Pitching let down the Reds in 2011, prompting a deal of coveted prospects to acquire San Diego righty Mat Latos. There are injury concerns on the left side of the infield with third baseman Scott Rolen returning from shoulder surgery and rookie shortstop Zack Cozart coming off elbow surgery.

2011: 79-83, third place.

First Workout: Feb. 19/24.

He’s Here: RHP Mat Latos, RHP closer Ryan Madson, LHP Sean Marshall, RHP Andrew Brackman, LHP Jeff Francis, OF Ryan Ludwick, INF Wilson Valdez, OF/INF Willie Harris.

He’s Outta Here: C Ramon Hernandez, RHP closer Francisco Cordero, LHP Travis Wood, RHP Edinson Volquez, LHP Dontrelle Willis, INF Yonder Alonso, OF Fred Lewis, SS Edgar Renteria, C Yasmani Grandal.

Overview: The Reds won the NL Central in 2010 with a nucleus of young players and spent the following offseason signing them to long-term deals. They returned their roster virtually intact for 2011 and watched it struggle, especially the rotation. So, GM Walt Jocketty took a far different approach this offseason, making a series of trades and free agent signings to give the pitching staff a new look. They traded four players, including starter Volquez and top prospect Alonso, to San Diego for starter Latos. The rotation now features RHP Johnny Cueto, Latos and Bronson Arroyo in the first three spots, with RHP Homer Bailey and Mike Leake in the competition for the last two spots. Madson replaces Cordero as the closer, with Marshall giving the Reds another dependable setup man. The Reds still have to figure out what to do at three positions. Rookie shortstop Zack Cozart had surgery on his non-throwing elbow last year, but is first in line for the starting job. Third baseman Scott Rolen had surgery on his left shoulder, which was a chronic problem and limited him to 65 games last season. The Reds will see how it responds during spring training. Left field is open for competition once again. The Reds’ main wish for spring training is to stay healthy. Last year, Bailey and Cueto came down with shoulder problems and Arroyo developed mononucleosis during spring training.

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