As Saturday’s MLB trade deadline looms, it’s fair to say the Reds’ remainder of the season will be greatly affected by what’s done or not done. For the first time in over a decade, at midseason, Reds fans can comfortably admit to themselves, “this is a good team.” It is a good team. The offensive and defensive numbers are among the best in the NL. The pitching has been spotty, but also brilliant at times. There is good leadership, there is exuberant, talented youth, and most importantly, it’s this writer’s opinion that it is clear that ownership and management are committed to winning. As someone who recently lived in Cincinnati for over three years, I understand the suspicion and doubt that runs deep through die-hard Reds fans.
How could a franchise that once fielded the greatest baseball team of all time endure so many years of mediocre ownership, management and performance? Pointing fingers at individuals is useless at this point (although it's sweet justice that LeatherPants is out of baseball.) It’s best just to be gracious that Misters Castellini and Jocketty came along when they did. In five years of ownership and three years under the direction of Jocketty, the Pride of Cincinnati is in position to win for years to come. But what about the next two months? Are the pieces in place to play in October? The wisest of men once said, “We’ll see.”
Finding consistency from the lead-off spot and from Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs seem to be the obvious questions in the lineup. Disgruntled fans like to criticize Bruce and Stubbs and I’ve even read a couple posts -- from Reds fans no less-- stating that the Reds have the “worst outfield in baseball.” Considering Bruce is 23 and Stubbs is 25 and both are potential Gold Glovers, I chalk those comments up to Disgruntled Housewife Syndrome: the little lady hasn’t gotten any in ten years and will say anything just to complain. Giving up on either Stubbs or Bruce at this point by trading them would be ridiculous and isn’t going to happen. Having Chris Heisey get experience and AB’s along with his ability to play all three outfield positions is a plus. He’s the ideal backup outfielder with speed, pop, and defensive prowess. Those who think Jonny Gomes “isn’t the guy” to get us through the playoffs in left, just aren’t paying attention.
Gomes has become the heart and soul on-his-sleeve Reds player. Rolen and Votto are the clear leaders of the squad, but Gomes brings the emotion. He plays at one speed and that’s the High Gear, all the time. I think he’s having a career year and his style is infectious. He brings that extra attitude that winning teams need. He’s the first guy that walks over to the dugout steps and stands there when one of his teammates is brushed back. Gomes is a gamer, as is his backup, Laynce Nix. Do these guys put numbers up that woo fantasy league players? No. But on a team of 25, their value is unquestionable.
Studies have shown that to win a playoff series, an MLB team needs power pitching, defense, and a strong relief corps (I just read that somewhere, I didn't make it up.) The recent reports on Russ Springer, Jason Isringhausen and Jared Burton are encouraging. We all have concerns over Cardiac Cordero’s consistency but if Isringhausen is “as advertised,” it should allay some of them. The Reds’ defense speaks for itself. The question is can three or four of the litany of starting pitchers stay healthy and lead them through September. With Mike Leake’s innings being monitored, and with his fellow rookie Strasburg’s recent arm issues, counting on him for October isn’t something that Jocketty is prepared to do. Volquez clearly still has some work to do to return to his ‘08 form. Cueto and Arroyo have been the steady horses and I look for them to continue to provide solid innings. And oh yeah, you probably didn't hear because it wasn't on any major news outlet, but there was a perfect game pitched into the 9th by a nice little Reds lefthander not too long ago. If Homer can return strong, even as a long relief guy, and the Cuban Missile is brought up to begin the adjustment to the Bigs, Reds fans will have something to look forward to as the push for the playoffs begins in September.
So the question remains: Is there a bat out there worth trading a few of our AAA prospects (Alonso, Francisco, Frazier) for? If so, how would he fit into the lineup? Could it mess with the chemistry that this team has obviously made tremendous strides to attain? Will the young guys, both in the rotation and in the outfield, put the extra effort in to shore up their respective roles? Is it possible that this team, as it is, could take the AL Champion to seven games in a World Series, or, even sweep them in four? For the first time in years, Reds fans can revel in the fact that every game from here on out counts. And as far as what needs to be done to play in October? Well, we’ll see.
Lou Williams -- sportswriter
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