We said the Reds were disappointing in the first half of the season. You replied, "Duh." Out of more than 100 responses, only one or two had anything remotely positive to say, and that was mostly about the future. Reds fans are calling for blood, of GM Jim Bowden and CEO Carl Lindner mostly. And who's to blame fans who repeatedly describe the first half of 2001 and the most painful sport-viewing experience in nearly two decades? A sampling of your responses:
Your harsh words were too kind
Thank you for being so nice! (Really). As a life-long die-hard, (really hard), Reds fan, I thought your assesment of the Reds first half was very fair. It was grossly dissapointing. This team has been so mired in injuries, so painfully inexperienced in starting pitching and so woefully under-average offensively that for the first time in years I am looking forward to the Bengals' season starting. That is a bad first half. About the only thing positive to say is that Marty Brenneman still provides the most exciting and professional play-by-play of any announcer in baseball.
Marc Sankey
Franklin, OH
Yes, I agree with ESPN's midseason report. I wish I could criticize it and say it is overly pessimistic and exaggerated. But then I face reality and realize that this is a season to forget. As a lifelong Reds fan, I know that it must get better (just looking at the Cubs gives me hope!).
Jeff Ryan
Rogers City, MI
I've been a lifetime Cincinnati fan (I am 58-years young), your evaluation of the Reds was right on. You failed to rate the GM category (I give it 0 balls). You also didn't rate ownership (also 0 balls). The only reason I don't rate Boone is nothing to work with. The second half can only serve to audition young players and instruct them. Jr. and Larkin have become very cost ineffective and approach cancerous at times. Guess I'll
have to wait a couple of years. I was raised north of Hamilton and I waited before, but I can always remember the 70's and the 50's.
Terry Peters
Albuquerque, NM
This is the most miserable thing I've ever lived through as a sports fan. I lived through the Bengals for the last six years. I've been a Cowboys fan for the last 15 to 20 years, even through the 1-15 season. This is by far the worst. How can a team with this much talent be so bad? How can a team be winning at less than a .250 clip at home? I know why ... Jim Bowden is starting to make Mike Brown look like a genius general manager.
Kyle Schlagel
Cincinnati, OH
Marty (and Joe) for MVP
I think their MVP has been Marty and Joe in the radio box. Anyone that can witness a first-half like that and NOT go nuts every night on the radio has got to have their wits about them.
Gordo
Muncie, IN
First off, you have to give the Reds a two-baseball grade. One for Marty Brennaman, one for Joe Nuxhall and zero for the team. Second, you forgot to mention how horrible Pokey Reese is. Third, you didn't mention anything about the injury to the Reds most valuable pitcher for the past two years: Scott Williamson.
Brad
Columbus, OH
A slight difference of opinion
I have to agree with most of your first-half analysis of the Reds, but I beg to differ on the minor leaguer to watch. Adam Dunn won't be a minor leaguer much longer, so the title goes to ... Jose Rijo!
Steve
Cincinnati, OH
The first half couldn't have been more disappointing. Aside from that, how could the Reds not have brought up Adam Dunn by now? He is the "future", but he might also be as good a hitter as the Reds have right now!
Brian Kaplan
Cincinnati, OH
Management is just awful
For a while I blamed the collapse of baseball in Cincinnati on inujuries. Then once the regulars started back in the lineup it is clear who the real culprit is: Carl Lindner. Most people blame it on Jim Bowden, but Trader Jim would have loved to deal Larkin for some prime talent. Instead we have a lame duck multi-millionaire shortstop and no money to buy the pitching we so badly need. I think Carl needs to dish out some serious banannas in order to field a team that doesn't resemble that other team that plays in Cincinnati, and not make himself look so much like that other owner.
Brandon
Huber Heights, OH
Could any team play worse and earn more money besides Tampa Bay? The Reds make me sick watching them every night, and once, I actually watched the Yankees over the Reds. But I'm sure it was a good move for GM Jim Bowden to hire Bob Boone as manager. I love the way he's stearing my favorite team towards a pitiful, disgraceful 100 losses.
Mave
Carlisle, OH
Dubious judgment
Most surprising to me has been the continual acquiring of outfielders, when pitching is the greatest need. If you are going to call up pitchers, at least go to the Triple-A level rather than Double-A or lower. The time for trading for future prospects ought to be over. It is time to get experience, be a contender in 2002 and ready to roll in 2003 in the new ball park. But I am with the Reds, win or lose.
John Bowyer
Cross Lanes, WV
Larkin must make sacrifice
You nailed it right on. The first half couldn't have been more disappointing and to think that I used to think Larkin was a team player. Not anymore. He isn't worth nearly $9 million a year and I was one of those people saying give it to him. He's been hurt all year and when active has been worse than a replacement would have been. Now he should take one for the team and opt out of his joke of a contract so we can actually sign talent for the future.
Rob Jones
Cincinnati, OH
And finally, an optimistic voice
While I strongly agree the Reds are a huge letdown in the present, didn't the Braves and Twins pitching staffs start out very young and inexperienced before looking great the very next year? I remember Glavine, and Smoltz looking horrible and laughable (like the Reds staff now) in the late 80s early 90s, but since then has there been a better staff? Didn't the Twins look terrible and horrible just last year, and I read on ESPN that they would be very fortunate not to lose 100 games this year? The Reds have Chris Reitsma who has actually been much more than just serviceable. Against Randy Johnson (who struck out 20) Reitsma went toe-to-toe with him and pitching eight great innings. At least three other games come to mind where he either went seven strong innings with a no decision, or the Reds scored less than two runs to support him. Jose Acevedo has won his last two starts and has looked very impressive doing it. With starts and time will come consistency. Brian Reith, if his confidence is not shattered, is very young and has seen what he needs to get to the next level. Against St. Louis, Lance Davis made the Cardinals look very bad. Granted it was just one game, but again a very young pitcher will learn and get better. Just ask the Twins this year, and the Braves of years ago.
Jason Williamson
Payne, OH
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