There is a distinct possibility that the bullpen will be the exact same as it will be with the starters. Sure, there was the fanbase-dividing “event” of possibly working Aroldis Chapman into the starting rotation, but The Cuban Missile (who’s now on Instagram: @TheCubanMissile54. Yes, it was confirmed yesterday.) was placed back into the closer’s role.

And we’ll start there. As I see it, in the Reds taking 12 total pitchers on the roster, that leaves 7 in the ‘pen. Four of those spots are definite while I see 5 guys (no, not what you’re thinking) going after the remaining three spots.

The “Four”

Feb 16, 2013; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Chapman (54) poses for a photo during photo day at the Reds Spring Training Facility. (Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Closer: Aroldis Chapman

Those that wanted Chapman to close got their wish last week when it was announced the Chappy would be placed “back” into the closer’s role. Some Reds fans cheered, while other jeered. Personally, not a fan on the choice, but we move on from this. Well, some of us have anyway…

In looking at what numbers Chapman can provide for the Reds this season, many projections looked at Chappy in one of three ways: strictly a closer, strictly a starter or a combination of the two. Now, that the dust has settled over his role, things may be focus a little more. As you will see, these projections are a little disturbing in that they show the Chapman will not perform as other-worldly as he did in 2012.

And if that occurs, you know how that will go over and what subject will re-emerge.

* – average projections taken from Davenport, ESPN and Bill James. 2012 stats taken from Baseball Reference.

Setup: Jonathan Broxton

2012 was a bit of a re-birth for Broxton. He fizzled out in 2010 and 2011 after being one of baseball’s most dominant closers in 2009. A free agent signing with the Royals and an injury to Joakim Soria revived his closer resume’. The Reds, while many of us were screaming for a top of the order bat, sent a pair of highly rated prospects (Donnie Joseph and J.C. Sulbaran) to the Royals for the services of Brox.

The return to the NL worked well and Broxton even provided closing duties during a time when Chapman was provided rest. In the four games he saved, opponents hit .083 against him. He’s there if needed.

Having Chapman as the closer brought about the question of the contract the Reds signed Broxton to during the off-season. The singing of Brox signaled to fans that he would be the closer for the next three years (not Chapman) as those contract terms were three years for $21MM. For 2013, that number is $4MM.

* – average projections taken from Davenport, ESPN and Bill James. 2012 stats taken from Baseball Reference.

Setup: Sean Marshall

Having Chapman as the closer brought about the question of the extension Marshall was signed to prior to last season (3 years, $16.5M). But for some odd reason, this doesn’t seem to be resonating as much with Reds fans in regards to Marshall as it does with Broxton. And Marshall is in line for a slightly bigger paycheck, too ($4.5MM).

No matter at this point, I suppose. Plus, it’s not my money…

One thing with Marshall he won’t walk a lot and he will get a generous number of opponents whiffing at that curve. Another thing is that lefty batters struggle against him (.173 BA in ’12) while righties can more easily find his pitches (.273 BAA in ’12). After having surrendered only one home run in 2011, Marshall permitted three last season, all to right-hand batters. That one in 2011, yep, a righty.

And as you can guess, Marshall’s SO/BB rate in 2012 was substantially higher when facing lefty bats (8.50) than right-handers (3.33).

* – projections are simple average from Bill James, CAIRO, ZiPS, Steamer, Davenport, ESPN and Oliver. 2012 stats from Baseball Reference.

Reliever: Sam LeCure

LeCure earned his keep in Dusty’s book last season. With the exception of closing, LeCure was used in every other relief situation imaginable last season. His flexibility provides Baker with the potential to use him either for 1+ inning or just one guy. And we know Baker has done both on many occasions throughout a season.

* – projections are simple average from Bill James, CAIRO, ZiPS, Steamer, Davenport, ESPN and Oliver. 2012 stats from Baseball Reference.

The “Fight Among Five”

As I said, five going after three spots. No particular order here. Well, alphabetically.

