Let's face it. When you lose by 3 touchdowns and get worked by the Metropolitans, you've got a problem. This NY team was an absolute disgrace heading into the series, and they've gotten healthy rather quickly against the hapless Reds.
My hopes are now starting to shift from "Jockerty" waking from his slumber and helping this team out to praying they don't deal away young talent as part of deals that won't make a difference anyway.
We're in 5th place, behind the Astros, for God's sake. Just think about that for a moment. We're behind a club that knows it has no chance in hell at winning the division.
At this point, I'm not sure who I should be mad at. Dusty? The front office? The players? Probably all of the above, although thoughts are creeping into my head that I wish they could lose enough in the second half to get Toothpick out of Dodge. Note before you beat me up over that one: I'd never root for this team to lose. I'm going to be pulling for them as hard as I can next Thursday when they open the second half against the Brewers, but it almost feels like we need it torn down from the top before we can build it back up. I want someone in the manager's position who inspires the team and instills a sense of pride and swagger.
I'm sick of totally unproductive players getting unjustified playing time.
I'm sick of bone-headed plays and mental lapses in the field.
I'm sick of the lack of approach at the plate and (apparent) lack of understanding for what certain hitting situations call for -- especially with guys at third and less than two outs.
I'm sick of seeing opponents dig in and take batting practice without ever getting brushed back.
And most of all, I'm sick of being embarrassed to wear my Reds lid every year around this time. It's been 10 freakin' years since we had anything to feel good about. I thought this was going to be a year where, even if we did not make the playoffs, we were going to be in a division race. After this last week, I can't see any way possible that can happen.
Thanks for letting me vent.