07-21-2018, 05:55 AM
(07-19-2018, 03:36 PM)samhain Wrote: I don't know. I'm starting to get the feeling that perhaps this team isn't looking to trade any major pieces at the moment. I'm not sure that's the right path, but it could be THE path.
It looks like this offense is for real, and could be for awhile. If their plan is to increase payroll and sign a couple of legit starters (or maybe one TOR hammer) in the offseason, then I'm on board with it. I've heard Williams say that payroll will go up, but just how much is the question. Take the current pen and add some decent SPs, and you're in business.
It doesn't even have to be an ace type of guy. Just get a couple of veterans that can go deep into games and keep the pen strong throughout the year. That alone would go a really long way for this team.
I view this team like the Brewers last year. They may not have gone into 2017 thinking they'd be buyers in the offseason, but the team played so far above expectations that they were. If the Reds continue on their current path, it would be hard to deny that they, with a very lean current payroll, should go out and try to make the major league roster better by spending now. I hope this is what they are thinking.
Pitching of even modest consistency would do the trick if the offense remains productive. I'm one who remembers the mid-70's well, and as great as the offense on those teams were, it was the pitching that fed all of those wins. The collective ERA's were low to mid 3's! 6 pitchers with double-digit wins in '75, and 7 in '76! That's how to win a 100+ games/season. Give us a chance, Front Office - get us some pitching!
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1975.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1976.shtml
Some say you can place your ear next to his, and hear the ocean ....
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