--RHP Aaron Harang, a 16-game winner in 2006 and 2007, must return to that form in 2009 if the club is to make progress toward its first winning season since 2000. Harang was 6-17 in 2008.
--LF Chris Dickerson is counted upon to do what he did late last season (.304, 6 HR, 15 RBIs in 102 at-bats) after he was called up in August following the trade of LF Adam Dunn. --3B Edwin Encarnacion, a disappointment in 2008 (.251, 26 HRs, 68 RBIs, 23 errors) after manager Dusty Baker said he thought he would have his breakout year, was the subject of trade rumors after last season, but the club hopes he reaches his full potential this season.
--C Ramon Hernandez was acquired to provide some offense at the catcher position. The team hopes his defense is better than it was with the Orioles last year when he was among the AL leaders in passed balls and catchers' errors. The Reds have rookie Ryan Hanigan waiting for his chance.
--CF Willy Taveras gives the Reds a potentially legitimate leadoff hitter for the first time in years. But while the team is excited about his 68 stolen bases last season, Taveras has to do better than the .251 batting average and .308 on-base percentage he compiled with the Rockies in 2008.
BY THE NUMBERS: 8 -- Seasons in a row that the Reds have finished below .500, their longest losing stretch since 1945-55.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We have a fantastic team, and we will win." -- Owner/CEO Bob Castellini.
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