The Cincinnati Reds Are "in It to Win It" in 2012

Compared to other playoff contenders in the MLB, the Cincinnati Reds did not shake the world with their offseason acquisitions. But that's not to say that their offseason acquisitions were not turning heads. 

The Reds were able to get just what they needed with the limited budget they have, while still being able to secure some of their top players for the future.

Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty began his offseason transactions by acquiring hard throwing starting pitcher Mat Latos from San Diego for top prospect Yonder Alonso, former ace and all-star Edinson Volquez and a couple of minor league prospects.

Latos has already established himself as an elite pitcher, albeit in a pitcher-friendly park. In two complete MLB seasons, Latos averaged 12 wins per year. He has a career 3.37 ERA and had 185 strikeouts last season. Latos should establish himself as a reliable No. 2 starting pitcher behind ace Johnny Cueto. The only question is, how will Latos adjust to the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark?

Another big move made by Jocketty was the trade for set-up man Sean Marshall. The underrated Marshall had previously spent all six years of his MLB career with the Cubs. In the last two seasons, Marshall appeared in an average of 79 games for the Cubs (that's almost half the games in a single season). He also posted a 2.45 ERA in the previous two seasons.

Although the Reds acquired a reliable set-up man, they had to give up talented young lefty Travis Wood. With Wood's absence, the team now does not have a left-handed pitcher in the starting rotation, unless flamethrowing reliever Aroldis Chapman is moved there.

The signing of free agent Ryan Madson is another one of the team's key offseason moves. The right-handed closer agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract, with an $2 million option for 2013. In his first full season as a closer, the 31-year-old Madson had 32 saves with a 2.37 ERA for Philadelphia last year.

The Reds made another key addition in January by signing veteran outfielder Ryan Ludwick. After hitting 37 home runs for the Cardinals in 2008, Ludwick followed with 22 home runs in 2009. Since then, Ludwick has struggled to stay consistent and healthy. The Reds hope Ludwick will regain his power and confidence while backing up an already powerful outfield.

The final big deal the Reds made this offseason was the acquisition of veteran utility man Wilson Valdez from Philadelphia. In return, the Reds sent off left-handed reliever Jeremy Horst. Valdez, who pitched a hitless 19th inning against the Reds last season, adds versatility to this Reds roster. Although he only batted .249 for the Phillies, Valdez is very consistent defensively.

Aside from the new acquisitions, Cincinnati also inked relievers Nick Masset and Jose Arredondo to new, two-year contracts. The Reds also avoided arbitration with Homer Bailey, Bill Bray and Paul Janish by signing them to one-year deals.

Along with Alonso, Volquez and Wood, the Reds lost several other key players. Instead of re-signing veteran shortstop and former World Series MVP Edgar Renteria, the Reds allowed him to walk; Veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez signed with Colorado; Left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis signed with the Phillies in December; and closer Francisco Cordero signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with Toronto.

With missing out on Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, the Cincinnati Reds are primed and ready to take the National League Central. Cincinnati's GM Walt Jocketty proved that the Reds are now "in it to win it."

Anything less, will be a failure.