I’m Thankful for the Cincinnati Reds

First, I would like to extend a Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone whether you are a Reds fan or not. (What? Not everyone is a Reds fan?!?!) As you gather with loved ones, I’m sure you have a list of things for which you are thankful. I, too, have such a list, but I will not subject to that. I know, it is nice to see when those of that choose to do this show a little humanity.

But when it comes to my beloved Cincinnati Reds, I have a few items for which I am extremely thankful.

1. I finally relented on the Reds making Aroldis Chapman a starter

As I stated yesterday, I was in the camp that was largely in favor of the Cuban Missile be a member of starting staff. Over the past three season, Chapman has clearly established himself as one of the game’s perennial closers. In fact, it could be argued on some level that he is the best closer in baseball.

2. Billy Hamilton and his ridiculous speed

I don’t believe there is a single player in baseball that brings the level of excitement he does when he utilizes his speed. I think is evidence of that.

Simply ridiculous…

3. Johnny Cueto

No one particular thing about Cueto for which I do give thanks other than I’m thankful he’s a member of the Reds. We’ll see how long that lasts. And I don’t know why I’m constantly amazed at how he continues to improve. In two of the past three seasons, Cueto has received National League Cy Young consideration including a second place finish for 2014. He was also selected to his first All-Star squad, an honor largely overdue.

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4. The emergence of Devin Mesoraco

Seems like we waited forever for Mes to post a season like he did in 2014. We also have a clue on why we had to wait. With the deal that sent Ryan Hanigan to Tampa Bay, we were finally given an indication on who the Reds wanted as their backstop. And Mesoraco didn’t disappoint. He was selected to the NL All-Star team and received a couple of mentions in the NL MVP voting. Has he put it all together? Who knows, but the season he brought us was one we haven’t seen from the position in what seems like decades.

5. You, our readers and fellow Reds fans

I know I have said this here numerous times before, but without our readers, we simply cannot exist. The fact that you willingly choose to give us a look (regardless of how often you do, but preferably every day), is honestly quite humbling. Those that choose the option of leaving us comment whether on here, Twitter or Facebook, I sincerely reading every one of them. Sure, there will be times we do not see eye to eye on a particular subject, but that you made the effort to let your opinion be known is extremely gratifying.

So as you’re watching games or stuffing yourself with turkey (or both), my sincere hope is that you enjoy this day, a day for which we give thanks.