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The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati , Ohio . They are in the Central Division of the National League. The sensational news from the Reds was the selling of the team by Carl Linder, who owned the club since 1981, to a group of investors headed by Cincinnati produce magnate Robert Castellini, Thomas Williams and William Williams, Jr. Under Lindner's possession, Great American Park , home stadium of the reds, was opened in 2003. However, the team has struggled for rankings in current years, they finished last five seasons below .500. The best thing that happened in 2005 season was that Ken Griffey Jr.(.301 35 92) was able to play an intact season without any injury for the first time in over 5 full seasons. Griffey was honored with the Comeback Player of the Year Award for his outstanding efforts. Certain important moves have been made this year in order to earn wins. The Reds' focus in the off season was to attain some firm pitching to accolade one of the most prolific offenses in the National League. Pitching being the priority of the team, first baseman Sean Casey has been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left handed starter Dave Williams (10–11 4.41).
Veteran Infielder Rich Aurilia has been signed once again and Reds also traded for utility man Tony Womack (.249 in 2005), which was designed to give the team some choices off the bench in 2006. Lefthander reliever Chris Hammond (5-1 3.84) also traded from the defending NL West Champion Padres. Outfield responsibilities of Adam Dunn are handed over to Austin Kearns, Ken Griffey Jr. and Wily Mo Pena as he has been moved to first base. The Reds actually didn't considerably concentrate on the starting pitching in the off season only new starting pitcher acquisition Williams will barely make a distinction for the team in 2006. Like other Major League teams, Cincinnati is depending profoundly on their young talent which includes Kearns , Pena, Dunn, shortstop Felipe Lopez, and Ryan Freel. Fans were blissful to get their favorite Griffey back in 2005 and are optimistic for him; he will pick up where he left off when he starts the 2006 season. Though Dave Weathers is not a strong closer but the team earned 15 saves out of him last season. Hammond was a wise choice and will aid the struggling bullpen still more help is required. Offensively Cincinnati will be a power to deem once again. The team led the National League in runs scored, home runs and doubles last year so Cincinnati Reds fans have all reasons to keep their expectations high from the team in 2006.
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