25-year old lefty swinging Joey Votto won the starting 1B job last spring for the Reds and he had a solid year. The Reds are hoping that he improves in a few areas this season. He played in 151 games for the Reds last season and he was 156 for 526 (.297 avg, .874 OPS) with 69 runs scored, 22 homers, 84 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. Votto will need to improve defensively as he made 11 errors in 144 games at 1B last season. Votto should have a good season for the Reds in 2009.

25-year old righty swinging Wes Bankston was signed in the off-season to provide depth for the Reds. He played in 17 games for the A’s last season and he was 12 for 59 (.203 avg, .543 OPS) with 4 runs scored, 1 homer and 4 RBIs. Bankston also played in 97 games in AAA-ball last season when he was 105 for 375 (.280 avg, .824 OPS) with 56 runs scored, 20 homers and 73 RBIs. Bankston only made 1 error in 13 games with the A’s last season but he’s not known for defense.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: C

The Reds are going with a new look behind the plate going into 2009 and that’s a good thing. The Reds traded for 32-year old righty swinging Ramon Hernandez who will take over as the regular catcher this season. He played in 133 games for the Orioles last season and he was 119 for 463 (.257 avg, .714 OPS) with 49 runs scored, 15 homers and 65 RBIs. Look for Hernandez’ offensive numbers to spike upwards this season as he will be playing half of his games in Cincy this season. Orioles’ pitchers had a 5.01 ERA throwing to Hernandez last season but it’s hard to blame that on him as they didn’t have much of a staff. Hernandez did have some problems throwing the ball last season as he only nailed 21 of 120 (18%) of attempted basestealers. That should also improve this season with some help from the Reds’ pitching staff.

28-year old Ryan Hanigan has paid his dues in the minors for the Reds and he will likely open the season as the backup catcher. He played in 31 games for the Reds last season in which he was 23 for 85 (.271 avg, .732 OPS) with 9 runs scored, 2 homers and 9 RBIs. Hanigan also played in 75 games in AAA-ball last season and he was 88 for 272 (.324 avg, .811 OPS) with 37 runs scored, 4 homers and 35 RBIs. Hanigan also threw the ball well for the Reds as he tossed out 8 of 23 (35%) potential basestealers last season. Reds’ pitchers also liked throwing to Hanigan as they had a 4.16 ERA with him behind the plate.

30-year old Humberto Cota will likely be stashed in AAA this season. He played in 37 games in AAA ball last season in which he was 44 for 138 (.319 avg., .835 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 4 homers and 26 RBIs. Cota does have some major league experience so the Reds will have a lot of depth behind the plate in 2009.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: B

The Cincinnati Reds have brought in at least two starting players and maybe more based on spring training. Catcher Ramon Hernandez was the big key in the off season. He will help with the Reds’ defense up the middle and running the pitching staff. He also has a lot of power and he should put up some good numbers playing half his games in Cincy. Center fielder Willy Taveras was brought in after the Rockies let him go. Taveras will also help the defense and he has great speed which will help the Reds’ offense. Veterans Jonny Gomes and Jacque Jones will have the opportunity to win playing time in LF with good springs. The Reds also brought in lefty swinging 1B/OF Daryle Ward who has a solid bat off the bench. The Reds also brought in veteran lefties Arthur Rhodes and Aaron Fultz as free agents which should help out the bullpen a lot.

OFF SEASON GRADE FOR THE REDS: B-

The Reds have signed 33-year old lefty swinging outfielders Jacque Jones and Daryle Ward to minor league contracts. Jones played in 42 games for the Marlins and Tigers last season and he was 17 for 116 (.147 avg) with 15 runs scored, 1 homer and 7 RBIs. He has now played in 1,302 games in his major league career and he is 1,272 for 4,594 (.277 avg, .774 OPS) with 632 runs scored, 165 homers, 630 RBIs and 82 stolen bases. Ward played in 89 games with the Cubs last season and he was 22 for 102 (.216 avg, .721 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 4 homers and 17 RBIs. He has now played in 948 games in his major league career in which he is 588 for 2,234 (.263 avg, .767 OPS) with 242 runs scored, 90 homers and 379 RBIs. These were good signings for the Reds as either or both of these guys could help the team off the bench in 2009.

The Reds have signed 29-year old righty swinging catcher Humberto Cota to a minor league deal. Cota played in 37 AAA games last season and he was 44 for 138 (.319 avg, .835 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 4 homers and 26 RBIs. Cota has also played in 196 games in his major league career in which he is 121 for 519 (.233 avg, .638 OPS) with 48 runs scored, 12 homers and 61 RBIs. Cota will likely start the season in AAA.