Reds show intent to win with "final" roster announcement

The Reds Opening Day roster will be as follows:

Catchers:
Ramon Hernandez
Ryan Hanigan

Infielders:
Joey Votto
Brandon Phillips
Orlando Cabrera
Scott Rolen
Miguel Cairo
Paul Janish
Juan Francisco

Outfielders:
Jay Bruce
Drew Stubbs
Chris Dickerson
Jonny Gomes
Laynce Nix

Starters:
Aaron Harang
Bronson Arroyo
Johnny Cueto
Homer Bailey

Bullpen:
Francisco Cordero
Nick Massett
Arthur Rhodes
Daniel Ray Herrera
Mike Lincoln
Micha Owings
Logan Ondrusek

I say "final" roster because this roster does not include a fifth starter. The Reds don't need one right away, so they're not taking up the roster spot right now. But Mike Leake has won the fifth starter spot. If we needed proof the Reds are trying to win this year, it's this move. If the Reds didn't think they could win, there would be no reason to use Leake right away. He has zero minor league time. Instead, however, the Reds picked the guy they thought would give them the best chance to win as many games as possible. Cutting Aaron Miles and Jared Burton, in favor of rookies Juan Francisco and Logan Ondrusek confirms this.

The Reds will have to make one more cut when they do activate Leake. I hope they send down Janish. O-Cab will play everyday and only needs an emergency back-up. BP can do that and so can Miguel Cairo. Janish just doesn't do much for the team since he can't hit. I wanted the Reds to keep Drew Sutton for his left-handed pop, but they went with Nix and Francisco instead. Those guys should get the job done, but look for Sutton to make and impact later this year when someone gets hurt.

Rachel and I are headed to batting practice today. Like last year, today is a beautiful day. Hopefully, like last year, tomorrow will not be crappy weather. I remember last year listening to Marty at the Q & A discussing the fact that Gomesy hadn't made the team (Marty didn't know; a fan told him). I was really disappointed, but the point here is Gomesy was a big part of the Reds last year. So this is a fluid roster. I like the Reds' depth this year and I feel confident the AAA guys will be helpful when called on to contribute.

I guess the big question here is this: What does the Mike Leake situation say about Aroldis Chapman? I have to assume the Reds will go with the best guy for the spot. So as soon as Chapman is declared healthy, it might get very interesting. Stay tuned.