Feb 16, 2013; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Arredondo (33) poses for a photo during photo day at the Reds Spring Training Facility. (Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Jose Arredondo

Arredondo is on a one-year deal (which does come into play here) for $1.2MM. While he can get a strikeout (9.1 SO/9 in ’12) or a groundout (45.4% last season), he does have a penchant for serving up a walk or two (5.0 BB/9 in ’12).

He has the stuff especially with his splitter. Depends on if opposing hitters are willing to swing at it. Arredondo even saved a game for the Good Guys last season. You remember that, don’t you? That was the game after which Dusty announced Chapman would be the closer for 2012.

* – projections are simple average from Bill James, CAIRO, ZiPS, Steamer, Davenport, ESPN and Oliver. 2012 stats from Baseball Reference.

J.J. Hoover

Not sure what else this guy has to do to make the roster. If you want any argument for Hoover making the 25-man, check out Jordan’s post. That provides you all you need.

If Hoover doesn’t make the 25-man, someone is making a mistake as he has nothing left to prove at the Triple-A level.

Logan Ondrusek

And here’s where I reverse direction. Not sure why the Reds offered the “Big Ondrusek” a two-year deal other than to get a couple of arb-eligible seasons out of the way.

As Jordan did in his bid to get Hoover on the 25-man, Josh took the opposite as it applies to Ondrusek. His peripherals are not pretty. Sure, he usually starts a season well, but fades as the season progresses. I know that applies to more than Ondrusek, but last year, he owned a BB/9 over 5 (5.1 which isn’t that much more than Arredondo). Ondrusek doesn’t have the strikeouts Arredondo does (Big O’s was 6.4 last season).

Manny Parra

Parra was signed on a one-year, $1MM deal. Some might say that’s a “bargain basement” price. His sole purpose was to be the LOOGY, a change from his days as a starter for the Brewers. Parra actually was pretty solid in that role last season (.229 BAA), but an initial glance of his numbers make your eyeballs bulge (2-3, 5.06 ERA, 1.653 WHP).

Talk about his stuff all you want. Give me some freakin’ results.

Started out well during the spring, but has stumbled as of late. If Dusty wants three lefties, Parra’s in for sure.

* – projections are simple average from Bill James, CAIRO, ZiPS, Steamer, Davenport, ESPN and Oliver. 2012 stats from Baseball Reference.

Alfredo Simon

You could call Simon the unsung hero for 2012. Like LeCure, Simon does offer flexibility and he can close in an extreme pinch as he has done that before and had a save last season. The only issue for 2013 is that the Reds have a lot of arms and Simon missed time from the team when he was in the WBC.

I hear ya. You can’t honestly hold that against him, but that is time in which the brass was not able to look at him.

* – projections are simple average from Bill James, CAIRO, ZiPS, Steamer, Davenport, ESPN and Oliver. 2012 stats from Baseball Reference.

So…

Of these five, who ya got? For me, it’s not that hard. Arredondo, Hoover and Simon. Ondrusek has had a shady spring and Parra has faltered. So where’s that LOOGY you ask? Arredondo actually put up better splits against LHB (.165 BAA) than Parra. And that alone could confuse opposing managers. See Dusty being in Arredondo to face a lefty? Absurd looking, yes, but maybe a better option than any other guy out of the ‘pen.

But this is do know for certain. If the Reds are to conquer the NL Central and make a deep run at the World Series, this ‘pen needs to be at the same level it was last season, With all the faces the same (save maybe Parra if he gets the nod), this part of the 25-man is as strong as any in the bigs.

And we’ll talk about Nick Masset and the $3.1MM he’ll make this season at a later date.

You forgot about that?

Or does it?

Chicago Cubs

I’ve never had the pleasure of attending a game at Wrigley Field. Unless something gives in the Windy City, I might have to cross that off my bucket list without actually attending a game there…and that would suck.

Back to the issue of Wrigley Field…

As most of you know, there are seats available for Cubs games that are not situated within Wrigley Field. The surrounding rooftops have provided “extra seating” for some years now. This “world” is affectionately known as “Wrigleyville” and even has its own association.

