Reds Fans

[CBin2k7]

So a couple of months ago if you would have told me that with a month left the Reds have a real shot at a .500 season, I would have fell over laughing.

Well here we have it, 32 games left, the Reds are 62-68, all they have to do is finish 19-13 and they will finish at .500 for the first time in 4 years. Now I am not jumping for joy after this .500 season, but for the first time in this losing stretch, I believe the Reds are making some progress. I have been a huge Dan O'Brien basher but I put that in my back pocket and I will give him some time, he is making strides. Now does Narron stay? Or do you go get Jim Leyland?

You can actually see hope with this team, and I think that is why they are not trading Griffey, well that and the impending sell of the franchise. The young nucleus of Dunn, Kearns, Pena, Encarnacion, Lopez and Olmedo that mix with the vets Griffey, Larue/Valentin and Casey and Freel have formed a nice lineup.

The pitching rotation has holes, but I believe we have a true number one on the way in Homer Bailey, Claussen and Harang have proven that you can pitch effectively at GABP and I think those two will only continue to get better. The bullpen should also benefit from this year's youth movement, I wonder how it will all pan out for the next month and will Chris Booker get a legitimate chance to close ball games.

With that all said, I will continue to be patient with the Reds, and hope they sign the core to long term deals, keep them locked up until 2007, when Bailey is ready to step to the top of that rotation and he is hopefully joined by some of the other prospects the Reds have.

Just wondering what the rest of the Reds fans out there think about this team.

[AMC]

Give credit to Vern Ruhle...He was overseer of the minor leaguers and the big league staff has shown improvement with him.

Was Gullett that burned-out????

[Stripes]

I don't think there's any doubt the Reds are making progress, and that is good to know. It seems both of our local teams with decade long playoff droughts are well on their way to getting into contention. I think the starting rotation next year could surprise people. Milton has had his opportunities to modify his delivery to adjust to our ballpark, and it is showing near the end of this season. I think Milton will be solid next year, and Harang and Claussen should have marginal success along side him. Hudson looks like he may be the real deal in due time, and Homer Bailey looks like a beast.

As for the offense, with the front office always wary to lose big names, I think the core players should be safe. Griffey will still have his injury risks, but he will produce while he plays, and we know what the other three outfielders are capable of. Lopez looks to become an upper-tier shortstop, and Encarnacion has been pretty good his rookie year. Casey will always get on base, as will Freel, and their value will be very apparent once we're in a playoff race. The Reds this season lead the National League in total runs, home runs, doubles, and slugging percentage. Not bad at all.

The bullpen has been excellent this year, and with Mercker/Weathers returning next year, that shouldn't change. The youngsters have looked good at times as well. Belisle looks to become a late game reliever, and I like what I've seen from Coffee. If Ryan Wagner could develop some cosistency, then he'd be a great closer candidate to replace Danny Graves.

Everything is looking up in Reds town, and the farm system is being handled very well to keep our hopes in the right place.

[Kirkendall]

I'm still on the side of caution -- call me a pessimist (even though I've been the most optimistic in the past here), but we've played some really bad teams (some 30 games against bad winning pct. teams: Mil., Cubs, Pirates, 'zona). We're playing in non-pressure situations -- no title to contend for, no expectations, just having fun -- which is great.

Let's see how they do against Houston and Atlanta (both post-season competing teams) starting tonight.

Our pitching has done well, but has pitched against the two worst hitting teams in MLB (Brewers, Washington) and 'Zona and Pittsburgh are at the bottom half. Conversely, the Cubbies are the best hitting team in the NL, and we swept them (in 3) giving up only 9 total runs.

I do think if this team continues to build around the foundation and philosophy it's moved towards, then I think this team could challenge St. Louis -- if all goes well (which, in cincy, is a phrase often more used to define disappointment).

But I will say this... if the Reds do indeed fire O'Brien, as has been "rumored", then that will be the biggest mistake this off-season -- hands down.

[bengalindian]

I'm still on the side of caution -- call me a pessimist (even though I've been the most optimistic in the past here), but we've played some really bad teams (some 30 games against bad winning pct. teams: Mil., Cubs, Pirates, 'zona). We're playing in non-pressure situations -- no title to contend for, no expectations, just having fun -- which is great.

