Despite getting some strong showings from young hurlers at the end of last season, Reds' starters still posted the second highest ERA in all of baseball. Only the Colorado Rockies, playing in the thin air of Coors Field, had a higher mark. But it's safe to say that the Reds' rotation will be vastly improved in 2005.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds' primary goal entering the offseason was to retain free agent right-hander Paul Wilson, who had a breakout season in 2004. Wilson finished the season with an 11-6 record and a 4.36 ERA, but pitched better than his numbers indicate, leading the club in starts (29), quality starts (16), innings pitched (183 2/3) and wins.
More importantly, Wilson stepped into the role as a leader and signed a two-year deal worth a reported $8.2 million on Nov. 30, with a club option for 2007.
"We think it's very important for our starting staff," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said of the signing. "We felt we needed a veteran leader who could provide the requisite innings that Paul has put up over the years. It took a lot of effort and time on behalf of the ballclub and Paul's representatives, and I would like to thank ownership for their role in getting this done."
Two weeks later, Reds' fans and players were thanking O'Brien for acquiring veteran right-hander Ramon Ortiz from the Angels in exchange for minor league pitcher Dustin Moseley.
On paper it might have looked like a risky deal. Moseley was one of Cincinnati's top pitching prospects, and had excelled in the Arizona Fall League, while the 31-year-old Ortiz was coming off the most disappointing season of his career.
After going 44-33 from 2001 to 2003, Ortiz finished the 2004 season 5-7 with a 4.43 ERA. He pitched in 34 games for the Angels, but was not happy that only 14 of those appearances were starts. He got off to a rough start, going 1-3 with a 9.28 ERA in April, and was moved to the bullpen, where he pitched well.