Cincinnati Reds Christmas Wish List

Oct 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) reacts after striking out against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the sixth inning of the National League wild card playoff baseball game at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Back to back post season appearances, three winnings seasons in the last four years, two no hitters in back to back season. What more could a Cincinnati Reds fan ask for? Oh there is a lot a Reds fan can wish for.

Our Reds wish list, in order:

• A playoff series victory! Advancing to the NLCS is at the top of everyones wish list, it has been since 1990 that the Cincinnati Reds have won a playoff series. They almost did it in 2012 but a massive collapse against the San Francisco Giants doomed the Reds.
• An offense. Yeah yeah I know they score 698 runs last year, 12th in Major League Baseball, that is not enough though. The run scoring is fine, it is the ability to hit when runners on base that the Reds struggle with. The inability to drive in runs, to manufacture runs is what doomed the 2013 Cincinnati Reds. A consistent offense would make everyones lives so much easier next season.
• A new second baseman. Brandon Phillips has had his time here in Cincinnati, it has just run its course though. Phillips’ defense is incredible, only once or twice in 2013 did I say “What the eff are you doing?!”. The problem comes down to his offense, his attitude and his contract. If the Reds could trade him or pick up an equal, cheaper second baseman that would be ideal.
• A trip to the World Series. No not lets go buy tickets and watch the Red Sox play at Fenway trip. More like a lets pack GABP and the Banks because we’re in the World Series type of trip. This isn’t at the top of the list because this is the real world.
• A Mat Latos no hitter. If anyone deserves a no no on this team it is Latos. He has provided the Reds with some dominant outings, he just hasn’t  got the run support. Plus he and his wife are great people who have embraced this city.
• A Joey Votto triple crown. He is very capable of doing it. The home run part is where he needs to step it up but Votto could do it.
• Billy Hamilton’s bat backing up Billy Hamilton’s speed. Hamilton has proven he is a force when he gets on base. Now if he can hit consistently the Reds will be in good shape.
• Aroldis Chapman getting a chance at starting. If he doesn’t want to start trade him for a legitimate closer.
• And last but not least, a great season for first year manager Bryan Price. Lost in all the Phillips drama has been Price. If anyone needs some support this season it is him.
• For Marty Brennanman to announce his retirement following the 2014 season and Thom Brennaman

If you can think of anything you’d like for the Reds this season, tweet us @RiverFrontBall and tell us.