Baker and Reds look forward to 2013 season - crains13's Blog

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Baker and Reds look forward to 2013 season

Posted on May 7, 2013 at 11:09 PM.

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CINCINNATI-- After a disappointing end to the 2012 season, Dusty Baker and the Reds look to put the past behind them and look forward to the 2013 campaign.

With Opening Day fast approaching, the Reds look built for an even more impressive year than what they accomplished just a season ago, and look to be one of the favorites in the National League in 2013.

"After going out like we did last year, its hard to put it in our rear view but we have to look forward and keep going,"said Reds outfielder Jay Bruce following a Reds Spring Training game on Saturday.

In 2012, Cincinnati struggled to find a successful lead-off hitter,which really effected their offense. Reds leadoff hitters had a .254 on-base percentage which was last in the majors. Shortly after the season's end.

Walt Jocketty made it clear that a leadoff hitter was his top priority in the off-season. With this Jocketty brought over right-fielder Shin-Soo Choo from the Cleveland Indians in a three team deal. Choo has a .384 on-base percentage in his last five season in the majors, and is clearly an upgrade to the Reds lineup.

"We feel like we haven taken a great step in building a team that can compete with any team in the league, and perhaps can make a run deep in October," said Jocketty after the trade in December.

With the addition of Choo, and the veteran mix of Brandon Phillips , Jay Bruce , and Joey Votto , does Cincinnati have what it takes to bring home their first World Series trophy in over twenty-two years? Or will the Reds show the baseball world once again they are just not built for the playoffs?

Edited: 3/30/13