With 31 games remaining and just ten series to go, there is absolutely zero time for this Reds team to waste. Tough decisions have to be made, the hot bats need to stay in the lineup, and for crying out loud-get Matt McLain off this roster for the remainder of the season. It should be Sal Stewart time in Cincinnati, and I have no idea why he is still playing third base the majority of the time in Louisville. He would be our second or third best batter we have right now, and he is wasting away in Louisville. It’s not often we have this good of a rotation and making the playoffs is a must right now. Forget next season and forget about players possibly coming around. It’s go-time and this Reds franchise is desperate to make the playoffs.
Remaining Series for Reds (68-63) and Mets (69-61) – Battling for the Final Wild Card Spot
Reds – Dodgers, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Mets, Padres, Athletics, Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Brewers
Mets – Phillies, Marlins, Reds, Tigers, Phillies, Rangers, Padres, Nationals, Cubs, Marlins
Honestly, I think the advantage might go to the Reds in this case. The biggest challenge is handling business against their divisional opponents and finding a way to stay afloat over the next week. That Mets-Reds head-to-head matchup will be one for the ages right when everyone is preparing for Bengals-Browns week one. Being in the race in late August isn’t something Reds fans get to enjoy very often-it’s time to deliver for this city.
Get Matt McLain off this Roster
I love Matt McLain, and I think he has the potential to have a very long career in this league. However, now is not the time to let him continue to try and figure it out. He is slashing .125 over his last 7 games with 7 strikeouts. He is batting .186 over his last 15 games. I can’t remember the last time he even had an extra base hit. Having him up on the big-league roster is hurting the team and himself. He will not be better because of this and is losing confidence every time he steps up to the plate. Sal Stewart is slashing .311 with 19 HRs and 73 RBIs. He could easily fill the need of this offense and would be a great asset to this struggling team at the plate. Don’t wait until rosters expand, act now!
Don’t Make me Write About Football Yet
I don’t want to write about football yet and as much as I love the Bengals, I am in full Reds’ mode still. My closet is still Red, and I am ready to head to Milwaukee or wherever the Reds may play for playoff baseball. This team has enough talent to not only make the playoffs but make a run. Making the playoffs would release the tension surrounding the front office and provide fans with hope that this organization is headed in the correct direction. While I can’t wait for Bengals vs Browns, I hope to have that playing side by side the Reds in my garage, as I don’t want this Reds season to end.