This Isn’t The Season Cincinnati Reds Fans Expected
By Matt Niehaus
May 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mike Leake (44) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
This isn’t what we expected. This isn’t the season we all thought 2014 would be. This isn’t going to be a 2012 repeat, the Cincinnati Reds won’t make the playoffs this season.
It is only May, the Reds sit at 15-18, 6 games out of first. By the numbers the Reds have a chance, on paper the dream of going to the World Series is still alive. In reality though the season is done, the team is broken, the fans have turned in their hats for the season.
Cincinnati is the definition of mediocre in baseball this season. They currently sit 15th in three categories, batting average (.252), on base percentage (.322), and slugging percentage (.384). The other major statistical category is runs and the Reds sit at 24th in runs with 123. The only bright spot is starting pitching where the Reds are 8th best in baseball.
The lack of offense by the Reds this season has carried over from last season. No offense leads to very unhappy fans and a team looking for answers. Joey Votto is in the midsts of horrible hitting streak, only 6 hits in his last 10 games including 5 hitless games.
Reds radio broadcaster Marty Brennaman made it a key point to harp on Votto’s lack of production as if he has all the answers and the fans were not aware of the dip in production. Between Marty and Thom Brennaman it is a toss up as to who will drive Reds fans to the cliff first, my guess? It will be Tom but Marty is a close and I mean a very close second.
Listening to condescending announcers only leads to the anger and frustration for the fans. In a season where the club is headed no where this is not helping at all.
Perhaps the most major issue for the Reds is the bullpen. Why JJ Hoover is still on the staff is perhaps the most perplexing question on this young season. In 12 appearances this season, third most for relievers, Hoover is sporting a 9.31 ERA. Not to mention he picked up the loss Wednesday night thanks to a horrible 8th inning. Horrible.
The Reds get Aroldis Chapman back this week, likely Friday. Unfortunately for the club that may not be the answer. Chapman can always close out the 9th, there is no question about that. The set-up relievers now become the worrying concern for the Reds now. Honestly, I don’t see things changing.
Should the Reds front office blow up this team and make changes? Yes.
Keep Votto, Cueto, Latos, Simon, Bruce, Mesoraco, Pena, Phillips and Hamilton. Everyone else is up for grabs. Trade or release Cozart, Hoover, Parra, Ludwick, and whoever else you see fit. While most of these guys hold no trade value a minor leaguer would be better at this point.
I have been a champion for waiting until the All Star Break before we panic. Having watched this team fall flat on it’s face in back to back games there is no reason to think there is hope for this club. Hopefully in September we can look back on this and make fun of it. Hopefully.