Last year, the Cincinnati Reds hired more minor league coaches, spent more money on international signings than ever before and even signed a pair of free agent pitchers. They are trying to prepare for a time when they are competitive. The question is whether the Reds have accomplished that.
The state of the team is breathing. It looks like 2018 could turn out competitive, but the pitching is a concern. The team has invested in those minor league coaches without a return yet. The idea is that it will take multiple years for a return on that investment.