March 20, 2003
Big Red Machine?
ChannelCincinnati.com has a very optimistic outlook for the Reds power game this year:
Don't look now, but the Cincinnati Reds could be among the power-hitting elite in 2003. Through Wednesday, the team had 33 homers in 24 spring training games, tied with the New York Mets for highest among NL squads this preseason.
Ken Griffey Jr. has Reds fans hopeful that he'll show the prowess he showed in the 1990s as a Seattle Mariner. His six home runs this spring have kept him among the Grapefruit League's top producers. And his three-homer effort in a game against Pittsburgh early this month showed he might be ready to reclaim his spot among baseball's most prolific sluggers.
Adam Dunn, preparing for his second full season after displaying great potential in a late season callup in 2001, reportedly is trying to simplify his swing after slumping for much of the second half of last year. Regardless of where he bats in the lineup, he could threaten to hit 40 homers this year.
Brandon Larson and Austin Kearns each have battled injuries this spring, but if they're healthy, each could hit 30 home runs.
The Reds were 4th in NL home runs last year, 31 behind the leader. The Reds centerfielders hit 25 HR last year. So if Griffey can get back into the 50's, he'll make up the difference all by himself. But to project Dunn to 40 and Kearn and Larson to 30 is probably a bit of wishful thinking. We shall see.
Posted by David Pinto at
09:19 PM
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Power Hitting