Lil Red Machine

The NL central race at the beginning of the month, looked wide open, and up for grabs. It still is. The problem is, the Reds are no longer part of that equation. Teams built like Cincinnati don’t overcome a 7-game deficit in the standings, leapfrogging over 4 other teams in the process.
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I’ve always been a defender of Brandon Phillips. I know he makes crucial fundamental mistakes sometimes, and swings too hard, but overall, I think he’s a top notch second baseman in the NL, and has given the Reds solid play for the past few years.
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We are about 60+ games into the 2009 MLB season, and to look at the standings, Reds fans ought to feel pretty good. We are in a dogfight with Milwaukee and St. Louis, only 2.5 games out of first place as of June 12th. For a city that hasn’t had a winner since 2000, this is something that could potentially get fans out to the ballpark. Larger crowds means more money, and that could possibly lead to the organization making some trade deadline deals.

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but none of that is going to happen with the way the Reds are hitting right now. Literally, for the first time in YEARS, Cincinnati has pieced together a solid rotation and a bullpen that ranks up there with the best of them. However, the offensive is absolutely killing them. Our lineup is making a lot of medicore/average guys look like CY Young candidates.

Here are the ugly statistics: Reds are 25th in on base percentage (.320), 27th in batting average (.245 and, 23rd in total runs (257). We are near the middle of the pack in homeruns, but we are a team that as of right now, just doesn’t have enough offense. Joey Votto’s absence is absolutely killing this team. Lets get something straight, though. Votto isn’t a .360 hitter. Whenever he returns (who knows when that will be), he will probably tail off a bit. Out of the current guys healthy and active, only Brandon Phillips is looking worthy of being in a major league lineup on a nightly basis. He’s doing his job, but he is surrounded by guys who are clearly scuffling. In all fairness, left field has been reasonably covered by Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix, but looking around them, Wily Tavares is having a horrible season, Jay Bruce’s batting average is creeping ever too close to the mendoza line, Ramon Hernandez has tailed off, Alex Gonzalez is an all field/no hit guy, and the Jerry Hairston/Adam Rosales combo at third base isn’t scaring anyone.

Well, what to do about it? First off, Wily Tavares has no business being in the leadoff spot. When you have a leadoff hitter who has an .OBP under .300, that absolutely kills the team. He needs to be bench, or platooned with Chris Dickerson. However, I don’t really think the Reds have anyone who can adequately handle the leadoff spot, as hardly anyone on the team consistently gets on base. I would keep Bruce up in the big leagues. There has been some chatter about him returning to triple-A, but I think they should just let him continue to learn at this level, as there is no better level to learn at. Also, I would examine the idea of putting Paul Janish as the full time shortstop. Alex Gonzales just isn’t hitting.

Of course, there are potential trades rumors that could happen, but do you want to part with key minors leaguers, guys such as Yonder Alonso, who could be an important piece to our future? Is a short term fix worth it? I think it is. Why can’t we be like the Milwaukee Brewers, who went out and got CC Sabathia last year? It created a buzz, filled the stands, and look at them now. They sell out almost every game, and are making money, which can lead to another big name potentially landing there. I think we need to take a serious look at Matt Holliday. Oakland isn’t going anywhere this year, and you know that Billy Beane is looking to deal him.
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Is this a real rivalry? Not really. From first hand experience, having attended this matchup at both parks at various times over the years, it’s nothing more than a geographic rivalry. I think most fans consider the other team to be their favorite in the other league. I know I do. The Indians are an easy team to root for. Read more »

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More important than anything else, lets get this guy straightened out, no matter how long it takes. His health and vitality is more important than anything else right now. I hope the Reds don’t rush him back.

So far this season, Johnny Cueto has been straight up dealing. The statistical line is fantastic: 3-1 record with a nice, shiny 1.59 ERA. Perhaps equally as impressive is his 8.1 k/9 innings. He has also shown good command of his repetoire, walking only 11 hitters in 39.2 innings pitched. That’s right in line with last year’s Cy Young award winner, Tim Lincecum.
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The season is still young, but the Reds are onto something here.  Pitching and defense wins ballgames.  Folks, we are looking at a Reds team that is 4th in the national league in team ERA, with a 3.91 mark.  This team has 4 LEGIT starters.  Any of these guys can go out and throw a great game on any given night.  5 team shutouts so far.  The proof is in the pudding Read more »

The good: The bullpen is lights out. Arthur Rhodes, David Weather, and Francisco Cordero give us a bullpen edge on most nights. If our starters can just get us 6 innings of decent baseball, these guys, on most nights, can take care of the rest.

Joey Votto has been a beast. He’s like Sean Casey with more power. He ought to be a cornerstone of this franchise for years to come. The good thing is, he hits lefthanded pitchers about as well as he gets the righties, so prolonged slumps for him are less likely.
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When I think of Cincinnati Reds teams from this decade, what comes to mind is that they have been mostly a free swinging bunch. Lots of homeruns, but not very good situational hitting, and lots of strikeouts.
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It’s truly the greatest feeling in the world. There’s something about spring time that offers a promise of hope, and as of this time, every team (expect the Pirates–they are already 8 games back) have something to look forward to. The “experts” have spoken, the predictions have been made, but games aren’t won and lost according to prognostications. Opening day is about opportunity. That’s the message they sell. Some may not buy into it, but I eat it all up.
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