Let's see how they do against Houston and Atlanta (both post-season competing teams) starting tonight.

Our pitching has done well, but has pitched against the two worst hitting teams in MLB (Brewers, Washington) and 'Zona and Pittsburgh are at the bottom half. Conversely, the Cubbies are the best hitting team in the NL, and we swept them (in 3) giving up only 9 total runs.

I do think if this team continues to build around the foundation and philosophy it's moved towards, then I think this team could challenge St. Louis -- if all goes well (which, in cincy, is a phrase often more used to define disappointment).

But I will say this... if the Reds do indeed fire O'Brien, as has been "rumored", then that will be the biggest mistake this off-season -- hands down.

Damn you, Kirk! I was gonna say the exact same things!

That said, Reds should trade Griffey for Ed Reed. Oh, you can't do that? Darn.

[Kirkendall]

That said, Reds should trade Griffey for Ed Reed. Oh, you can't do that? Darn.

I was thinkin' for some receiver gloves...

[Kirkendall]

Hey Indy, looks like we knew our stuff.

Hello? What happened to you all? Hello??? Tell me what happened to the Reds? In two games, one run (shutout Wed.) and given up 15? WTF. Hello???

I hope y'all aren't getting disappointed. This team will take several years to be the champions we know they will be. I'm just saying. Don't get your hopes up just yet, rather stand strong, stand proud, and stand with your Cincinnati Reds for they are the ESSENCE of Cincinnati, the queen city, the history of baseball. When people say Cincinnati, 95% think Reds FIRST. Be proud. Be damned proud!

[Stripes]

Hey Indy, looks like we knew our stuff.

Hello? What happened to you all? Hello??? Tell me what happened to the Reds? In two games, one run (shutout Wed.) and given up 15? WTF. Hello???

I hope y'all aren't getting disappointed. This team will take several years to be the champions we know they will be. I'm just saying. Don't get your hopes up just yet, rather stand strong, stand proud, and stand with your Cincinnati Reds for they are the ESSENCE of Cincinnati, the queen city, the history of baseball. When people say Cincinnati, 95% think Reds FIRST. Be proud. Be damned proud!

Hear Hear!!! Now go Bengals.

The Reds'll be fine. While we watch them play meaningless games in late August, losing 10-0, we can shed our silent tears. It's only a matter of time until our team is back in business, and it looks to be sooner than later.

[RedsFan75]

What they have to do now is get the fire in them to try and kill some teams playoff hopes like they did to the Cubs a few back. I still think with the schedule and this offense .500 is possible...

[redsfan2]

After losing their 4th straight, I think its obvious that we are not able to compete with the over .500 teams on a consistent basis.

There are some positives, but overall I think there is more effort expended on the fight in the front office with each other than on the opposing teams. Hopefully, we'll get some new ownership in here which will lead to a change in the ... I hate to use the word leadership .... because there is none.

Let Allen go grind his axe elsewhere ...... and get us a real dam manager !

[HoosierCat]

R.I.P Redstown? Daugherty thinks so...

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../510020370/1066

Not having lived in cincy for a while I couldnt say whether he's right or not. But I do know that even tho I live in the heart of Yankee country, my interest in baseball is minimal. Any time I get a chance to take in a Jets or Giants game, I'm there; I've turned down numerous Yankee and Mets tickets, even free ones.

[redsbengalsbucks]

I have been a Reds fan as long as I can remember. Every year I try to stay interested but when the team loses so often it is hard. I think if they would put together a couple of good years the fan base would come back strong.

It is a shame that the management has wasted such a potent offense by not even attempting to get a #1 pitcher, the best they do is overpay for someone elses rejects and let the talent the have developed leave.

Look at Riestma and many other average pitchers that could have helped solidify the middle of the rotation or bull-pen if paid to stay.

Spring training next year will be the exact same thing, with different names, which journeymen veterans and minor league arms will form the saddest rotation in baseball.

