"The Reds appear primed to make another run at winning the National League Central Division, if not a World Series championship.

With Monday's signing of free-agent corner outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who will vie for the starting left fielder's job with Chris Heisey, the Reds look ready to take it to Goodyear, Ariz., for spring training.

The only thing possibly left for the Reds to do is shore up shortstop a bit if they feel Zack Cozart's 11-game trial there last year before getting hurt (12-for-37, .324, 2 home runs) is not indicative of what he can do over the long haul. Right now, the only true backup shortstop is Paul Janish.

With the Cardinals having lost free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols to the Angels and the Brewers about to lose free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, possibly to Texas, the opening is there for the Reds to seize the division."