Reds need to fix a flat July - LucianoJJ's Blog

LucianoJJ's Blog

Reds need to fix a flat July

Posted on July 22, 2010 at 11:01 AM.

(0)

Falling behind by 1.5 games may not seem like much, the Cincinnati Reds cannot afford to drop off much further. Scott Rolen is day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Ramon Hernandez was on the DL after hurting himself, legging out a triple on July 4. Hernandez returned to the lineup, and started at 1B today. Aaron Harang seemed to have overcome early season struggles, only to find himself on the DL with back trouble.

Losing out in the Cliff Lee trade sweepstakes was a missed opportunity to reinforce for the stretch run. Edinson Volquez’s return from Tommy John surgery last weekend was encouraging. Volquez’s comeback was spun as if it was equal to a blockbuster July deal. There is a big difference between picking up a healthy veteran with a Cy Young on the shelf, and welcoming back a young pitcher recovering from an operation. Volquez was outstanding in 2008, but there are plenty of pitchers who managed one good year, then faded away. Homer Bailey seems close to returning from a shoulder injury. In his absence, rookies Travis Wood and Sam LeCure outperformed the perennial prospect Bailey. In four separate seasons, Bailey has only managed one six-week stretch late last season that approaches his potential. The Reds need the real deal, not a relapse of Bailey’s former form. Will we see Bailey and or Mike Leake go to the bullpen down the stretch? Is Jason Isringhausen the answer? Could he be ready by mid-August?

Brandon Phillips has received All-Star publicity. He has also slumped badly at the plate in July. Orlando Cabrera has yet to catch fire in the two-hole of the batting order. This leaves Cub-hating/just-kidding Joey Votto often batting with bases empty and two outs to start many games. Johnny Gomes continues to hit the ball hard, but Jay Bruce’s slump goes on. Drew Stubbs has begun to hit home runs in bunches, but his base stealing tailed off. He does not get on base enough to merit a return to the top of the lineup.

Besides all of these injuries, a struggling bullpen, and offensive shortcomings, the Reds need to survive the latest Cardinals 8-game winning streak and put together one of their own. Some questioned the composition of this club, and its resilience. The combination of aging veterans and young players who have never been in a pennant race is a volatile mix. The Reds need to rediscover the fighting spirit of so many May and June rallies.