Reason for optimism: The bullpen, a major factor in the 94-loss 2016 season, can't possibly be as bad as it was last year.
Reason for pessimism: The 2016 rotation was nearly as terrible, and upgrading starting pitching is a much harder task.
I suppose the 2016 season was something of a success for the Cincinnati Reds, at least from management's perspective.
Despite the presence of Joey Votto, whose talent threatens to upend any team's goal of tanking, the Reds had the worst record in the National League. This while showing a four-game improvement over 2015 despite the jettisoning of Todd Frazier and Aroldis Chapman prior to the season and Jay Bruce during it. With the exception of Votto, who to this point has refused to waive his no-trade clause, the roster turnover is now complete with Brandon Phillips traded to the Braves earlier this year. That leaves Votto (in his age-33 season) and shortstop Zack Cozart (31) as the only every-day players over 30 expected to make the Opening Day roster.
Watching old players perform poorly is depressing for fans, but just because the Reds lineup has gotten younger doesn't mean excitement will follow.
