Reds are done - Part deux

[ChrisAsbrockFTI]

Here is my stance on my earlier comments on the Cincinnati Reds.

I made a very bold statement last week when I said the Reds were done and not making the playoffs. I know I said that about a team that at the time, was sitting with the 2nd best record in baseball and firmly in the Wild Card. With making comments like that comes backlash and I definitely expect that. In fact, I welcome the discussion.

However, by making those comments, by no means am I wanting this team to fail. As a life long Reds fan, I would never wish that for this team. I love the Reds and will continue to do so till the day I die.

With those comments, I have heard numerous rumblings that I hate this team, I'm a dumbass, I know nothing about the game of baseball, etc. That is why I am writing this to clear up the things I said.

I simply made the comments based on how the team was playing at the time, the status of the team (injuries) and the upcoming schedule. Based on those factors, I came to the conclusion that this team would struggle and fail to make the playoffs. By no means am I bailing on this team or wanting them to lose. In fact, I am hoping for the exact opposite. I hope they continue to win and make me look stupid for making those comments.

I wanted to get this out there so people will actually read what I meant and not interpret my comments incorrectly.

With that being said, Go Reds!

[edubbs]

So, now the Reds are going to get smoked 10 to nothing tonight... Thanks

[kerrdaddyfromthenati]

Asbrock I'm on!!! Here's my take on the Reds: they don't play with a lot of emotion on an everyday basis. The teams who are really good play with an edge - like the Reds did last year - that seems to be missing. The Cardinal's - for all the whining which accompanies them - play with an edge. The Pirates - and the 12 or 14 Reds they've plunked this season - are playing with an edge. The Reds are playing with a California Cool air about them - hey man .. don't worry .. everything will be just fine in the end - and maybe they are right. But the Cali-tude doesn't go over very well in Reds' Country. We prefer the Pete Rose/Chris Sabo/Ryan Freel/Scott Rolen attitude that every play and game is important. Will the Reds make the playoffs?? Who can tell at this point and maybe last night is a spark to get the Reds back playing to the level most FANS expected at the beginning of the season.

[edubbs]

Spot on, spot on

[ChrisAsbrockFTI]

Boom! I couldn't have said it any better about how this team has been playing. They play with spurts of emotion.

Hell, maybe they get a spark during this series that helps propel them to the top. Who knows?

The thing that ticks me off is the fact that I am certainly not wanting this team to lose, like most people think I do.

I would love for this team to pick up a solid RH bat and get healthy and tear up teams as they win the World Series!

[edubbs]

The Reds are looking to get shutout by a piss poor team by a pitcher with a 5 ERA. We need help... RIGHT STAT NOW!

[ChrisAsbrockFTI]

Well, wasn't that a great performance by this team?

[DaRedTruth]

I hate to say it... But this team is playing bad against bad teams. Mark my words... They will not make the playoffs.

[edubbs]

At first, I thought this team just needed a jolt to get out of this cold streak. So, Bailey lobs a no-hitter. There was the jolt and the team is still . This team reminds me so much of the 2011 Reds it isn't funny.

[ChrisAsbrockFTI]

All the talent in the world and just waste it like crazy!

[ChrisAsbrockFTI]

The worst part is, they have absolutely 0 leadership...there is nobody in that clubhouse that would put a boot in their ass...Rolen would have been that guy and so would Ludwick...problem is, neither are here.

With that being said, would you be willing to call Rolen and see if he'd be willing to come back for the remainder of the season? Would it even help?

[edubbs]

Is he still working out and staying in baseball shape? He has been out for awhile and getting into baseball shape is a challenge even when you are in your prime. I know we wouldn't be running him out there all the time but still... He goes to do that patented Rolen pick on a hard worm burner up the line... Ouchies

[ChrisAsbrockFTI]

Well, thats the million dollar question. I would imagine he's staying in shape...but baseball shape? Who knows.

I'd take him for something along the lines of the Jim Edmonds situation...locker room leadership

[edubbs]

No harm in calling him. He'd be on the cheap.

[ChrisAsbrockFTI]

Oh no doubt...another thing I have heard was possibly calling the Blue Jays regarding the availability of Ramon Hernandez. He knows the staff already, plus he would add veteran the leadership this team is lacking!