Sports illustrated Article

[Krusty]

I’m all for an organizational housecleaning and start with the firing of Dick Williams who is probably the worst GM since Dick Wagner.
https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/04/19/ci...an-price-fired

[westofyou]

That's not going to happen and Dan O'Brien laughs at the assertion that any one is worse than he was

[Griffey012]

That article was doo-doo

[WVRedsFan]

He speaketh the truth unfortunately, just like Russo.

[chicoruiz]

Those of us of a certain age remember when seeing the name “Sports Illustrated” on something implied a certain level of quality...

[Krusty]

Sometimes the truth hurts. This has been an organizational failure and a reminder that tanking doesn’t guarantee long term success.

[Tom Servo]

Sometimes the truth hurts. This has been an organizational failure and a reminder that tanking doesn’t guarantee long term success.

What if I think the strategy thus far has been badly botched but also that the article was sensationalized and indicative of a media who completely ignores the Cincinnati Reds until suddenly the opportunity to kick up dirt appears just because they fired a bad manager.

[Tracy Jones]

What if I think the strategy thus far has been badly botched but also that the article was sensationalized and indicative of a media who completely ignores the Cincinnati Reds until suddenly the opportunity to kick up dirt appears just because they fired a bad manager.

Then you would be talking out of both sides of your mouth.

“On one hand I think they’ve done terribly with this whole rebuild thing but on the other hand the media stinks for pointing out just how terrible it’s been”

I think covered all your bases there.

[Krusty]

Right now I don’t think Dick Williams is competent enough to run a fantasy baseball team.

[Tom Servo]

Then you would be talking out of both sides of your mouth.

“On one hand I think they’ve done terribly with this whole rebuild thing but on the other hand the media stinks for pointing out just how terrible it’s been”

I think covered all your bases there.

Not really, because like I said I think the extent to which the rebuild has failed is sensationalized and exaggerated. Sure they both turned 25 just last week but Finnegan and Reed need to be put out to pasture, apparently. Peraza is getting close to 24, time for the euthanasia. Garrett and Romano don't even get mentions, and obviously Mahle must fit the whiffed pick criteria. And let's not even get started on Tyler Stephenson and Taylor Trammell, whiffed pick after whiffed pick.

I just think it's funny to come down like a ton of bricks on a team all at once for firing a bad manager.

[UKWhoDey]

Man that article is depressing

[NebraskaRed]

The farm system was praised and rated highly over the off-season.

They get off to a terrible start and suddenly the entire organization is a barren wasteland and it always will be.

[Circleville Guy]

There’s something that I’ve read in this and other articles that makes me sad. Ownership “tanked”, or didn’t try to win on purpose in order to get draft picks to rebuild. We all know it’s true. The team isn’t trying to win, they’re trying to rebuild with draft alone. I’m officially on the no game or merchandise boycott until they actually do try to win again. Personally, I at least need that commitment from the team.

[RED VAN HOT]

That article was doo-doo

At least that bad. The Reds stopped making major FA acquisitions long before 2014. They did spend money on extensions and were burned by contracts to Bailey and Mes. There's a small market lesson there. Besides who spends money when you are rebuilding. The Reds have never been shy about saying it takes time.

The bargain basement signs were made for depth and filler and for the possibility that there might be a gem in there somewhere. To do that during a rebuild is smart management. Simon was a bargain basement deal that netted Suarez. Straily netted Castillo.

Have the Reds really whiffed pick after pick in the draft? There have been successes and failures like any other team.

I don't recall Reed being perpetually hurt.

Regarding trades of vets, Latos netted DeSclafani. Even with the injuries he has been better than Latos. The writer makes it sound as if the Reds traded away star players for nothing. BP had virtually no trade value. If they made a mistake, it was in not trading him before he got 10/5 rights. I am almost certain that the Reds attempted to extend both Cueto and Frazier. Bruce, Cueto, Frazier, Phillips were not going to be part of the next winning teams. They would be gone before then. It was obvious to everyone that they needed to be traded. To date the returns have not looked good, but they did look good at the time. Finnegan, Peraza, and Herrera were all highly rated. They may still have value. I'll give him the Chapman trade. Never trade with the Yankees. That one smacked of desperation, even for a small market team.

To call it a perpetual rebuld after four years is hyperbole. Teams have gone through much longer cycles.

Finally, I take issue with the Reds being in a hole that they cannot dig their way out of. 2018 is about the pitching. This firing was about the pitching. If they come out of this season with three of their young starters making 20+ starts and posting an ERA under 4.5. They will be on track. Extensions of Suarez and Barnhart were good. Their payroll will permit them to complete the roster and address the holes.

[Krusty]

Problem is you risk losing the fan base when you purposely lose.