Well it wasn't a stellar home stand for the Reds (2-4 vs Toronto & NY), but the reality is they're still only 2 games back even though they're in third place and only two games above .500. As thrilling as the 10-2 defeat of the Yankees was on Wednesday, the 4-2 loss in the first game of the double-header that day was just as disheartening. To lose to a team that didn't have Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez in the lineup is really pathetic. Having Jorge Posada's first home run since April prove to be the game-winner was just icing on the cake (he said disgustedly).
For whatever the reason Washington can win 8 in a row and 11 of 12, but the Reds can't win more than 3 straight since they started the season 5-0! To make a run at the division that has to change and really it has to change right now. While Baltimore looks like easy pickings, I'm sure many thought the same about Toronto; and Tampa Bay will be no picnic either on this road trip. I think we keep waiting for this team to rise up and make a run but it hasn't happened yet, and the longer they keep running in place, the less likely a surge is coming.
The pitching is starting to get whole again with the returns of Sam LeCure and Aroldis Chapman to the bullpen and Homer Bailey to the starting rotation. How effective they'll be depends on how healthy they'll stay. And while you can count me among those who is ready to call up short stop Zack Cozart, I don't see it happening soon. The Reds front office -- smartly -- doesn't take direction from the fans when it comes to player moves and G.M. Walt Jocketty has shown a particular patient nature during his tenure. Even if the team does bring up Cozart, remember he's still a rookie not a savior. Plus, which roster move would they make. It's easy to say release Edgar Renteria, but the team signed him for a reason and there's a lot of season left. Remember he struggled so much last year that he lost his starting short stop job with the Giants entering the playoffs. There's also the money they would owe him no matter what. Sending down Paul Janish would be the less complicated move, but he hasn't tasted the minors in two years, is good defensively and he's young and inexpensive. The team risks losing this kid mentally if they ship him off to the minors now. Either way, not an easy choice.
I do expect Jocketty to make a move for a solid bullpen arm at some point this season. One, I don't think you can expect consistency from Chapman; and two, because of the starters early season struggles in April and May, there's a lot innings on a lot of arms in the bullpen. We'll just have to wait and see. The Reds will tell you injuries have kept them from seeing what this team can really do, which is why they haven't made a major roster shake-up. Jocketty, like most G.M.'s, around the league, take health into account when evaluating their team. Atlanta is a perfect example. They've been without Chipper Jones and their entire starting outfield at times during the season, and they're still waiting for second baseman Dan Uggla to return to form. That's why the Braves haven't traded for a bat yet to improve their offense.
Bottom line, we'll know better where this team stands by the All-Star break. After finishing interleague play, the Reds travel to 1st place Milwaukee and 2nd place St. Louis. If you don't see a spark from this team by then, you could definitely see some changes. By that point, it could be too late.
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