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| Wednesday, July 12 | |||||
| Reds fans give midseason report | |||||
| We told you what we thought of the Reds' first-half performance, now you've told us. Here is what you had to say about our reports and what the Reds have to do in the second half:
The first half was a nightmare. From day one, the papers and news reports all over the country were already tagging this season as a failure for Griffey and the Reds. The pressure has mounted, and the Reds feel like they need to make up eight games with one swing of the bat. Opposing pitchers are averaging about 10 pitches an inning because Reds' hitters have no patience. Things may settle down once people get used to the fact that Griffey is just human. Look for them to make a run but fall just short of the Cards. BrianBaltimore, Md.
Although many would consider this sacrilege, it's time for the Reds to look past this year and get ready for the next several seasons. Barry Larkin is still one of the best shortstops in the majors, but the thought of tying up 20% of the payroll on an almost 40 year old does not make a great deal of sense. The farm system needs an influx of young arms and between Larkin and Neagle, they can reload and still be competitive in the near future. Do not be surprised to see one or more of the young "untouchables" traded this winter for an arm or two. John Churan Powell, Ohio
Give the Reds a bit of a break. Everyone thought Griffey would make a huge difference, but people forget how good Greg Vaughn was last year. Griffey makes the biggest difference in defense only. And Villone and Parris aren't surprising in their ineptitude. As for Griffey, it's time that people realize that batting average is nearly meaningless. His OBP is higher than last year! Oh yeah, he has 72 RBI and 28 HR. I know I wouldn't be ashamed with those stats. Brian Sisk Bowling Green, Ky.
The Reds need their pitching to come through. The hitting will come when everyone gets healthy. While they have had no major injuries, it seems as though they stay a bit banged up all the time. I've been to Cinergy six times this year. The Reds have had a different lineup every time mostly due to minor injury. Junior will be fine--he's Junior.
Brandon Roberts
What you said about the Reds is totally wrong! First off, the Reds had Bichette and Griffey coming to a new team, which is gonna be hard to make an easy transition (especially for Griffey to come to another league with different pitchers). But Junior's getting used to the pitchers now and he's getting on a hot streak like he always does. By the time October comes, Cincinnati will be in the playoffs facing the Braves just like the good old days. Ron Park Ashville,Ohio
I have one thing to say about the Reds: They get zero baseballs from me. Mike Rogers Athens, Ohio
One baseball? Come on. Our best pitcher has been hurt all year and is finally healthy. Griffey appears to be slowly coming out of his average slump. Williamson had a solid outing on the mound on Sunday. We will overtake the Cardinals. In the last series of the year, the Reds will take 2-of-3 and win the division by one game. GO REDS!
Brian Metzger
The biggest disappointment for the Reds in the first half? Try the bullpen! The starting pitching always looked a little shaky but that deep, nasty bullpen of '99 has vanished (apologies to Danny Graves). Untimely and uncharacteristic errors have also led to the Reds run at mediocrity. Throw in the Reds vanishing act hitting and you've got a team that finds creative ways to lose ball games! I think McKeon should probably go. Sorry, Jack. Markus Gurley Mt. Mourne, N.C. I'm getting sick and tired of hearing people say Junior has been a disappointment. He's on pace for 56 homers and 144 RBI. If high batting averages won games, Hal Morris would have been the Red's MVP for many years. The name of the game is to score runs and Griffey is contributing nicely, thank you. Chad Carroll Chillicothe, Ohio
As a baseball fan, I have to agree with your assessment of the Reds' first half, but as a Cincinnati native, I have to be more optimistic about the second half. In discussing the Reds, one very key member of the team was ignored, as he often is: Barry Larkin. It's amazing to me that with all the talk of the AL shortstops (Garciaparra, Rodriguez, and Jeter), Larkin is never mentioned. Granted, he is not in the AL, but to talk of the premiere shortstops in the game and not mention him is an outrage. Not only does he deserve credit among his contemporaries, but he should also be mentioned along with the greats of all-time like Banks, Yount, and Ripken. Larkin is an MVP, a World's Champion, and a veteran leader on a talented ball team. It is his presence on the field that makes me optimistic about the Reds' recovery this season. While he may never get equal time with the "Big 3", he will get his just dues one day in Cooperstown as a pioneer at his position and as one of the classiest acts to ever grace a ball field. Jeffrey Mulvey Columbia, S.C. No matter what people say, I think it is ridiculous to count the Reds out already. They have put together one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball. True, the Cards are playing excellent ball. But I don't think they can keep it up. They have also had one of the easiest schedules in the first half. It is ridiculous to think that Jim Edmonds is going to hit like this all year. He hits doubles, not home runs. Griffey will get hot, Casey will get hot, the offense is there. Bichette has been hitting great as of late. Aaron Boone has had a phenomal year. If the Reds get their pitching together they have all the tools to make a run at the pennant. People are so quick to call the Cardinals great, probably the same bandwagon jumpers who thought the Astros would be untouchable this year and our now calling them terrible. Nick Benner Columbus, Ohio | ALSO SEE Midseason report: Cincinnati Reds MLB midseason reports | ||||