Zigeunerzelt » CINCINNATI (AP) — Sonny Gray had a few hours

to make a career-changing decision. The Yankees no longer needed him. The Reds wanted another starter http://www.dodgersfanproshop.com/authentic-max-muncy-jersey , and they were willing to deal for him so long as he agreed to a three-year contract extension.That’s a big commitment to a team that’s lost 90 games each of the last four seasons. Sure, Gray had a personal connection with Cincinnati — his dad tried out for the Reds’ farm system, and Gray attended his first big-league game at Great American Ball Park. Still, the Reds have languished in last place for four straight years.What to do? Gray signed on .“I think it’s obviously notable what the Reds have been doing,” said Gray, who agreed to a deal adding $30.5 million from 2020-22. “I’ve got a really good feeling that we’re trying to turn the corner here and we’re trying to start winning a lot of baseball games.”After four years of shedding veterans and tossing rookies onto the field to see what they’ve got, the Reds decided it was time to start moving up again. They rebuilt the rotation through three trades, adding Gray, left-hander Alex Wood and Tanner Roark while getting rid of Homer Bailey.They also overhauled the lineup by acquiring outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp from the Dodgers.The remake wasn’t confined to the field. They hired David Bell as a first-year manager to oversee the metamorphosis from rebuilding to contending — or, at least, being competitive in the short-term. Significant attendance drops during the rebuild prompted the moves that made the Reds an intriguing team as spring training opens.Instead of wondering how low they’ll go Mike Piazza Jersey , it’s now more a question of how much ground they can make up in one year in the formidable NL Central.“I think we’ve got a good chance to win now,” Gray said.Some things to watch as the Reds fit the new pieces together in Goodyear, Arizona:NEW LOOK: The rotation got a total makeover, with the three newcomers joining Anthony DeSclafani and Luis Castillo. Bell has to decide how to arrange his new staff. Also, the arrival of Puig and Kemp give the outfield a new dynamic with center fielder Billy Hamilton gone.ROOKIES TO WATCH: Unlike the last few years when rookies came and went, there should be much more focus on veterans. Nick Senzel could have the biggest impact of the youngsters. He’s a career infielder, but the Reds haven’t ruled out giving him a chance to win the open job in center field.THEY’RE SET: The infield returns Joey Votto, Scooter Gennett, Jose Peraza and Eugenio Suarez. The back of the bullpen is set, too, with David Hernandez and Jared Hughes setting up closer Raisel Iglesias.THEY’RE NOT: Center field is their biggest question. They could move Scott Schebler or Puig to the spot http://www.dodgersfanproshop.com/authentic-max-muncy-jersey , or let Senzel try to grow into the role.ON DECK: Puig and Kemp are free agents after the season, along with Roark, so if it doesn’t work out, there could be trades in July and the Reds could be back to starting over in some ways. At least the fans will have something different to watch when the Reds open their spring schedule against the Indians on Feb. 23 and the regular season at home against the Pirates — a division rival they’re looking to overtake — on March 28. The Philadelphia Phillies have been among the cooler stories of the 2018 season. After several seasons of bumpy rebuilding, they've blossomed earlier than expected and appear ticketed to make their first postseason foray since 2011.Then again, of the three teams with a shot to crack the postseason from the National League East, here is how the run differentials stacked up entering play Wednesday:Phillies (plus-39)Atlanta Braves (plus-67)Washington Nationals (plus-69).The Phils offense tied for 19th in runs scored and ranked22nd in OPS. The pitching staff has done its part, but it's worth wondering if Philadelphia's bats can fend off the Braves and Nats, let alone lead the club on a deep October charge.Milwaukee Brewers2 of 5Chase AndersonThearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesThe Milwaukee Brewers are nipping at the heels of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and would be the NL's top wild-card team if the season ended Wednesday.On the other hand, their plus-34 run differential is the same as the Los Angeles Angels, who are a game under .500 and buried in fourth place in the American League West.The Brew Crew's fatal flaw may be the starting rotation Chase Utley Jersey , which owns a respectable-but-unspectacular 3.91 ERA. Junior Guerra (3.42ERA), Chase Anderson (3.81 ERA) and Jhoulys Chacin (3.89 ERA) are decent mid-rotation options. Jimmy Nelson is still working his way back from September shoulder surgery. None is a lights-out ace.That's an especially important commodity in the do-or-die Wild Card Game, which means the Brewers should do all they can to catch the Cubbies.If they don't, they could be destined for a quick postseason exit.Seattle Mariners3 of 5Stephen Brashear/Getty ImagesThe Seattle Mariners are two games behind the Oakland Athletics for second place in the AL West and the Junior Circuit's second wild-card position.With so much time remaining, that sentence makes it sound as though the M's have a solid shot at snapping their 16-year playoff drought.Don't get your hopes up, Seattle fans: The Mariners' minus-25 run differential is easily the worst of any team with a winning record. Their starting pitchers rank 17th in baseball with a 4.19 ERA, and erstwhile ace Felix Hernandez appears to befinished.General manager Jerry Dipoto did his trademark tinkering at the non-waiver trade deadline and added ancillary pieces, but there's scant reason to believe Seattle can overtake Oakland鈥攍et alone compete鈥攚ith the AL elite.Colorado Rockies4 of 5Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesThe Colorado Rockies are positioned to compete in atightNL West.They're only 2.0 games behind the second-place Arizona Diamondbacks (who are a half-game away from the second wild-card berth) and 2.5 behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers.After making the NL Wild Card Game in 2017, a return to the postseason is within their grasp.Now, the wet blanket: The Rockies own a minus-16 run differential and their bullpen's 5.13 ERA ranks 28th in baseball, ahead of only the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.Most damningly http://www.dodgersfanproshop.com/authentic-max-muncy-jersey , the Rockies made no significant moves at the July 31 trade deadline. They're technically in the thick of the race, but all signs point to them missing the dance.New York Yankees5 of 5Julie Jacobson/Associated PressTo be clear: The New York Yankees will almost certainly make the playoffs.Despite trailing the archrival Boston Red Sox by nine games, they hold the American League's top wild-card slot. The odds of two teams overtaking them and bumping them off the October stage are slim to none.If and when they get to the playoffs, however, the Yanks could be in trouble.Star slugger Aaron Judge is on the disabled list with a wrist injury and still can't swing a bat. Catcher Gary Sanchez (groin) is likewise sidelined.New York also has serious questions in the starting rotation, even after adding J.A. Happ (who's missed time with hand, foot and mouth disease) and Lance Lynn at the trade deadline.Luis Severino, the club's ace for most of the season, is wrestling with an extended, ill-timed slump. Could the team count on him in an AL Wild Card Game?A deep bullpen and potent offense (health provided) make the Yankees possibleWorld Series contenders. But there are a lot of troubling "ifs" in the Bronx.All statistics current entering play Wednesday and courtesy of MLB.com and Baseball Reference.