Class is Over for Young Reds

The loss of third baseman Scott Rolen (shoulder injury) over the weekend raises legitimate questions about how the Reds fill his void. As Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty pointed out Monday, this club was much better with Rolen in the lineup last season (73-52)than without him(18-19). That stat alone likely fueled the outcry from fans that the team add a power hitter during the off season. Instead, the Reds decided to stand pat. Partly because there wasn't many enticing free agent hitters; and mostly because the small market Reds can't afford to offer big pay days to proven sluggers. The trade market proves risky as well for the same reason. Despite having many desirable prospects down in the minor leagues, the organization is wary of depleting its depth in case they would be financially unable to hold onto its proven stars. No, the Reds made a conscious decision to put its faith in its youth. One that will prove a sage move or cost them a chance at the postseason. It was hard not to keep the status quo after last year with the emergence of MVP Joey Votto, the strong finish to the season by Jay Bruce and the power numbers put up by Drew Stubbs. Combine that with the performances of Aroldis Chapman, Johnny Cueto and Travis Wood and you can see why GM Walt Jocketty didn't want to tinker too much with his roster. But as April turns to May, the Reds find themselves hovering around .500 without Rolen until at least May 6th and are still without Cueto and Homer Bailey in the starting rotation. With five months of the season still left to unfold, it's not the time to panic. However it is an opportunity for these young players to prove the organization's faith in them. Jocketty traded for Rolen midway through the 2009 season in order to change the losing culture and show the young players what it takes to win. Jocketty knew full well the chances of getting the same production out of Rolen in 2011 from 2010 (.285 AVG, 20 HR 83 RBI) was a risk, especially with his history of shoulder and back ailments. No, the time has arrived for the young Reds to put away the books and showcase the knowledge learned under Professor Rolen's tutelage. The team's return to the playoffs depends on it.