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There is nothing like two feet of snow on the ground the signal the start of the 2010 Major League baseball season.  Yep, it's that time again, time for spring training.  Pitchers and catchers please report.  

The Cincinnati Reds will begin the 2010 season in completely new surroundings as they have moved from the Grapefruit League of Florida to the fast rising Cactus League of Arizona.  For the next six weeks the Reds will set up shop in Goodyear, Arizona and will be sharing the complex with their Interstate 71 rival Cleveland Indians.  

As usual, pitchers and catchers are the first to report, followed a few days later by the position players.  Many players arrive early and word is the new spring training site is an upgrade from the run down facilities in Sarasota, Florida.  

"This place is great," said reliever Nick Masset.  "They really did a good job.  I'm excited.  This is by far the best complex I've ever played at."

While the facilities are certainly an upgrade, Reds players and fans hope this season's team is also an upgrade from last year's mediocre squad.  Key off-season signings may prove that to be true.  

The two biggest signings of the winter for the Reds were certainly Cuban lefty Aroldis Chapman and shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Shortstop was the key weakness for a Reds team that struggled to score runs a season ago.  Cabrera brings experience and a solid glove up the middle.  Chapman may take some time and a little grooming, but he has all the tools to be a star at the major league level.  

Another key off-season acquisition is utility man Aaron Miles who the Reds acquired in a trade from Oakland.  Miles gives the Reds some versatility and a solid bat off the bench.  

A big year from Jay Bruce who turned what looked to be a sophomore slump into a strong last month to the season after breaking his wrist in July will no doubt help a new and improved lineup.  Former first round pick Drew Stubbs will get his chance to lead off in center field and is a key to the Reds offense.  Other regulars return as well.  Here is a look at what the Reds everyday eight will look like in 2010.

1.  CF-Drew Stubs

2.  SS-Orlando Cabrera

3.  1B-Joey Votto

4.  2B-Brandon Phillips

5.  3B-Scott Rolen

6.  RF-Jay Bruce

7.  C  -Ramon Hernandez

8.  LF-Chris Dickerson

Votto, Phillips and Rolen are as good as it gets in the middle of the order.  After missing considerable action last season, Votto is poised to put up big numbers in 2010.  While having Phillips in the cleanup spot is not ideal, he is the best man for the job and showed that last season, driving in 98 runs and smashing 20 homers while stealing 25 bases.  Rolen will no doubt be a leader in the clubhouse and the way he approaches the game has certainly rubbed off on some of the younger players.  

"He says so much without saying anything at all," Bruce said in a recent radio interview.  

Pitching will once again be the Reds strong suit, particularly a bullpen that returns everyone from a group that finished third in the National League in ERA last season.  

Aaron Harang will once again be the Opening Day starter.  He will be joined in the rotation by 15 game winner Bronson Arroyo. Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey are hard throwing right-handers who came on strong last season and look to solidify the middle of the rotation.  With All-Star Edinson Volquez recovering from Tommy John surgery, the battle for the fifth starter spot is on.  Front-runners include Justin Lehr, Aroldis Chapman, Micah Owings and Matt Maloney.  Youngsters Mike Leake and Travis Wood also have an outside shot at the spot.  

The bullpen is looking as strong as ever with closer Francisco Cordero back after a 39 save season in 2009.  He will be joined by veterans Nick Masset and Arthur Rhodes.  Youngsters Daniel Ray Herrera and Jared Burton and also locks to make the roster.  If Miach Owings does not win the fifth starter spot he will certainly fill the role of long reliever.  Mike Lincoln returns from injury and will likely fill the final spot in the pen.  

The addition of Aaron Miles strengthens a Reds bench in need of some pop.  Miles will be joined by backup catcher Ryan Hanigan, outfielder Laynce Nix and infielder Paul Yanish.  Nix gives the Reds some power off the bench, while the slick fielding Yanish will help defensively in late innings.  The last spot is up for grabs with Wladimir Balentien appearing to be the front-runner as he is out of options.  

For manager Dusty Baker and the Cincinnati Reds, 2010 looks to be an exciting season.  While still one of the younger teams in the league, the Reds have added enough depth and experience to compete in the National League Central.  If they can stay healthy, 2010 could be an exciting year for a franchise and a city desperately looking for a winner.  

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