While the team's best players grow up at their own pace, the front office seems determined to pull the group into adulthood -- and contention for the National League Central title -- by next season.

General manager Walt Jocketty already has traded for 32-year-old catcher Ramon Hernandez, an expensive and short-term option; signed relievers Mike Lincoln, 33, and Arthur Rhodes, 39; and retained reliever David Weathers, 39, by offering him salary arbitration.

The Reds have pursued outfielder Jermaine Dye, who will soon turn 35 and is owed at least $11.5 million in 2009. Like Hernandez, Rhodes and Weathers, he would be a temporary upgrade.

Jocketty has been careful not to damage the franchise's chances for success in 2010 and '11 -- for instance, he refused to part with Cueto in order to acquire slugger Matt Holliday -- but the expectation seems to be that the window of opportunity will open in 2009.

"Our young kids are going to make it happen," owner Bob Castellini said. "We're counting on it. And there are a lot of kids coming behind them."

First baseman Joey Votto and pitcher Edinson Volquez had breakout seasons in 2008, and Bruce and Cueto have the potential for similar performances in 2009.

Bruce, who was widely considered the top prospect in Baseball prior to last season, hit .254 with 21 home runs in 108 games. After a remarkable first week with the Reds, he went through a few prolonged slumps.

"I'm glad that I was healthy and I get to build on that experience in the big leagues, but I wasn't satisfied at all," Bruce said. "I was a little disappointed in the way the season ended, and I'm looking forward to next year and getting it turned right. And winning. That's what it's all about. The more and more I'm around it, the more I realize that's what it's about."

To that end, he kept an eye on the hot-stove league as he worked out at home in Texas. He senses the increased expectations.

"Walt knows what he's doing," Bruce said. "I'm just excited to be part of that. The Castellinis have voiced that they want to win, and I believe them. I think we have the right pieces to try to win, and I think a few more pieces will only help."

The offseason has allowed players such as Norris Hopper (elbow), Chris Dickerson (ankle) and Micah Owings (shoulder) to heal. Each said he expects to be fully healthy at the start of spring training, in order to compete for a job.

Utility infielder Adam Rosales spent part of his off-season playing second base in the Puerto Rican winter league while replaying moments from his debut season, including his first at-bat and his first experience with big-league travel.

"It still seems like a dream," Rosales said. "I can't wait for the season to start again."

spriestle@dispatch.com