SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) - The Cincinnati Reds head into the 2007
season next week riding the shoulders of pitchers Aaron Harang and
Bronson Arroyo.
Both were among the top pitchers in the National League last
year.
The Reds are trying to build around the duo in another year of
transition and, possibly, playoff contention. They were in the N-L
Central race until the final month last season, when an offensive
slump set up an 80-and-82 finish, their sixth straight losing
season.
The Reds improved their defense in the off-season by signing
Alex Gonzalez, one of the A-L's top shortstops. They also
overhauled the bullpen by signing right-hander Dustin Hermanson to
finish games.
General manager Wayne Krivsky (KRIVS-key) says the moves are
designed to transform the team from all-out offense to one that
wins with pitching and defense.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)