With new manager Lou Piniella in place for , the Reds started the season off with a nine-game winning streak, and remained in first place in the National League West for the entire season. Four of these nine games were won by relief pitchers (including one by Birtsas), who also compiled five saves. The relief corp of the Reds earned the nickname "The Nasty Boys" along the way, and lived up to this reputation by leading the National League with 46 saves, and compiling 385 strikeouts.