Edinson Volquez to start opening day for Reds

Dusty Baker recently announced that Edinson Volquez will be the ace of the Reds staff and start opening day.  Volquez missed most of 2008 and 2009 with Tommy John surgery, but he showed ace form in 2007 in which he was third in the National League with 17 wins.  The Reds acquired him from Texas before the 2007 season in a trade that sent Josh Hamilton to Texas.

The Reds avoided arbitration with Volquez and signed him to a one year $1.625 million contract in January.  Volquez has had some problems attaining a work visa, which can be a hassle for foreign players, but usually gets taken care of in the end.  He can not pitch in front of paying customers until he attains the proper visa.

The Reds still have him slated to start March 31 against the Brewers.  Volquez will team with fellow Dominican Johnny Cueto in the Reds rotation.  Cueto is from San Pedro de Macoris and Volquez is from Barahona, DR.

Volquez pitches for the Reds, by Wknight94