Random Thoughts on the Season

Now that the division is all but wrapped up, we can actually start looking at the post season. Cincy's magic number is down to three, and they're up 7 1/2 games with 9 to play. The goal, at this point, is to end up with the 2nd best record in the league, behind Philadelphia, especially if Atlanta makes the playoffs as the Wild Card. Here's why: Atlanta and Philly are in the same division, and cannot play each other in the opening round, even though the Wild Card traditionally plays the team with the best record (Philly). Instead, Philly would play whichever division winner makes it with the worst record. So if Atlanta's in, I would much rather face the Braves, and have home field, then have to open up on the road in Philadelphia. If Atlanta doesn't make it, Cincy will open with one of the teams out West, preferably at home.

But looking past the playoffs, can we just take a step back and enjoy what happened this season? How magical has it been? After the season is completely over, I'll come up with a list of the memorable (both good and bad) moments of the year. We haven't seen a season like this since 1995, so regardless of what happens in the playoffs, enjoy what just happened over the course of 6 months. Cincinnati survived a 162 game season and did what few thought they would. They not only had a winning record, they won the division. For once, there was something to do this summer (sports-wise) in this town, other than get excited for football season.

And despite the MVP season Joey Votto is having, can we get a little love for Scott Rolen? He was the missing piece of the puzzle, and Jocketty knew it. It's amazing to think that in the 8 months he's been here, the Reds have gone from being one of the worst teams in baseball to one of the best, and most consistent. And that, right there, is the key: consistency. That's what Rolen brought. Everyone knew he would grind out every at bat, whether he was on a hitting streak or slumping. Everyone knew he would make the play at third, every time. Everyone knew he would be the leader in the clubhouse, by example. Cincinnati hasn't had that since Barry Larkin. So while Joey Votto is the best player on the team, Rolen may be the most important. He singlehandedly changed the culture here.

I think Jay Bruce, Jonny Gomes, and Drew Stubbs are the keys to the playoffs for the Reds this year. I think the pitching will be good enough. We know Votto, Cabrera, Rolen, and Hernandez will be there. Hopefully Phillips is physically right. But if Bruce, Gomes, and Stubbs all hit, the lineup is as deep as it gets.

Can Cincinnati just give Bronson Arroyo a 4 year $52 million contract now? That's $13 million a year, and roughly a little more than what he is making now. He's the most consistent pitcher on the staff, and maybe the most important. For 5 years he's taken the ball every 5 days. He's never missed a start, never been hurt. Dusty Baker can pencil him in every spring. The Reds need a veteran starter to go with all of the young pitchers, and you're not going to find many better than Bronson. Only four pitchers have won 15 or more games three years in a row now: CC Sabathia, Roy Halladay, John Lester, and Bronson Arroyo. And now, there are only four active pitches to throw 200 innings for 6 straight years: Dan Haren, Javier Vasquez, Mark Buehrle, and Bronson Arroyo. The big fish this year, Cliff Lee, is not on either one of those lists. Arroyo is consistent, and he's a winner. How can you not bring him back?

Finally, I've come down hard on Aaron Harang for the last few years. It's frustrating to see someone fall so far like that. I wish he had put it back together this year, because I would have loved to see him finally have a shot to pitch in the playoffs. He suffered through terrible years here. But there was a time when you could run him out against Chris Carpenter and know you could win. In 2005, he threw 211 inning and went 11-13 with a 3.83 ERA. In '06, he threw 234 innings and went 16-11 with a 3.76 ERA and 216 strikeouts. And in '07, he threw 231 innings, going 16-6 with a 3.73 ERA and 218 strikeouts. Those are unbelievable numbers over a three year period, especially for a team that was as bad as the Reds were. Did you know he's the only pitcher in MLB history to lead his league in strikeouts and wins in a year and not win the Cy Young? I truly wish he could have fought back from whatever ailed him and become that pitcher again. It wasn't to be. But I'd like to recognize that Aaron Harang has been a consummate professional throughout it all. He will not be back in Cincinnati next year. I wish him luck wherever he goes, and sincerely hope that he can regain the form he once had. He was fun to watch, and was one of the few reasons to go to Reds game years ago. So, thank you, Aaron Harang, for the good years. I'll always remember those, rather than the latest years. Thanks for being one of the few bright spots for years. I hope you get one more chance to pitch this season. And I hope the crowd gives you a standing ovation. You deserve it.