Lack of Respect Following Reds…But Don’t Forget

Reds fans shouldn’t be all that surprised that almost everyone is picking the Philadelphia Phillies to beat the Reds in the NLDS. Dusty Baker isn’t particularly fond of that role either. Baker speaks on that topic for the series preview on ESPN.com:

"“I don’t really enjoy the underdog role, but that’s the role that you’re cast upon, and that is the role that you serve,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “These guys are the incumbents, so, naturally, we should be the underdog. Plus, we haven’t been here in a long time. It doesn’t matter what people think. At this point we’re one of the elite that are still standing. As long as you go to the dance, as they say, you’ve got a chance.”"

Being placed as such an underdog could mean that you’re lurking under the baseball radar…for the most part. Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com elaborates on one aspect of Cincinnati that is being overlooked, the offense.

"Still, the Reds stand a puncher’s chance, and perhaps better than that.Lest anyone forget, the Reds led the NL in scoring this season, even tattooing Oswalt for nine runs in 12 innings when he was with the Astros. Halladay and Hamels fared much better against Cincinnati, allowing just four runs combined in 24 2/3 innings. But it’s not out of the question the Reds offense will make the Phillies uncomfortable."

A spot with a familiar tone as mentioned in the Dayton Daily News by Jeremy P. Kelley. This does all sound exactly like 1990 all over. The Reds were given virtually no chance to win then…and they aren’t given any now. Kelly points out one striking similarity between the 1990 Reds and the 2010 edition.

"The Reds finished the season 91-71. Their last 91-71 record came in 1990 … when they won it all."

Ah. 1990. Twenty years ago…and not forgotten by longtime Reds fans.

It also is no surprise that all everyone is talking about is the other “big three”, the Phils starting trio of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. Most of the media is worshipping the new holy trio as all the rage. For the most part, the thrust of the series focus is falling on the two-time defending NL champs. And rightly so, but Cincy is being swept under the rug. That could prove to be a grave mistake if the players are listening to all the talk. This Reds team is not to be taken lightly.

The Reds have weapons even from a pitching standpoint. A point hardly anyone is concentrating on. With Travis Freakin’ Wood in the bullpen, Baker has the arms to offset the lefty bats the Phillies own. Wood, Bill Bray, Sir Arthur Rhodes and the “Cuban Missile” Aroldis Chapman provide more than enough match-ups Dusty can use to his advantage.

One thing I am surprised about is that former Red and current ESPN analyst Aaron Boone, who had selected the Reds to win the NL Central, has predicted a Phillies sweep. While I’m not surprised that he picked the Phillies, I am surprised he called for a sweep. Boone was the lone expert that had confidence in the Reds before this season even began. Now, he’s taking the popular route. Phils, Phils, Phils. All 10 baseball analysts on ESPN have taken that route.

It isn’t all gloom and doom

Remember…believe!