) and end up 3rd in MVP race

5. Ryan Hanigan will start 75% of games when healthy

6. The short fences of GABP will allow Choo to hit 20+  home runs

7. JJ Hoover will end season as closer, and be very effective

8. Mat Latos wins NL Cy Young

9. Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey finish in top 12

10. Xavier Paul enters discussion as top 3 pinch hitter in NL





How will they finish and how far will they go?

99-63

1st Place in NL Central by 7 games

Win NLCS and make it to first World Series since 1990

Lose in World Series to Los Angeles Angels