Season at a Crossroads

As we all bask in the glow of Homer Bailey's second career no-hitter, let us try and take an objective look at where these Reds stand.

Last night's win coupled with losses by Pittsburgh and St. Louis moved the Reds within four games of first in the NL Central. The team's 48-36 record puts them in third place, but it is actually better than this time last year, when they were 44-36 and tied for first.

The team has dealt with more injuries this year, which have led to concerns about the bullpen and offense. But despite all of that, the team is 4 1/2 games clear for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Which means they're in the playoffs.

So, while I recognize this team's flaws and agree they should try an address them come the trade deadline at the end of the month, can those in Reds Country refrain from calling for manager Dusty Baker's job? I mean the name-calling on Twitter is ugly, petulant and some are borderline racist. I'll grant you isn't the greatest strategist or the best handler of a bullpen, but the man has won over 1600 games and everyone in that locker room busts his tail for him.

Plus, take into consideration Ryan Ludwick, Johnny Cueto, Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton have not performed up to their abilities because of injury.  Ask any team how would they do without its number one starter, clean-up hitter and top two set-up in the bullpen and I'll bet you most would say they'd be lucky to have won 48 games and be firmly entrenched in the Wild Card race.

Yes it is frustrating to watch this team not perform up to the level of St. Louis or Pittsburgh, but give those teams credit, and take into consideration that just because every so-called expert felt the Reds would win the division, it doesn't mean they're going to. Division championships are earned, not given. Just ask the Cardinals back in 2010. I bet Redbird fans were just as frustrated at they're team because of the Reds unexpected success as we are now.

I think fans need to resign themselves to the real possibility that this team may not win the division and reach the playoffs as a Wild Card team. It's not ideal, but accept it and stop with the name-calling. There's still another half a season to be played.