Now, those in the Wrigleyville Rooftop Owners Association are speaking out regarding the matter of some of the proposals for the Friendly Confines. Cubbies Crib continues its coverage of this “saga” including a press release from the association.

Hint: They are not happy.

Oct 14, 2011; St. Louis, MO, USA; Betancourt commits a fielding error in the sixth inning of game five of the 2011 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. (Photo: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports)

Milwaukee Brewers

You know the saying: If first you don’t succeed, try, try again. The Brewers are once again trying with Yuniesky Betancourt and this is causing almost as much stir as the signing of Kyle Lohse.

Don’t believe me? As Colin Bennett of Reviewing the Brew says, “we always have hope”.

In addition, Betancourt has never posted a season with an OPS+ over 95 and his career DRS is a whopping -70!

Again, Colin, you always have hope…

Pittsburgh Pirates

Tell me if you saw this coming. Brandon Inge will be a member of the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates. Better yet, did you even know Inge was in Pirates camp? Better question: Are Pirates fans happy about this decision?

Not hardly and Rum Bunter details more than a few reasons why this is the case.

St. Louis Cardinals

The list of Cardinal players beginning the season on the disabled list grew by one yesterday. David Freese is the latest and the circumstances surrounding Freese’s placement on the DL are, shall we say, bizarre. Check out Redbird Rants for the details on Fresse’s injury and what the Redbirds are doing in order to fill this void.

BONUS

ICYMI, here’s a phenomenal pancake from OMGReds.com!

March 13, 2013; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Cesar Izturis (3) hits in the third inning during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

With the debate about the 2013 pitching status of closer Aroldis Chapman mercifully put to rest, to the tempest of some, the focus now moves to other positions.

Devin Mesoraco has earned his spot on the 25-man roster, as journeyman catcher Miguel Olivo was offered a retention bonus to start the season with Triple-A Louisville. Mesoraco has had an outstanding spring as he has posted a line of .361/.425/.611 with 2 HR and 11 RBI.

Olivo, 34, struck out 13 times in 36 AB and only batted .167 while trying to make Cincinnati his sixth home in (what would be) 13 years in MLB.

The infield is not so cut-and dried. Emmanuel Burriss, Jason Donald and Cesar Izturis are all battling for a single spot as the backup middle infielder. Although perhaps considered the “odd man out”, Izturis is making it extremely difficult for the Reds’ braintrust. He is leading the entire team in hits this spring collecting 17 while batting an amazing .347/.407/.510, including two hits in the ninth inning yesterday replacing Donald.

Even though he is clearly no spring chicken at 33, Izturis has shown that he still can rake, and everyone who claims to be a Reds’ fan is aware of Dusty Baker‘s propensity for favoring the veteran, whomever he may be.

The rub, as it were, comes in the form of Donald being out of options. That is a number that is not written on a baseball card or appears in a column on Baseball Reference.com. The fact is that Donald is on the 40-man roster and Izturis is at camp as an invitee.

Izturis is clearly leading the trio in numbers, albeit Donald has a higher OBP than the others. Donald’s resume shows a little more flexibility in that he has also played a few dozen games in all three outfield positions. That leads me to my next point.

Most, myself included, have conceded that Xavier Paul will make the 25-man roster as the fifth outfielder. With the exception of two home runs, he is not having as good a spring with the bat that Donald is. What to do. Well, the Reds could use only four outfielders since Chris Heisey will probably play whenever any of the starters need a break.

If a fifth outfielder were needed, Donald should be able to scrape by in a pinch. This of course would send Paul to Louisville, unless he is out of options as well, which I think he is not.

To say that Burriss, Donald or Paul has earned a spot over Izturis would have to be deemed disingenuous. With everything else (options, etc) being equal, the best choice would be Izturis and Donald to stay, and Paul be sent down.

What are your thoughts?

Follow me on Twitter.

Read more of my work on my MLB blog.