Hold Your Breath

It has to be the kind of start Reds fans were fearful of -- 0-3 with four vs NL power Philadelphia and three with surging Atlanta in front of them.  You've got to hand it to Cleveland.  They pitched extremely well and showed their offense is good enough to beat you in many ways.  First, rallying from four runs down on Friday, then getting a clutch home run Saturday before finally showing they can just score runs in bunches Sunday.

The losing streak now stands at a season-high five for the Reds and day-by-day they slip further and further back of first place St. Louis.  Just a week ago things were euphoric in Reds Country.  A sweep of hated rival St. Louis had vaulted the Reds past the Cardinals into first place.  Now Dusty, tired of answering questions about Jonny Gomes' slide and his struggling shortstops, blew off his usual pre-game gathering with the media Sunday (the first time he's done that during his managerial tenure with the Reds).  Compounding the situation is Edinson Volquez, who remains an enigma (a poor sign in your Opening Day starter).  Sunday he yielded seven runs in 2 2/3innings, including a four-spot in his usual bug-a-boo, the first inning.  Then lamented how the team isn't scoring runs like it did last year following the game. Leading Baker to admit afterwards the team is "mulling over" Volquez's future in the rotation.  'Bout time.

Fans likely already saw one change Sunday.  After two straight days as the DH, Gomes was not in the lineup.  While he has been getting less and less playing time of late, Sunday's absence may mean it could become even more scarce as the Reds could mix and match with either Fred Lewis or Chris Heisey in left field.  Plus, don't forget about Todd Frazier down in Triple A Louisville.  He can play multiple positions and has been pounding the ball of late from the clean-up spot for the Bats.  Also an important factor, Frazier is on the 40-man roster.

One thing is for certain, general manager Walt Jocketty will remain patient.  He and Baker will try to find a solution from within before exploring trades.  It's a prudent move.  One that worked for him last year.  While this losing streak is causing panic among fans, the team is only 2 1/2 out of first place.  However these next seven games could determine whether the Reds front office can stay the course or be forced to shake things up.