Football is much better to watch but I love to listen to WLW 700 The Big One during baseball season, at least untill the Reds fall 15 games out of first in June!!!

[redsfan2]

R.I.P Redstown? Daugherty thinks so...

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../510020370/1066

Not having lived in cincy for a while I couldnt say whether he's right or not. But I do know that even tho I live in the heart of Yankee country, my interest in baseball is minimal. Any time I get a chance to take in a Jets or Giants game, I'm there; I've turned down numerous Yankee and Mets tickets, even free ones.

Yeah .... I read this tripe too. I think Daugherty wrote that just in case some people had started to think that he actually did know his ass from a hole in the ground.

After a mere 15 years of misery and woe, the Bengals are finally starting to show some signs of life. Better than that, they actually win at home! Of course people are watching. As far as attendence ... its been one p r blitz after another since coach Lewis took over. Don't get me wrong here .......... I'm as glad to see 4 and 0 as anybody

.................................................... BUT ............................

Compare that to the Reds season ..... seasons. One p r fiasco after another. " Got a favorite player Cincinnati ????? Let us know so we can trade him for a player to be named later or CASH ! LOVE THAT CASH." What say we cut Barry Larkin ! How ya feelin now Cincy ??????

Reds dropped their last 4 games, finished 17 games UNDER .500, & I think 27 games out of first place. You really didn't have to go to their games to see how it was going to turn out. There for a while, you didn't have to go to Bengals games either. But if you did ... you at least knew it'd be over after 4 - 15 minute quarters. Reds on the other hand could potentially keep up the misery level for hours on end. I'm amazed anyone showed up.

Now, back to Daugherty the Dipstick. Cincy is not only A baseball city .... It is THE baseball city. I know that all of you know that, but I'm not sure he does. The fact that the city won't show up to watch a team they already know can't compete just shows they won't accept an inferior product. And they Shouldn't.

Baseball City ............ or Football City ?

Opening day parade ??????? Reds yes Bengals no

Sell out first game ????? Bengals ( finally ) yes ... Reds sold out too .... in about 15 to 30 minutes.

Put Munoz ... Ickey Woods .... Kenny Anderson ... Boomer Esiason and .... oh say David Fulcher in the convention center and its going to be packed. Put Rose, Bench, Morgan, Perez and Concepcion in the same convention center and it will be packed and the line to get in will be around the block.

Cincinnati has been The baseball town since there's been baseball ... it is today ... and it still will be when the Bengals win the Super Bowl.

As such it ( and the fans ) deserve a better team than this ownership is providing ...... They / we also deserve Sports writers that are able to get THAT message out as opposed to a premature obituary for the National ( and citys' ) Pastime.

Last and most obvious question ..... who the hell besides you says that it has to be one or the other in the first place???? What a dumb f**king article.

I'm done now.

[bengalboomer7]

I'm not a Daugherty fan but I disagree and think it hit it on. I'm not sure how old you are Redsfan and you name itself says enough about your team, but he did throw in the 18-45 deal in there. One fact I'll gove ya(don't have exact numbers, but I think it was shown on one of the games this year) Attendance totals from are dismal fifteen years of Bengals football weren't really that bad. Paul Brown holds what, 65,000 and I bet they consitently did 55,000 all through the 90's. Also, the 94 strike hit especially hard in Cincy, and I believe we were playing great that year(didn't Larkin win MVP in 95?) Football as a whole is more popular now and for once actually agree with Paul Daugherty

Except for that last part, each individual should decide and Cincy definitely deserves a better team, it is baseball's first professional team after all

Except for the alst part, Cincy does deserve a better Reds team, it is the first professional baseball team after all (I really like those beer smileys)

Wow, didn't notice a fast reply goes into the original reply, I've had one too many beer smileys

[redsfan2]

I'm not a Daugherty fan but I disagree and think it hit it on. I'm not sure how old you are Redsfan and you name itself says enough about your team, but he did throw in the 18-45 deal in there. One fact I'll gove ya(don't have exact numbers, but I think it was shown on one of the games this year) Attendance totals from are dismal fifteen years of Bengals football weren't really that bad. Paul Brown holds what, 65,000 and I bet they consitently did 55,000 all through the 90's. Also, the 94 strike hit especially hard in Cincy, and I believe we were playing great that year(didn't Larkin win MVP in 95?) Football as a whole is more popular now and for once actually agree with Paul Daugherty

