Doing nothing may be all the Cincinnati Reds needed to do.

After winning the Central Division last year and breaking a postseason draught dating back to 1995, the Reds were swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the playoffs.

But the off-season saw little activity. The Reds did add shortstop and World Series MVP Edgar Renteria and outfielder Fred Lewis, but general manager Walt Jocketty did little else other than give left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis a shot at a bullpen spot.

Jocketty appears to like the idea that the young players who played so well last season will only get better, and that’s a pretty good bet.

For instance, outfielder Drew Stubbs struggled early only to finish strong and his experience should keep him improving.

Evidently the Reds feel that way because they are counting on him becoming the leadoff hitter and base-stealing threat they have been searching for over the years.

Joey Votto had an MVP season and Jay Bruce had a good second half of the season and he should mirror Stubbs in terms of improvement thanks to the experience factor.

Jocketty may have studied the Reds’ history when he decided to virtually stand pat other that adding a few insurance players.

In the past, the Reds have tried to use a power lineup, reclaimed veterans including pitchers who had a past history of success, and a veteran lineup.

The result was nine losing seasons before last year.

So, the plan was to get better players, groom them in the minor leagues and bring them together at the major league level.

Getting the right mix of veterans, rookies and young but experienced players and a strong starting rotation worked to perfection, thus leaving Jocketty with the idea not to fix what isn’t broken.

“We like our team,” said Jocketty.

“We’ve got a good thing building and a good thing going,” said Reds’ manager Dusty Baker. “We’re not through building. Sometimes it takes time to build something in order to sustain something.”

Trading for third baseman Scott Rolen was part of the building process.

Rolen is solid defensively and offensively, but more importantly is his strong leadership. His durability is in question due to his age and the problems he had last year, but that’s where players like Juan Francisco and Renteria fit into the plan.

The starting pitching has taken a hit during the spring with Bronson Arroyo diagnosed with mononucleosis and Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey beginning the season on the disabled list.

But youngsters Travis Wood, Mike Leake and Sam LeCure are not only good pitchers but fearless. If Edison Volquez returns to his pre-arm injury form, the starting staff could be even better.

Francisco Cordero was shaky in the closer role last year even though he was among the league leaders in saves. The rest of the bullpen is strong and the addition of lefty Aroldis Chapman and his 100-plus mile an hour fastball can only help if Cordero falters.

The plan looks good on paper. Now it’s time to see who it plays out on the field.

—— Sinatra ——

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.