Fruitful offseason buoys Reds’ hopes

When Major League Baseball staged its winter meetings in Las Vegas in December 2008, the expected names -- the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and Mets -- were the most active clubs vying for the top free agents.

The Cincinnati Reds, like many other small-market clubs, watched rather than participate, underscoring what offseasons are like for most organizations without $100 million payrolls.

This past offseason was different -- and surprising. The Reds and their $70 million payroll were active and stunningly won a bidding war for Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, signing the pitcher and his 100 mph fastball to a five-year, $30.25 million contract.

It showed the Reds' clubhouse that management was tired of being effectively eliminated from playoff contention by July.

"I think that sent a message for me that they are serious about winning and not just in the short term but the long term," outfielder Jay Bruce said Wednesday before the Reds' 12-4 spring training win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Cashman Field before a crowd of 11,896. "I think that speaks volumes what they did this offseason to become a winning franchise."

General manager Walt Jocketty said the Reds became more active because they have a nucleus of young talent that includes such players as Bruce, second baseman Brandon Phillips and first baseman Joey Votto as well as a bullpen that was third in the National League last season with a 3.56 ERA.

In addition to signing Chapman, the Reds picked up free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera and re-signed third baseman Scott Rolen and outfielders Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix.

"There was some concern about whether we were going to have to break up the club a little bit and cut our payroll," Jocketty said. "But ownership stepped up. They also stepped up and allowed us to sign Chapman. Then signing Cabrera topped it off. Guys realized we had a chance to win."

But don't expect the club to start making World Series plans, despite going 27-13 in their final 40 games last season. The Reds, who finished 78-84, haven't posted a winning record since 2000, and their last playoff appearance was in 1995.

Though concerned mostly about the long-term outlook, Jocketty also wants immediate success. He hopes for a winning record this season and for the Reds to be in playoff contention in September.

As for that prized signing, Chapman will begin the season in the minor leagues, back spasms suffered March 22 having delayed his development.

Reds manager Dusty Baker said there is no timetable to call up Chapman, saying his progress will dictate events.

"The main thing is we want him to pitch and keep pitching," Baker said.

Chapman's first game with Cincinnati should be one of the more-watched debuts this season.

The Reds hope this season is the start of making them more watchable, too.

"I think the people we added to the team and re-signed are the right people for the job," Votto said. "The young players definitely have to step up and start reaching their potential and playing like guys that belong in the big leagues for us to be a contending team, but I'm confident that we will."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.