GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Reds made it to the Cactus League finish line and are just about to begin their quest to show marked improvement in 2019 under new manager David Bell. Opening Day is at 4:10 p.m. ET on Thursday vs. the Pirates at Great American Ball Park.

Here is a primer to get you ready.

WHAT’S THE GOAL?

Following five straight losing seasons -- the last four with more than 90 losses -- the Reds sought to undergo a head-to-toe culture change in the offseason that eliminates any complacency with losing. From adding several new players, employing different drills, an increased use of analytical data and more, Bell and his almost all-new coaching staff definitely worked in camp to show that things can and will be done differently than what’s been recent tradition. The vibe was different throughout Spring Training and this club truly believes it can win and make something happen in the National League Central.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

With a rotation that struggled mightily last season, the starting five was revamped with three new veteran starters in Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Alex Wood. Although Wood will open on the injured list (sore lower back), Luis Castillo, Anthony DeSclafani and Tyler Mahle will round out the rotation. All three returning starters had several good-looking outings, as did Roark and Gray. Bell and pitching coach Derek Johnson plan to show some creativity with bullpen usage, relying less on defined roles and more on having the best relievers in place to get outs in high-leverage situations, regardless of the inning.

Among position players, the Reds were willing to sacrifice a little on defense in order to boost the lineup and get more baserunners. A regular lineup hasn’t been revealed, but Joey Votto will bat second and the leadoff hitter could be Jesse Winker or Scott Schebler now that Billy Hamilton is gone. The offense has some added thump in right fielder Yasiel Puig and extra left fielder Matt Kemp -- both acquired with Wood and Kyle Farmer in December’s seven-player trade with the Dodgers.

Top prospect Nick Senzel did not make the club as the center fielder, losing out to Schebler, but showed he can play the position and hit well. His big league debut isn't far away.

The lineup took a hit in the final week of camp when second baseman Scooter Gennett sustained a right groin strain that will keep him out 2-3 months. The injury prompts Jose Peraza to move over from shortstop to second base while veteran Jose Iglesias, signed to be a role player, becomes the regular shortstop.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

If the pitching doesn’t perform, it will be difficult for the Reds to hang with the Cubs, Cardinals and Brewers in the NL Central. If starters aren’t able to go to at least six innings consistently, it will put a bigger strain on the bullpen. The injury to Gennett has taken a key run-producer out of the lineup. If someone doesn’t step up offensively, Cincy will have more difficulty scoring runs.

WHO MIGHT SURPRISE?

Peraza had a fantastic camp at the plate as he developed as a hitter and showed defensive improvement at shortstop. Even moving to the other side of the infield, he should have a chance to do well at what some scouts believe is his better position for the future.