The Reds have positioned themselves to be in a good spot to make the playoffs in 2012, but they've done so while still keeping an eye toward the future.
Just over a week after inking franchise cornerstone Joey Votto to a 10-year contract extension, Cincinnati also locked up second baseman Brandon Phillips to a six-year extension worth 72.5 million.
The Reds were thought to be a cash-strapped team incapable of keeping both -- or even one -- of these guys, but they have somehow figured it out.
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The move is great for Reds fans, as well as the franchise, who would have had a hard time filling their ballpark night in and night out with their two best players gone to free agency. It also may mean the organization's already tight purse strings may become stingier, and could keep the club from pursuing big free agents or locking up other vital pieces.
However, the Cubs and the rest of the NL Central are assured to be stuck with both Phillips and Votto at least through the 2018 season, health permitting. That's not a good thing.
Phillips, 30, is widely considered one of the best two-way second basemen in the game, with a silver slugger, two All-Star appearances and three gold gloves to his name. He also joined the 30-30 club in 2007 after hitting 30 home runs and stealing 32 bags.