CINCINNATI (AP) -- Former Reds infielder Doug Flynn remembers opening day 1975, when he sidled up next to Pete Rose by the dugout railing and checked out the capacity crowd at Riverfront Stadium.

Every opening day in Cincinnati provides memories, some better than others.

Flynn's team started on its way to a World Series championship in 1975. The current Reds have reason to think they could be a contender as well when they get started against the Miami Marlins on Thursday at Great American Ball Park.

The Reds have revamped their roster and given first baseman Joey Votto the longest guaranteed contract in major league history, a 12-year deal that signifies their intention of being a small-market contender in the foreseeable future. Votto was the NL's MVP in 2010.