Cincinnati Reds: More Than a Dark Horse?

The Reds have made some positive off-season moves that have put them in a postion to compete not only this season but for years to come.  A team that nearly two thirds of the way through last season had the best record in baseball.  If you don't count the 8th and 9th innings.  Of course, those innings count mightily.  Journeyman David Weathers served as the team's closer last year and did an adequate job, but much of the problem was getting to him.  A collection of unproven youngsters and past-prime veterans made the 7th and 8th innings "interesting", to put it nicely. GM Wayne Krivsky had to go to work.  Adam Dunn's option was picked up shortly after season's end, followed by the addition of veteran manager Dusty Baker.  In late December, Josh Hamilton was dealt to the Rangers for highly touted pitching prospect Edinson Volquez.  Then, came a huge deal for Reds fans; the signing of a true closer, Francisco Cordero, locking him up for 4 ... (link)