Limping away from Philadelphia - LucianoJJ's Blog

LucianoJJ's Blog

Limping away from Philadelphia

Posted on July 12, 2010 at 12:13 PM.

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A week ago, I was satisfied. The Cincinnati Reds had crushed the Chicago Cubs. They posted a big crooked number that earned reliever Jeff Stevens a trip to AAA Iowa, and left the Wrigley Field faithful muttering about slaughter rules as they headed for the exits. Cubs fans turned on Stevens with such severity, boos after hits, jeers when the struggling rookie threw a strike, I wonder if he needs to see Carlos Zambrano's therapist.

When Cincinnati beats Chicago it is a victory on many levels. Small market over big market. Scrappy kids and no names over aging guys with bloated contracts. The Cubs weren't the first Superstation team to make a playoff run and win fans across the country. The Braves won the division back in 1982, causing channel surfers to abandon their home team. The 1984 Cubs, with Haray Caray at the mike, and John McDonough in the marketing office, turned perennial losers into a national treasure. The ball park went from being a quirky relic to a national monument.

Gradually, teams like the Reds saw their fan base defect. They wore blue to games. The crowds were divided. Beating the Cubs in their own ancient yard vindicates the loyal fans. There are hold outs in other cities, like Pittsburgh, Kansas City, who remember being contenders. Those folks never bought a Sosa jersey, and haven't bought any Yankee or Red Sox gear, either. With the shift in the game to better pitching, and the fading of those sluggers who may or may not have had pharmaceutical help, it is possible small market teams like the Reds may be back in the game, restoring some competitive balance.

Getting swept by the Phillies was painful. Reds fans must remind themselves of the Phillies appearances in the last two World Series. They must stay strong over the next three months. They have to suffer through the struggles of Francisco Cordero. They have to hope Scott Rolen remains healthy. They have to hope Edinson Volquez's return from the DL will serve as the same infusion as a blockbuster trade would. They have to hope Mike Leake has something left down the stretch and into the fall. They have to hope Bronson Arroyo's inconsistency doesn't become a factor. They have to hope the bullpen is sorted out.

The one Red I expect more from after the All-Star Break is Jay Bruce. He has gone from high draft pick, to phenom, to sophomore slump, and now is a decent regular. Bruce has also watched Joey Votto pass him, and make the All-Star team. How motivating is that? Bruce was viewed as the survivor when Griffey and Dunn were traded, but other teammates have outperformed him over the last two and a half years. His upside is tremendous. He is an admirable guy. He has the tools. If Bruce gets red hot, the Reds won't need to make a blockbuster trade at the end of July.

Comments

# 1 rrrdawg2 @ Jul 12

Well said. Even though I'm a Mets fan, it's sad to see a smaller market's fan base lose hope in their team and defect to a large market team. Jay Bruce needs to step up his BA from .266 and provide a consistent offensive spark.

However, the schedule after the All-Star break is somewhat favorable, consisting of a 7-game homestand against the Rockies (3-game set) and the Nationals (4-game set) before going on the road against the weak Astros and average Brewers. Atlanta at home could be favorable, but don't sleep on them; then there's the Pirates.

Here's to your Reds that they find a way to acquire a Ted Lilly type pitcher since Cliff Lee's off the market. Or maybe they can find a gem in their farm system.