The Collapse Is Real, Reds Flailing

A popular twitter hashtag recently has been #thestruggle, meaning its hard to get motivated or you’re struggling. Well the struggle

Jul 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Sam LeCure (63) reacts after allowing a two-run double during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

for Reds fan is real and the collapse is real for the club. The Reds have now lost 5 in a row and have fallen a season high 6 games out of first.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals are running away from Cincinnati right now. The NL central leaders are currently in the midst of a 5 game series, a series that has seen Pittsburgh beat St. Louis in the first three games. Those three wins catapulted the Pirates in the NL Central lead while pushing the Reds further down in the standings.

Cincinnati has gone 6-7 since the All-Star break, the only saving grace for the team is the fact St. Louis has struggled as well. The hope amongst Reds fans is that the Pirates collapse like they always do, unfortunately it appears the Pirates are for real.

The problem with Cincinnati isn’t the starting pitching and it really isn’t the relief pitching. The problem comes down to offense and the manager. The offense has struggled massively, the strange thing is one night they’ll score 11 runs one night then struggle to get one hit the next.

Currently the Reds are 18th in the majors in batting average at .250. 18th is nothing to write home about, a team that considers themselves world series contenders is only hitting once every four batters, you don’t score runs like that.

How does the front office fix this problem? Honestly who knows anymore, it seems like Dusty Baker should go, his mis-managment of the team has become increasingly frustrating. The team also needs a bat, unfortunately it doesn’t appear like Walt Jocketty will make any moves. So your guess is as good as mine at this point.

Cincinnati currently sits 6 games back, the Cardinals come into town this weekend. A sweep by St. Louis will end the season, a Reds sweep will rejuvenate the fan base. Wait and see Reds fans.