Except for that last part, each individual should decide and Cincy definitely deserves a better team, it is baseball's first professional team after all

Except for the alst part, Cincy does deserve a better Reds team, it is the first professional baseball team after all (I really like those beer smileys)

Wow, didn't notice a fast reply goes into the original reply, I've had one too many beer smileys

Differing points of view make the world go round, and I'm always ready to accept and consider them on face value. You ARE right about the attendence at the Bengals games, but how many of those were Pitt, Cleveland etc fans who were there to watch the Bengals get trounced ????? By the end of the average Steeler game ... their fans were the only ones left. Cincinnati is / was always ready to grasp at any sign of hope no matter how thin. Remember Jeff Blake and the turnouts he used to get ? A back up reject from the Jets ... and he could have gotten elected mayor. Hell look how excited everyone has been for the last 2 years to get to .500!

More than wanting to support a winner ..... the city is starved to support a non loser and will ..... no matter what the sport is. Put a winning baseball team in Cincinnati and just like the Bengals games they'll sell out.

For my part ..... I'm a dyed in the wool Reds fan all baseball season ...... and a never say die Bengals fan all football season. No reason on earth not to be both ..... they aren't mutually exclusive. That's one of the big reasons DD's article torched my shorts so bad. I hate getting kicked when I'm down.

As for how old I am ............. Man .... I'm old. I'm probably older than some of the rocks in your driveway.

It's all good tho.

[San Antonio Bengal]

Well, I am not a baseball fan or a Reds fan. I can't believe I'm even posting in the Reds forum. There are times during the season when I might glance at the standings to see how the Reds are doing, but that's about all of my involvement in baseball. I used to be a big fan however. I was cheering in the 80s and all the way through the 1990 World Series and into the early 90s. Baseball cards were popular; all kids were playing baseball and while you had football and basketball, baseball was America's game and America's pass time. However, something funny happened on the way to the ballpark. There was the strike. And I can't put my finger on it, but it seemed that after the game came back, it had lost some of its charm. The game seemed slow and plodding. Compared to the constant motion of basketball and the excitement of football, baseball seemed tired and deliberate. There were times that I grew so frustrated because of games taking so long to complete. And eventually I simply lost interest to the point where I stopped following the Reds and stopping following baseball. In fact, I only knew that the playoffs started because I heard a little blurb on the radio about the Astros, being in that market and all. I am glad for baseball season -- it gives me a total sports break in summer time.

[HoosierCat]

Well, I am not a baseball fan or a Reds fan. I can't believe I'm even posting in the Reds forum. There are times during the season when I might glance at the standings to see how the Reds are doing, but that's about all of my involvement in baseball. I used to be a big fan however. I was cheering in the 80s and all the way through the 1990 World Series and into the early 90s. Baseball cards were popular; all kids were playing baseball and while you had football and basketball, baseball was America's game and America's pass time. However, something funny happened on the way to the ballpark. There was the strike. And I can't put my finger on it, but it seemed that after the game came back, it had lost some of its charm. The game seemed slow and plodding. Compared to the constant motion of basketball and the excitement of football, baseball seemed tired and deliberate. There were times that I grew so frustrated because of games taking so long to complete. And eventually I simply lost interest to the point where I stopped following the Reds and stopping following baseball. In fact, I only knew that the playoffs started because I heard a little blurb on the radio about the Astros, being in that market and all. I am glad for baseball season -- it gives me a total sports break in summer time.

I have a similar story. I started cheering for the Reds back in the mid-70s days of the Big Red Machine, which IMHO remains the greatest baseball team of my lifetime so far. Two events just utterly killed my Reds fandom: when they fired Sparky, and when Rose left for Philly. 1990 was fun, mostly because Lou Pinella was the manager and his success drove New York fans nuts, and bcause of Chris Sabo's goofy goggles. But I can't get excited about the team or the sport any longer.