"The Cincinnati Reds need to make like the Arizona Diamondbacks.

D-backs GM Kevin Towers, calling the NL West "wide open," made a bold move to obtain right-hander Trevor Cahill this month and still could add right-hander Hiroki Kuroda or re-sign lefty Joe Saunders in free agency.

The Reds' opportunity in the NL Central looks just as enticing. But so far, the Reds have yet to fulfill their goals of acquiring at least one starting pitcher, preferably a top-of-the-rotation type, and finding a new closer.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals have lost first baseman Albert Pujols and manager Tony La Russa. The Brewers are going to lose first baseman Prince Fielder and possibly left fielder Ryan Braun to a drug suspension for the first 50 games.

The Cubs, Pirates and Astros are in various states of reconstruction. And the Reds, while coming off a disappointing, injury-marred, 79-win season, are only one year removed from a division title.

"We have to keep being aggressive and try to improve," Reds GM Walt Jocketty said Wednesday. "What we thought we had to do for 2012 was really address our pitching. That's what we've been busy trying to do, but without success so far."

It's only mid-December. Opening Day is 3 1/2 months away. A number of quality starting pitchers — Gio Gonzalez, Wade Davis and John Danks in the AL; Matt Garza, Jair Jurrjens and Wandy Rodriguez in the NL — remain available in trade."