From Lance McAlister this morning and it is spot on. 
We can say a lot about this team. We can slice and dice, and dissect it in any number of different ways. If you feel inclined to offer excuses, go for it. We can talk about injuries. Maybe you feel they have been victims of some bad luck. Bottom line: It’s just not a good baseball team. They don't do anything well. They lack identity. 
The don't hit (29th batting average)
They don't get on base (24th walks)
They don't run the bases well
They aren't fundamentally sound
The defense is shoddy
They don't throw strikes
They've got a handful of good players. They've got a boatload of slightly above average/average/below average players/AAAA players. The Reds were 59-49 and in first place three years ago this month. They are 20 games under .500 since. That’s on Nick Krall and ownership. That's organizational malpractice. And nobody is willing to own up to it.
 

1 hour ago, 16thBBall Fan said:

From Lance McAlister this morning and it is spot on. 
We can say a lot about this team. We can slice and dice, and dissect it in any number of different ways. If you feel inclined to offer excuses, go for it. We can talk about injuries. Maybe you feel they have been victims of some bad luck. Bottom line: It’s just not a good baseball team. They don't do anything well. They lack identity. 
The don't hit (29th batting average)
They don't get on base (24th walks)
They don't run the bases well
They aren't fundamentally sound
The defense is shoddy
They don't throw strikes
They've got a handful of good players. They've got a boatload of slightly above average/average/below average players/AAAA players. The Reds were 59-49 and in first place three years ago this month. They are 20 games under .500 since. That’s on Nick Krall and ownership. That's organizational malpractice. And nobody is willing to own up to it.
 

I'm not sure I agree with the handful of good players, but totally agree with all the other statements.  I would keep Cruz, Stewart, Burns, and maybe Abbott.  The rest can hit the road.

The Reds take the lead in the bottom of the 5th as Bradish had a perfect game going into the 5th and lost it on a walk to Suarez. Then he lost the no-hitter and shutout on one swing by Steer who hit a 2-run homer to put the Reds up 2-0 after 5 innings.

The Orioles get on the board in the top of the 6th with an RBI single to make it 2-1 Reds after 5.5 innings. The Orioles left the bases loaded.

Reds still up 2-1 after 6 innings, but now it falls to the bullpen to take us the rest of the way. Not feeling very confident about that. lol

Reds up 2-1 after 7 full.

No scores in the 7th inning still Reds 2 Orioles 1.

Reds get a huge insurance run as Stewart gets a 2 out double to go up now 3-1 with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th.

It comes down to Pagan to get a 3 out save in the top of the 9th with the Reds leading 3-1.

Pagan makes it interesting giving up a run but holds off the Orioles for 3-2 win.

A lot of talk about the bullpen but I feel the lack of offense is the bigger issue. The lack of offense puts pressure on the bullpen. Every inning our bullpen pitches is pressure packed because there are no easy wins with this team. Every game is close or playing from behind. That takes a toll on the pitching staff.

10 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

A lot of talk about the bullpen but I feel the lack of offense is the bigger issue. The lack of offense puts pressure on the bullpen. Every inning our bullpen pitches is pressure packed because there are no easy wins with this team. Every game is close or playing from behind. That takes a toll on the pitching staff.

It's a total combination with this team, no timely hitting, starters can't go 5 inning, and the pen can't get anyone out.  Just a bad ball team.

Reds vs. Phillies tonight first pitch at 7:10pm. The Reds have Andrew Abbott (5-4) on the hill and the Philles have Zach Wheeler (8-1). Amazingly Wheeler with his 8-1 record and just a 2.36 era was left off the All-Star team. I would say he will have a chip on his shoulder going into tonight's game.

Reds and Phils 0-0 after 2.

After 3, Phils 3-0.  KS hits #31, a 2 run shot.