Hope Hinges on Wishful Thinking

But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep.

That quote from Robert Frost's poem Stopping by Woods on Snowy Evening may best describe the coming days, weeks and months for the Reds, Dusty Baker, Walt Jocketty and the fans.

2010's division title seemed to show the promise of what many of us hoped would be the re-birth of the Big Red Machine and a return to Cincinnati being known as a force to be reckoned with in the National League.  Now at 32-31, in 3rd place and at least 5 1/2 games out of first, it's a long and weary road ahead.

After failing to sweep the Cubs, the Reds embark on a 7-game West Coast road trip.  The first of four beginning in San Francisco versus the World Series Champion Giants.  Reds beat writer John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer did the math and the task facing the Reds is not an easy one.  Twenty-six of the next 31 games leading into the All-Star break are against teams with winning records.  Sixteen of those 31 pit the Reds versus teams currently in first place.  And you thought the 10-day, 10-game road trip was brutal.

Considering this team can barely keep it's head above the .500 mark since they were 25-17 on May 17th -- well, I'll just come right out and say it -- I don't have much hope.  Would love to be wrong, but what would make you believe this team is about to go on a roll?  Sure the recent starting pitching performances from Mike Leake (Monday) and Edinson Volquez (Tuesday) were encouraging, but it did come against the Cubs who are not exactly a winning team or in first place.

Another bad road trip like the 2-8 nightmare this team endured last month and you can put off those playoff dreams 'til next season.  Good luck Redlegs.  Prove me wrong!