The Sporting News decided to get inside the heads of some players in each division, and today they featured the National League Central. I’m surprised they were able to get inside Ryan Freel’s head, with Farney taking up all that room:

SN: Do you finally feel like an everyday player?

Freel: It’s always been, ‘He’s going to play, but where?’ I’d come into spring and every position would be filled by somebody who was a prospect or a big name. But there’s more of a crack in the door this year than there has ever been. I’d like to think I’ll get more playing time and there’s more of a spot for me on the field, more so than the other years.

SN: How long does it take for you to slow down in the offseason?

Freel: As hyper as I am, I really thought this year was good for me in the offseason. I did a lot of fishing and hunting. I didn’t think much about baseball at all. That’s very different for me. I think I mentally took a break for the first time in my career. I feel great.

As you might imagine on the weekend before the grand old game returns, there is plenty of Reds-talk among the various media outlets today. I thought it might be a good time for a roundup:

–John Fay notes that, for the first time in his Reds career, Junior Griffey isn’t being talked about as the key to the season. While that’s true, I have to question Fay’s conclusion that this is the case at least partly because of the “emergence” of Josh Hamilton. That’s just silly. Hamilton may be a nice piece of the puzzle, but the guy has played 23 games above Single-A.

Junior is much more a key to the season than is Hamilton.

–Season Previews, from Mark Sheldon, Trent Rosencrans, and Mark Sheldon again.

–Matt Belisle thinks he’s going to be the fifth starter, but manager Jerry Narron hasn’t made a public decision yet:

Matt Belisle is like anyone else. He can only make an educated guess.

“If I was guessing, I’d say I’m the fifth starter,” he said. “But it’s just a guess - because I’ve been starting these last couple games.”

Belisle started Friday’s Florida finale for the Reds, a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Ed Smith Stadium.

Obviously, the competition for that spot is between Belisle and Kirk Saarloos. Either way, I’d guess that both of these guys will be coming north with the team for Opening Day.

–MLB.com has this Q&A with Jerry Narron. Much of it is devoted to the continuing mantra of “pitching and defense.”

–I’m going to be at Opening Day on Monday, my fifth consecutive season opener. Someone named Gia Farrell will be singing the National Anthem before the game. I’ve never heard of her, but after seeing this post by Jeff Wallner, I can’t say I’m going to be disappointed to see her.

If you’re interested, here’s a video featuring Farrell. Suffice to say that I won’t be adding her to my iPod any time soon.

–Finally, Blade notes that he’s started a new Reds blog devoted to the minor leagues. It’s called, creatively enough, Reds Minor League Baseball Blog. Check it out.

Citizen journalism, of sorts, with Red Hot Mama.

Hey, I just added a plugin that is designed to allow Redleg Nation to be more easily read in mobile devices. I just checked it with my Blackberry browser, and I’m very pleased.

If you have a mobile device, check it out and let me know how it looks for you.

Guys and gals, you may not be happy with the Reds’ shortstop situation. You may not think Alex Gonzalez will hit enough to justify having him in the lineup, despite his sterling defensive reputation. You may wish the Reds still had Felipe Lopez. Or Barry Larkin. Or, heck, you may wish Anderson Machado was starting at short for the home team.

When you start having those thoughts, just be thankful that you aren’t a fan of the Seattle Mariners. It appears that a 36-year-old Rey Ordonez is going to make the M’s Opening Day roster.

Ugh. How is this guy still around?

Exhibit number 4,192 why JinAZ is an indispensible member of the Reds blogosphere. We need all types, from stat guys to sentimental Reds/baseball lovers (like me), and everything in between.

Baseball Analysts is one of my absolute favorite baseball blogs, and they have this nice preview of the National League Central. It’s worth a read, especially their thoughts on the Reds. I share their skepticism regarding the Reds’ offense, but I’m a little more optimistic about how good this team could ultimately be if things break right.

Lots of questions, speculation, and discussion about the composition of the Reds Opening Day roster. Here’s a roundup.

– John Fay says the roster is getting clearer.

– Rosencrans agrees that it appears the Reds will go north with three catchers. Ugh.

– In the Post, Rosencrans also notes that Victor Santos still has a shot at that last bullpen slot. I don’t have a problem with giving Santos a shot in that role. No one else really stands out, so it’s a crap shoot, as far as I’m concerned.

– Over at Reds Rally, Joe Schmoe doesn’t see a problem with keeping Moeller on the roster.

– Tyler Hissey has some thoughts on the roster over at Redlegs Rundown.

– Doug has some interesting news about the possibility that super-prospect Jay Bruce will be in AA Chattanooga soon.

– Bobby Livingston: close but no cigar, says Mark Sheldon. Rosencrans and John Fay agree. Sounds like Livingston has a great attitude about his demotion. As I said earlier, don’t be surprised to see him in Cincinnati very soon.

– Kyle Nagel on Jared Burton, the unlikely leader in the clubhouse for that last bullpen slot. As with Santos, I have no problem with this. Throw these relievers against the wall and see which one sticks.

I advise you to check out Red Rocket, a very entertaining take on the Reds.  (Hat tip to Deadspin for the link).

