September 18, 201312 yr Seriously, is there a more unpredictable team in MLB? For years everyone noticed that the Reds couldn't consistently beat the best in the division, even in years where they won the division they struggled a bit. This year they still struggle doing that in the beginning of the season, then completely change our opinion by having an impressive few weeks. They come right back and lose a series to the Brewers, who aren't good. I understand it's a grind and you aren't going to win every game but some consistency would be nice. At least for my heart health. And since I'm being picky, some consistency on the winning side is what I'm looking for. Lastly, if the Reds are playing meaningful games leading up to the end of the season and still make the playoffs, I like their chances a lot better than if they would clinch two weeks out. Those teams always seem to do better in the playoffs.
September 18, 201312 yr Seriously, is there a more unpredictable team in MLB? For years everyone noticed that the Reds couldn't consistently beat the best in the division, even in years where they won the division they struggled a bit. This year they still struggle doing that in the beginning of the season, then completely change our opinion by having an impressive few weeks. They come right back and lose a series to the Brewers, who aren't good. I understand it's a grind and you aren't going to win every game but some consistency would be nice. At least for my heart health. And since I'm being picky, some consistency on the winning side is what I'm looking for. Lastly, if the Reds are playing meaningful games leading up to the end of the season and still make the playoffs, I like their chances a lot better than if they would clinch two weeks out. Those teams always seem to do better in the playoffs. True. However, when you consider who they've been playing without for a good portion of the year, I think you almost need to be grateful that they're even in this position to begin with. I mean, what other team could lose their cleanup hitter, #1 starting pitcher, and #2 & #3 bullpen guys for the length that the Reds have, and still be contenders? And to you last point, I think it's very valid. Often times its not the best team that wins in the postseason, but the hottest team. When you clinch two weeks out, you automatically take your foot off the gas. And then when the playoffs start, it's not always easy to get back on it. Have they lost games that they probably shouldn't have? Sure. (Which leads to the frustrating part for fans) But, in the grand scheme of things, they've probably won some games that they probably shouldn't have had.
September 18, 201312 yr True. However, when you consider who they've been playing without for a good portion of the year, I think you almost need to be grateful that they're even in this position to begin with. I mean, what other team could lose their cleanup hitter, #1 starting pitcher, and #2 & #3 bullpen guys for the length that the Reds have, and still be contenders? And to you last point, I think it's very valid. Often times its not the best team that wins in the postseason, but the hottest team. When you clinch two weeks out, you automatically take your foot off the gas. And then when the playoffs start, it's not always easy to get back on it. Have they lost games that they probably shouldn't have? Sure. (Which leads to the frustrating part for fans) But, in the grand scheme of things, they've probably won some games that they probably shouldn't have had. Totally agree. Can't complain where they are after losing Ludwick, Cueto and Marshall the majority of the season. No complaints. Just observations. Still love the Reds.
September 18, 201312 yr True. However, when you consider who they've been playing without for a good portion of the year, I think you almost need to be grateful that they're even in this position to begin with. I mean, what other team could lose their cleanup hitter, #1 starting pitcher, and #2 & #3 bullpen guys for the length that the Reds have, and still be contenders? The Cardinals? Seriously, they have been hurt by injuries more than the Reds IMO. Every team deals with injuries and I don't consider what the Reds have dealt with this season to be overwhelming.
September 18, 201312 yr The Cardinals? Seriously, they have been hurt by injuries more than the Reds IMO. Every team deals with injuries and I don't consider what the Reds have dealt with this season to be overwhelming. Have the Cards dealt with pitching injuries like the Reds? Regardless, they have a stable so it doesn't hurt nearly as much.
September 18, 201312 yr The Cardinals? Seriously, they have been hurt by injuries more than the Reds IMO. Every team deals with injuries and I don't consider what the Reds have dealt with this season to be overwhelming. Had to look it up. But, looking at Cardinals injury list, it looks like Westbrook, Garcia, Holliday and Molina were the biggies (compared to the Reds). The stats that I saw showed that Westbrook has still pitched in 20 games this year, Garcia in 9, Holliday's played in 134 and Molina in 125. Comparing that to the Reds...Cueto (10), Broxton (34), Marshall (12) and Ludwick (30). I know there are others for both the Cards and the Reds (Hannigan, Heisey, etc.)...but, just trying to compare it to the main cogs. But, you're point is well taken. Every team deals with injuries. Some rally around it, and others fall by the wayside because of it. Heck, even the Yankees are still being talked about as a potential WC team, without playing the majority of the year with Texeria, Jeter and A-Rod. I just think you have to temper your true expectations for a team when you see what they've gone through.
September 18, 201312 yr The difference with STL is that they were able to replace a guy that went down with a guy who still could do the job.
September 18, 201312 yr Choo LF Phillips 2B Votto 1B Bruce RF Ludwick DH Frazier 3B Cozart SS Mesoraco C Hamilton CF
September 18, 201312 yr The difference with STL is that they were able to replace a guy that went down with a guy who still could do the job. Cingrani did a bad job???
September 18, 201312 yr Cingrani did a bad job??? And after a shaky start Parra was solid. The biggest impact was Ludwick because this team has a knack for being anemic offensively for an extended period of time.
September 18, 201312 yr Cingrani replacing Cueto...I'd give a solid "A". Don't know that you can really expect much more than that when replacing your #1 with a minor leaguer. Agree that Ludwick's absence was the one that the Reds failed to fill the most.
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