It seems for the first time in a while Reds fans have something to look forward to coming into spring training. The Reds have been busy late in the off season picking up 100 mph throwing, left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, and shortstop Orlando Cabrera.

The Reds seemingly came out of nowhere to sign Chapman to a six-year, $30 million dollar deal. Chapman has been impressive in bullpen sessions and both times he as faced live hitters. That being said, Chapman did have a slight advantage over hitters the first time he threw against them; the reason is that pitchers and catchers had been in camp for over a week before being joined by the rest of the team. Chapman threw to four hitters his first session, none of which made a lot of contact with the ball. After Chapman’s second session throwing with live hitters not much had changed, leaving Reds players and staff very happy with their new teammate.

Now I don’t think that anyone has Chapman starting on opening day just yet, but he is in the battle for the fifth starting spot. That could be a hard job to get at this point with Mike Lincoln, Micah Owings, Matt Maloney, Justin Lehr and Travis Wood also going for the same spot in the rotation. With that being said, this spring training will be very fun to keep an eye on. Speaking of which the first game of this spring training is set for this Friday, March 5 against the Cleveland Indians, with Mike Lincoln slated as the starter. Lincoln threw out of the Reds bullpen for most of the 2009 season with an 8.22 ERA with 19 games played.

Shortstop Orlando Cabrera is the Reds other big pick-up in the off season, signing the veteran to a one year $2.02 million dollar deal with a $4 million mutual option for 2011. Last season Cabrera played for the A’s and the Twins, compiling a .284 AVG, .316 OBP with 9 HR and 77 RBI.

With the Reds adding Cabrera to their lineup, they hope to fill what seemed to me their weakest position in the infield after signing third basemen, Scott Rolen last year. Although we didn’t get to see a lot of Rolen last year, I hope that he can return to his five time all-star form.

With all of these late 2009 and early 2010 transactions it appears to me that Reds GM Walt Jocketty is trying to give the Reds the tools they need to climb to the top of the NL Central. In addition to picking up some new players, the Reds have also added Pitching Coach, Bryan Price to their staff.

Well I think that our time here has came to an end for this week. I would like to leave you with a trivia question if I may. Name the only MLB player to throw back to back no-hitters, and yes he was a Red at the time. Bonus points if you know what year.