Marty says we finish no better than 4th

[ForLoveOfTheGame]

I like listening to Marty broadcast games, but whenever he starts thinking and talking at the same time, he usually says something stupid. I think a worst case scenario would have the Reds in 4th at the end of the year. That could happen if we are hit with the injury bug again, and there is no obvious development and improvement from last year's starting rotation.

However, I think our offense and bullpen could be good enough to carry an average rotation all the way to the playoffs if we have good health this year. If I had to guess at this time, I would say the Reds will finish 2nd or 3rd in the division, and will be in the wild card hunt until the middle of september. If we acquire a topline starter by the trade deadline, this team is playoff bound.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

If the starting pitching is the same as last year and offense stays healthy, they go 81-81.

If someone other than Dessens and Davis can step up and give us a few quality starts, we can be contending by June and Bowden will hopefully pull the trigger for another arm. (maybe).

Until I see how these guys pitch in the spring, I have to go with Marty. 4th (which would probably be 81-81).

[HitByPitch]

I hope Marty is off base <img border="0" alt="[laughing]" title="" src="graemlins/laugh.gif" />

[4256 Hits]

4th will be the pick by most people; IMO I think it will be third because one of these three teams will really have a tough year. Cubs (the team I think will), Cards, Astros. Both the Cards and Astros will be hard to beat.

[BigDog]

I think this team, if healthy, can compete for a wildcard spot. Of course I am an extremely biased Reds fan so my opinion doesn't mean a whole lot in the big scope of reality.
I would love to have another viable option or two for a starting pitcher but the season hasn't started yet.
Bottom line to me is the health/injury factor. Last year was horrible in that regard for the Reds. If the Reds remain healthier than the other division foes, then I like our chances.

[CougarQuest]

I'm telling you, these guys are better than they are given credit for. There are going to be a lot of surprises in store for a lot of teams playing against the REDS this year. Apparently there are gonna be a few surprised that work for the Reds also.

[Mike de la Hoz]

On what basis do these edicts of juvenile optimism exist. On the basis of Elmer dessens as an ace?

[Crash Davis]

Marty's a HOFer, and I think of him in much the same way as cincinnati chili, but he's still your typical human being. When he pontificates about the Reds, he ALWAYS believes he's the one with the right answer.

That false prediction about Junior gets dusted off fairly often, but it is a good example for those who like to say, "It's true because Marty Brennaman says it's true." I would have to disagree that he's right 90% of the time, but he is as qualified as anyone to throw his opinions around...it's just that he's not Nastrodamus or even Miss Cleo. I listen with an open mind to what he has to say, but I don't doubt my own opinions if they don't jive with his just because he's a HOFer.

In this case, though, I agree. If what he said was "unless we catch lightning in a bottle with the pitchers like they did in '99, they won't finish better than 4th," then what's the debate about? They do need to pitchers to step up like they did in '99 because the Cards, Astros and Cubs are all very good baseball teams heading into the season.

<small>[ 02-26-2002, 12:04 AM: Message edited by: Crash Davis ]</small>

[Dano's Reds World]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Mike de la Hoz:
<strong>On what basis do these edicts of juvenile optimism exist. On the basis of Elmer dessens as an ace?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">LOL, on the basis of optimism..........
<img border="0" alt="[cheers!]" title="" src="graemlins/beerme.gif" />