Tim (the Rocket) previews the Reds based on some pretty valid questions, like:

1. Which Reds outfielder can I trust to watch my cats and water my plants while I’m out of town visiting my parents?

2. Which Reds catcher would like to learn the banjo so we can start a bluegrass band?

and

3. Which member of the bullpen would have the best suggestion on how to treat the problem I’m having with my digestive system?

Pretty fun stuff.  A little raw language, if that sort of thing bothers you.

From the DDN:

Interesting comments from manager Donnie Scott (who managed Dayton when they had good teams):

“You’re going to like this team. This team has ballplayers.”
snip…
“Everyone deserves credit for this group,” Scott said. “From Rick Burleson (who managed Billings last summer) to the coordinators to the scouting department for signing these guys.

“This will be the best team we’ve had (in Dayton) since 2001, and it may be better. It may not have quite as much power, but the power is there. These guys know how to run the bases. They know how to hit, field. We’ve got pitching.

“This team could compete in Class AA. I’m telling you, this team has a chance to be real good.”

I know the season hasn’t started, but these are pretty bold words.

Dayton’s projected roster had 26 players, one over the limit — the Dragons’ starting lineup seems set.

Tony Esquer is expected to be the starting catcher with Logan Parker at first base, Justin Turner at second, Juan Francisco at third and Chris Valaika at shortstop.

The outfield will be Chris Heisey, Denis Phipps and Drew Stubbs.

Sean Watson, a relief pitcher last season, will start Thursday, on Opening Day at Fifth Third Field.

snip…

The rest of the roster: catchers Eddie Rodriguez and Justin Tordi; infielders Jason Louwsma and Billy Rojo; outfielder Gerardo Cabrera; and pitchers Jamie Arneson, Darryl Thompson, Rafael Gonzalez, Lee Tabor, Misael DeJesus, Marcos Mateo, Pedro Viola, Ramon Geronimo, Jose Rojas and Robert Manuel.

No real surprises, maybe Francisco in front of Louwsma at 3B…I’m wondering if Ravin and Dorn from last year’s Billings team are headed for Sarasota. Be interesting to see Sarasota’s roster when it comes out.

Well, Norris Hopper is going to the disabled list, it appears, so Chad Moeller will evidently be on the Opening Day roster.

Absolutely foolish to have three catchers with the roster composed as it currently is. Especially so when it’s Chad Moeller, who can’t pinch-hit either. As I said in a comment below, this isn’t an earth-shattering move that is going to keep the Reds from winning the division. In the big picture, it’s fairly insignificant. But that doesn’t make it any less a dumb roster decision.

Of course, if the presence of Chad Moeller means that Dewayne Wise will stay in AAA, I’ll take Moeller. At least Jerry Narron won’t be tempted to put Moeller in the game as a defensive replacement for Adam Dunn during the later innings of close games. Let Wise suck up outs in Louisville, I say. I’d prefer the Reds stick Moeller on the bench and play with 24 players.

Daedalus has graced us with five reason why the Reds will win the division…and five reasons why they might not. Great post.

Did the Reds obtain another left-handed pitcher this off-season? Nate Silver, Ben Murphy, and Kevin Goldstein — all writers for Baseball Prospectus — think the Reds might want to look at Josh Hamilton as a pitcher if he doesn’t work out as an outfielder.

After watching this throw, I’m inclined to agree that it’s something to consider.

I’ve been told that Logan Parker will start the season in Dayton and Bo Lanier in Sarasota.

Congratulations to both. Here’s hoping that both play well enough to be promoted soon!

Lots of things going on in the Reds universe, other than our predictions below.

The biggest news is the fact that outfielder Chris Denorfia may miss the entire season; he’s scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery. Bad break for a good kid.

Many other roster moves today:

–RP Gary Majewski was optioned to Louisville!!! Woo-hoo!!!

–Also sent to AAA was Bobby Livingston. Don’t be surprised if he is the first pitcher called up when the Reds need another arm.

–Placed on the disabled list: Jeff Keppinger (with a broken finger), reliever Bill Bray (a bruised fingertip?), Jerry Gil (sore right elbow), and Elizardo Ramirez, who has a sore right shoulder.

The roster is now down to 28 players. As John Fay notes, the last position player will be Chad Moeller or Norris Hopper. Prediction: three catchers, here we come!

Matt Belisle and Kirk Saarloos continue to battle for the 5th starter role. With two spots available in the bullpen, it looks like it comes down to Victor Santos, Jared Burton, and Jon Coutlangus, who has pitched well lately…though I imagine that Belisle will be in the pen if he doesn’t make the rotation. They aren’t going to send him down in favor of Victor Santos.

GM Wayne Krivsky says that Burton, who is a Rule 5 pick, has the team made, as of now.

That means Santos and Coutlangus, in my opinion, are headed for Louisville. Unless…

And the fact that Jon Coutlangus is still on the roster tells me they really are trying to trade Rheal Cormier. Coutlangus performance against Philadelphia was big-time. When you’re trying to win a job and they bring you in to face Chase Utley and Ryan Howard with the bases loaded, that’s pressure. Coutlangus two strikeouts spoke volumes.

We’ll see.