Cincinnati Reds mid season review

Since Bud Selig is bad at math, and has to have this ridiculous 16-14 league split, I have to do another mid season review in the six team National League Central to keep on schedule. I have to say it feels kind of weird to say that the Cincinnati Reds are in first place. When the season started they felt like a good team, but more average than great. However they have won some games, have a record of 49-41 and have taken advantage of a slip by the St. Louis Cardinals to plant themselves atop the only division in this league to have six teams.

I say average, but when we look at their offense stats we see every category is in the top half of the 16 NL clubs. They have scored 437 runs, and a s a team are hitting .272, and that is the highest team average in the NL. They are leading the NL with 843 hits, and 160 of those were doubles, 21 were triples, and 108 were home runs.

When we combine the pitching stats with the offensive numbers we see why I think of this team has average (and that is not a knock on them at all). As a staff they have given up 393 runs, and have an ERA of 4.20. They have given up 812 hits, 87 of which were round trippers. They have issued 312 walks, and struck out 581 batters. Their closer, Francisco Cordero, has converted 24 saves. He has an overall record of 3-3 with a 4.20 ERA.

If this club thinks it can compete in the central, they will need to add some pitching to the mix. However given the fact that they have played so well, and are probably performing above expectations I wouldn’t be making big moves this year. I would be letting this team gel a bit, and look to make a splash in free agency come this off season.

Related Links:

•Cincinnati Reds news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com