Greetings. It's been a week since my last post and for good reason, I've been on vacation. Alas, Reds fans, the team is no better than when I my R&R began. I watched all six games last week. Three of them in person. The problem remains the same--pitching. What was thought to be the strength of this squad has turned out to be a glaring weakness through the first 60 games (although the poor team batting average w/2 out and runners in scoring position hasn't helped either). Sure injuries have played a part but the guys who performed so brilliantly a year ago have not risen to the occasion this year and show no signs of turning things around.
At some point Travis Wood is the guy who is going to be no better this year than his 4-4 record and 5.72 ERA. Same applies for Edinson Volquez (3-2, 6.35), Bronson Arroyo (4-5, 5.37), Mike Leake (4-2 5.03), Nick Masset (1-3. 4.31) and Aroldis Chapman (2-0, 6.92, 20 walks in 30 innings). All were key reasons the Reds won 91 games a year ago.
Sometimes it takes young players time to learn how to win. This is the problem when you rely on young players (certainly young pitching) and don't make a play for a Zach Greinke in the offseason. This team took a step in the right direction last year, but so far in 2011 they're learning a hard lesson when the target is squarely on them and every team is gunning for them.
A season ago fans would have been happy to see the Reds 30-30 after 60 games. 2010's success has spoiled us though. But I'm afraid a .500 record is the cold hard reality for 2011.
Have two agree with you on this one!
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