Reds Month of July Game Thread

[kevin]

(07-21-2019, 06:27 PM)Circleville Guy Wrote: I can tell that you’re a passionate fan and that you’re still holding onto an outside chance that the team will claw back into the wildcard.  I’m kinda knew where it was headed after the two Indians games right before the half. That’s when you see focus. The Indians were closing out the half and the Reds were seemingly focused on their days off. Another time to focus extra hard is to begin the second half and the Reds fundamentals have been crap while the Cards and Cubs did the little things. Another huge focus time in to begin the year and the Reds didn’t have their heads in it then either. Votto is aging but I think he’s messed up more mentally than physically. The bullpen has had a rough stretch, every bullpen does during 162. There are 30 MLB teams, The Reds have given up less runs than  every team but 2. The Reds have scored less runs than every team but 4. There seems to be a lot more glee in their eyes after a homerun than there is after a win. I know that there’s several players into lifting weights. I’m not sure if there’s more of a macho focus on homeruns or what but I just don’t see hitters and fielders being consistently focused.

Votto is 35 and has had some bad injuries over the years.  He will be 36 next season.  Most players do NOT get better as they reach 40, they get worse as in declining skills.  I saw an old Tony Perez who would hit what use to be homers becoming warning track outs.  I saw Pete Rose who's hits use to singles and doubles turn into routine ground outs, as Me and some Friends came up with a chant, " Take A Seat Pete ".  Votto has had 2 bad years in a row.  To think that he is going to get better as he is reaching 40 probably won't happen.   I have to give Votto credit in that he has one of the best OBP in history of baseball and in the top 10 or top 20 all-time.  However he no longer has home run power, but warning track power.  The sad fact is the Reds could easily find someone to play First Base for less money with more Home Run Pop in his bat. Dietrich has more power.  The Reds overload in OF could have somebody start practicing at first.  If Stargell and Dunn could move to first base, it can't be that impossible. 

Votto on pace to hit 12 home runs in 2019. A team should be looking for 30 or more at First Base. As he now gets into his late 30's pushing 40, he may have more warning track power than homer power. I notice he doesn't bat in the power part of line-up last few years. A slow running table setter.