So, you guys have one hell of a good line-up and some great young pitchers (I doubt my Pirates will destroy Kershaw like they did that dude who's only good span of innings in his career came late last year after you got him from Texas)...but what is up with your bullpen? Do you have a few retreads on the team due to injuries...or is all your money essentially in offense? Broxton is a monster, but do you think you can bridge the gap from starter to him with consistency?

Just wondering because from checking out Monday's game online, I think that dude with the name like "Monastery" was the only non-retread. And Ramon and Russ Ortiz? Guhhh....that's gotta be in the zip code of being a Reds fan and watching Mike Lincoln get trotted out to fail.

Actually, last year, the Bullpen was one of our strengths, especially after picking up Sherrill from Baltimore. Remember, the starters hardly went past 5 last year, and needed 4 Innings of solid relief.

I'm not sure this question needs to be asked after only 1 game, but that could be just me.

Just curiosity, mainly. While paying attention to the game on Yahoo while in the office Monday, I was like "Ramon Ortiz...who the hell's that old-looking guy?" and looked him up to find out he's actually a few months older than me, hadn't been in the bigs for a couple of years and was pretty bad when he was there. And Russ Ortiz is another old pitcher who's been pretty lousy in recent times. And Jeff Weaver is the definition of "inconsistent journeyman retread".

So I was wondering if some quality guys had left or were on the DL because if the team is depending on guys like them, I can't see the bullpen being a strength this year.

JakeGiant wrote: Actually, last year, the Bullpen was one of our strengths, especially after picking up Sherrill from Baltimore. Remember, the starters hardly went past 5 last year, and needed 4 Innings of solid relief.

I'm not sure this question needs to be asked after only 1 game, but that could be just me.

Considering this team hasn't won anything of significance, I'm sure a lot of questions are worth asking.