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Jocketty following Rays' lead to rebuild | reds.com: News

Strong nucleus of young talent could turn Reds into contender

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
10/24/08 1:19 PM ET

CINCINNATI -- One year after having 96 losses, the Tampa Bay Rays notched 97 wins this season in a stunning turnaround that carried them all the way to an American League championship and the World Series.

And they did it with an under $44 million payroll -- budget baseball by today's standards. Reds fans are desperate for a winner again after suffering through eight straight losing seasons and no postseason berths since 1995. That, by the way, was three years before the Rays became an expansion team. One might wonder if a similar franchise resurrection can happen in Cincinnati and then ponder how long would it take.

Cont..

Reds GM Walt Jocketty (left) hopes hot young players such as Brandon Phillips can bring the Reds back to the postseason in 2009. (Al Behrman/AP)