If the Reds could bottle Monday's victory, they would -- because it's exactly the formula needed if they're to catch the Cardinals in the NL Central. Mike Leake went 8 innings allowing just 2 runs on 10 hits and Jonny Gomes broke out of his season-long funk with 3 hits (including 3-run HR) and 4 RBIs to help power Cincinnati to its 8-2 win over the Cubs.
Whether this is the sign of a turnaround for this beleaguered pitching staff or just a blimp during a 162-game season remains to be seen. To truly build on Monday's win, Edinson Volquez -- back from his minor league exile -- will grab the bull by the horns and follow Leake's outing with a similar performance. Following the Cubs series, the next 13 games consist of the World Champion Giants, followed by the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Yankees. To come out the other side, the starting rotation will have to be up to the task.
Typically the Reds don't play well on the West coast. They can't afford to this time. Another disastrous road trip could leave them looking at a double digit deficit in the standings, and an uphill climb upon a return home to face two of the beasts of the AL East.
Monday on the blogesphere, Reds beat writer John Fay pondered if the Reds need to make a roster shake-up. Aside from bringing up Todd Frazier, Yonder Alonso or Zack Cozart, there's not much else they could do. And as Dusty Baker said, hitting isn't the problem. No if Cincinnati is going to begin to trend upwards in the standings the starting rotation has to improve. It's been said on this site repeatedly for a while now. So, unless they are going to trade for Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee, the team is going to stand pat and hope the faith they put in their young starters begin to pay dividends.
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