Ahead of the Curve

 

In theory, the Reds have a pretty straight shot to a playoff spot for the first time in 5 years. The nearest wild card spot is currently owned by the Mets, who are dropping like a stone. The Reds, with today's win, are 1.5 games behind them, and are trending upward. They're far enough ahead of the competition that they remain a major player in the wild card race, and with the return of Hunter Greene this week they'll have a stronger rotation and a more confident outlook heading into the home stretch.

However. This weekend, a series against the Pirates should have been a lay-up for this team. Yet they still managed to lose two games, and nearly lost today's thanks to some misplays by the infield. They're heading into series' against the Phillies and Brewers, two of the best teams in the NL. The Reds have been competitive the last two seasons yet haven't made the playoffs under this new regime, and now with Terry Francona at the helm they're getting even closer. If they miss now they'll never recover.

Without Greene, they've been decent but not terrible. Chase Burns has decidedly come into his own as a starting weapon, with 57 Ks over his first 8 starts. Nick Martinez and Brady Singer have had nice starts in fill-in roles. And in lieu of Greene's, and Lodolo's, absence, Andrew Abbott has been a very nice ace, going 8-2 in 20 starts, with a 2.34 ERA and 99 Ks. Abbott's consistency has been one of the reasons why the Reds have persisted in the wild card race all season, and adding Greene, and honestly Zack Littell who was really sharp in an initial Reds start, only cements their case.

But some issues still persist. Ke'Bryan Hayes was added to be an upgrade at third, and he hasn't been hitting. Matt McLain, as decent as he's been lately, made a major error earlier today. The ultimate reality is that this team just isn't terrific on defense, and a lot of the team's best hitters, Elly included, are prone to the occasional awkward moment in the field. And right now they're not good enough at the power game to really withstand their own mediocrity in the field. Having Austin Hays, Spencer Steer and Ke'Bryan Hayes out there can only do so much.

Right now, the Reds are a good team trying desperately to be a great team. If they can figure it out in a month, they're a playoff team. If not, it's another year of figuring out how to prevent this when the opportunity arises next year. 

Coming Tomorrow- Kinda odd that there are people other than Mike Trout that have persisted for the Angels but he's one of the longer-tenured ones.