MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds

The 2007 season wasn't much different from the previous seven seasons for the Reds, as they hit their share of home runs, but also gave up more than their share of home runs.

Since signing Ken Griffey Jr before the 2000 season the Reds have featured one of the games more exciting offenses, but haven't been able to find quality pitching to support that offense. Sluggers like Adam Dunn and Brandon Phillips have given their offense plenty of excitement, even as Griffey has been hurt during the majority of his stint with the Reds.

The Reds do have some consistency at the top of their rotation as Aaron Harrang is quietly becoming one of the more effective pitchers in the NL. Bronson Arroyo also gives the Reds reason for optimism this season.

Now it's time to answer three questions regarding the 2008 Cincinnatti Reds.

(1) Will Dusty Baker provide the same magic for the Reds as he did for the Giants and the Cubs?

Dusty Baker is one of the more controversial managers in the game of baseball, as many of the statheads in the game criticize him for being averse to playing young players. While GM's around the league, and columnists covering the game can't get enough of him as he won 3 Manager Of The Year awards during his time with the Giants and the Cubs.

Baker is definitely media friendly, which is becoming an increasing responsibility for major league managers during this information age. Baker turned around the Giants franchise in the 90's, but his success coincided with the Giants acquiring Barry Bonds. Many Baker critics will also point out that the Cubs rise and fall was attributed to Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, not to Dusty Baker.

Say what you will about Baker, but he can't be any worse than the managers the club has had previously. Baker also seems to create a loose clubhouse, which is hard to measure but it can't be a bad thing.