Cincinnati's troubles at the start of the season were exasperated by a rash of Spring Training injuries. Much of the expected rotation opened the year on the disabled list -- including Anthony DeSclafani, Michael Lorenzen and a little later, Raisel Iglesias. The depth of the bullpen was thin and its inability to find any traction made defining roles nearly impossible for manager Bryan Price.
It all culminated in the pitching staff setting a new single-season record in home runs allowed while leading the league in walks.
"I thought we would really prove a lot of doubters wrong," second baseman Brandon Phillips said.