- LAST YEAR: 77-63 8 GB, 2nd / .324 / 4.44
- BNN PREDICTION: 74-66 2nd / .264 / 2.82
- FARM SYSTEM: 6th
- PAYROLL: 6th, $25,207
- HIGHEST PAID PLAYER: C Frank Snyder, $1,855
- CASH BALANCE: $243,755
It is a common misconception that when you finish in last place then the only way is up. You can, of course, stay right where you are. This is what happened to Cincinnati in 1902 and – sorry Cincy fans – seems set to continue for the foreseeable future.
The Reds have lost almost 100 games in each of the first two FL seasons, even more staggering when you keep in mind those seasons have each consisted of just 140 games. I doubt they’ll plumb those depths again this year, but if this is a turnaround story then it is approximately the length of
Infinite Jest, and about as difficult to comprehend.
I must have told myself a million times not to exaggerate…
OK, so it isn’t that bad, but nor is it that good. The Reds have a smattering of good position players and two potential superstars in OF Vin Campbell and C Joe Ferguson. And SP Luis Castillo looks like he’ll be a beaut. But after that the cupboard is so bare Old Mother Hubbard would likely take pity on them.
Worst of all is the dire start of their farm system. And that is what Reds fans should despair of the most. I’m not sure what the up-highs in this franchise have been doing these past three years, but planning how to win an FL Championship does not seem to have been among them.
To any Reds fans out there, if changing team loyalties is an option I would give it serious consideration.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: OF Vin Campbell, C Joe Ferguson, SP Luis Castillo
Opening Day squad.