Despite the grim outlook for the 2006 campaign, the Cincinnati Reds have found themselves in first place at the time of publication. With a record of 21-11 (second best in the National League), the Reds currently hold first place in the ultra-competitive National League Central. The Central has produced the last two National League pennant winners in the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals. The Reds thus far this season have a 5-3 record against Houston and St. Louis and a 14-7 record against the National League Central, which also includes Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Milwaukee.
One of the biggest question marks entering the season was pitching. But starters Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harrang have jumped out to great stats for the season, posting a combined 10-2 record. While the relief pitching is still suspect, the starters have kept the Reds in games and allowed the Reds’ potent offense, led by Adam Dunn, Austin Kerns, and Brandon Phillips, to win games for them.
The Reds’ fielding and batting have improved with the free agent signings of Brandon Phillips (.287 avg., 3 HR) Scott Hatteberg (.273 avg., 21 hits) and Edwin Encarnacion (.295 avg., 5 HR).
Despite the losses of center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. and starting pitchers Eric Milton (2-1) and Paul Wilson to the DL for most of the season, the Reds have held firm in first place. Griffey, Wilson, and Milton all look to be back by the end of May to help bolster the team.
The Reds have started out fast before, only to falter in the mid-summer days. This Reds team does not appear to have much in common with the Reds of the past. This Reds team doesn’t rely on the big home run to win games. The Reds are getting good pitching and are playing “small ball” and manufacturing runs. This Reds team appears to be built for a long run at the National League Central title.
New ownership under Robert Castellini and General Manger Wayne Krivsky have gone out and made good trades and free agent signings that have helped the club right away. Both have also been quoted as saying that as long as the team is in contention they will make the moves and spend the money to help the team vie for a division title in ’06.
The next month will be critical for the Reds. If they can hold their ground in the Central through May and June, look for the Reds at or near the top of the division come October and make the playoffs for the first time since 1995.