Know the enemy: Breaking down the 2015 Cincinnati Reds

Position players

The success of the Reds’ season rests on the shoulders of first baseman Joey Votto. Last season, he appeared in just 62 games for Cincinnati – his lowest total since his rookie campaign in 2007. At just 31 years old and with nearly a decade left on his massive deal, it’s not just this season – but the next era of Reds baseball – that depends on Votto’s health.

Despite missing time, he still put up a respectable .255/.390/.409 line for Cincinnati – a far cry from what he’s used to (he’s a career .310/.417/.533 hitter) – hitting just half a dozen homers in 220 at-bats. If he can make his usual 600 to 700 plate appearances, he’s an on-base machine; if he’s not, the offense takes on a very different look.

This team has all the makings of an offensive powerhouse – if healthy.

His counterpart on the right side of the infield, Brandon Phillips, also missed time last year – appearing in just over 120 games. It’ll be up to these two to bring the team back to life in 2015 – and if the second baseman can revert back to his 103-RBI self of 2013, things could turn around on a dime.

Apart from the dynamic duo, several intriguing options scatter the lineup card for manager Bryan Price – center fielder Billy Hamilton – arguably the fastest player in the game today – and third baseman Todd Frazier, who was inked to a new contract this offseason. Last year, Frazier hit a career-high 29 home runs for Cincinnati – and coupled with Devin Mesoraco – the breakout catcher – this team has all the makings of an offensive machine.