Found this on Lance's blog. I agree, and also appreciate the perspective:
Stayin' Alive
I know fans keep thinking the end is near for the Reds. They think the Reds are about to crash and burn.
It was fun while it lasted, but he Reds can't survive without Votto.
They need to make a major trade. They aren't worth investing your time, emotion and money.
That is what fans think.
Here is what I know.
We are 35% of the way through the season.
The Reds are 30-27....2.5 games of Milwaukee...in a three way tie for second.
With Edwin out for 38 games, Votto missing 22 starts, and Phillips, Taveras and Gonzalez missing time, the Reds have scored 250 runs.....
....six more runs than the Cubs.
Despite losing Votto, Edwin, Jr and Dunn, the Reds have scored just 12 fewer runs than a year ago at this time.
The Reds have allowed 37 fewer runs than a year ago at this time (243 to 280)
The Reds have the best road record in the Central (16-13)
The Cardinals have dropped five in a row.
Nobody is going to run away with the division.
Joey Votto has been taking batting practice and infield the last two days.
Reports of the death of the Reds have been greatly exaggerated.
You can knock the Reds down. They are getting back up.
You can stick a fork in them. They will pull it out.
Much like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever......say it with me...the Reds are Stayin' Alive