There’s Finally Hope in Cincinnati

Tonight was the Reds tenth game of the season. They lost. It was only their third loss of the season.

That’s insane.

Going into the season, I was mentally prepared for a 100-loss team. That wasn’t the worst-case scenario, either. If you watched the Reds for one game last season, there was no sign of this type of start. Here’s the thing: it doesn’t really seem like a fluke.

The Reds have won every game by at least two runs; over half of those wins have been by at least four runs. The infamous worst pitching staff in MLB history from last season has the best ERA (tied with Minnesota) in the majors through ten games. They’re doing it with four new starting pitchers (two of which are rookies), a revamped bullpen and an offense that is actually living up to expectations.

Now, is this going to last? No. Not at all.

Eventually teams are going to get tape on rookie starters such as Rookie (not kidding) Davis and Amir Garrett. The six young Reds relievers who have combined for 26 1/3 scoreless innings aren’t going to continue that pace. That’s okay, they aren’t supposed to. But the fact that they’ve shown this potential while playing with some much-needed swagger is a good sign for the future.

Let’s talk about the aforementioned Amir Garrett. Not only can he dunk better than most NBA players, not only is he Brodies with the future NBA MVP Russell Westbrook; the kid can flat out pitch.

In his MLB debut, Garrett went into St. Louis and shutout the Cardinals in six innings. He fanned four batters with a devastating combination of speed, location and movement. Garrett looked like a more controlled, less electric Aroldis Chapman. In two starts he’s compiled 12 2/3 innings, 2 earned runs, 9 strikeouts and only 9 total batters on base. Overall he’s been the most impressive Reds pitching prospect I’ve seen this century.

Garrett may have stolen Reds fan’s hearts already, but this quick start has to do with overall improvement from the entire team. It’s clear that fundamentals were the focus of this offseason — Reds batters are more patient at the plate and pitchers aren’t apt to crumble with runners on base.

Again, I don’t expect this above .500 record to last past July. But 70–75 wins is a realistic expectation for this team. Especially considering the absence of their top starting pitcher from last season, Anthony DeScalfani, and their $100 million man Homer Bailey will soon thankfully relinquish Bronson Arroyo.

Trust me, I’m not happy that I must concede defeat. I’ve been incredibly critical of Cincinnati’s front office and ownership, and I was lowkey rooting for an epic collapse in order to get fresh blood at the top of the organization. But they have proven everything I’ve said to be false.

There is hope for the future with Amir Garrett, Brandon Finnegan, Michael Lorenzen, Rasiel Iglesias and all the other youngins from the pitching staff that have made immense improvement from last year. Keeping Brian Price — and I can’t believe I’m saying this — has proven to pay off.

Let me enjoy this for awhile. Because come August, when everyone is going through their summer slumps, I’m going to have to reread this piece to remember the potential the Reds showed to start the season.

2019 World Series, we’re coming for ya.