Red's Starting Rotation So Far

Aaron Harang
He will definitely not have the poor numbers he put up last year. Although his 2-3 record does not reflect it, Harang has his command back. His ERA is just over 3, and has only walked 6 in 5 starts.

Edinson Volquez
I wouldn't have guessed taht Edinson would be 3-2 if his era was over 4.00. I also would have thought that he hadn't been pitching well if you told me that he already had 21 walks in 28 innings. Still he has already combined with Cordero for a one hitter this year. I think he is zeroing in on where he needs to be this year to be an elite pitcher. If he is going to win games he can't go deep into pitch counts, and can't be afraid of pitching to contact.

Bronson Arroyo
First I thought he would get traded before the season. Then I thought they were putting a spin job together to get him on the DL to make room for Homer Bailey. Turns out the his Carpals aren't affecting his curveballs. I honestly thought that the only thing Bronson would do for us this year was eat innings. His ERA is an ugly 4.91 but that is due to getting rocked against Atlantalast week. Besides that one start he has been very effective. I think he can either still be great trade bait for us this year, or an above average innings eater.

Johnny Cueto
Lights out would probably be the best way to describe Johnny so far. He realistically could have been 5-0 at this point instead of 2-1. He is getting ahead of hitters and has stopped trying to strike everyone out this year.

Micah Owings
He has contributed more with his bat than with his arm so far. I don't think he will be bad for us this year, but I definitely don't think he is feeling comfortable on the mound yet. He needs to find his pace on the mound, and the Reds will definitely need at least 4 runs on days he pitches to bring home a win.

In the Minors:
Matt Maloney has it working in Louisville. Bailey has a good strikeout rate, and a good WHIP, but Home Runs with people on base is killing him. I am glad that he is not pitching incredible well though. It gives him more time to get regular starts, and keeps Owings from looking over his shoulder too much.

I think this rotation has three 15 game winners on it. If Bronson finds a groove it could even be 4. If Micah can just get to 10, thats a nice 65-70 wins from our starting pitching. Are you sure we are in Cincy?