A small-market team in the Midwest lost 100 games last year, with one of the worst offenses and pitching staffs in the league. Rather than upgrade through free agency, they stood pat, and the owner was accused of being cheap for sitting on his hands. And yet this year, the team is playing well, flirting with .500, just a few games out of first in a weak division. The young pitchers have had mixed results but have taken a step forward, while the young hitters have been some of the most patient in baseball. And the fanbase has gone wild over the young infielder with a dynamic blend of power and speed that has already made him one of the stars in the game.
Reds series preview: When playing the kids works
