Seeing Red

After an exciting 2012 baseball campaign in Cincinnati, the Reds found themselves as the leaders of the National League Central division by a decisive margin. They finished the year with the second best record in all of Major League Baseball, separated from first place held by the Washington Nationals by only one game. Cincinnati sports fans found themselves anxious for another rare Reds October and a successful post season run.

The last time the team made it to the NLDS was 2010. A Jay Bruce walk off home run allowed the Reds to clinch the division and sent them to the playoffs, only to be shut out by the Phillies. Cincinnati hung their head and looked on to another season. However, the 2011 campaign was dismal, at best, rubbing more salt in the previous years wound.

The 2012 season started slow, but the Reds took off and never looked back. They faced trials and tribulations but the guys seemed to scoff at them as they kept racking up wins. Cincinnati was excited. The air was thick with jubilation. The fans were going to get another Reds October and these guys seemed unstoppable.

They started the 2012 National League Division Series in San Francisco against the Giants. Per the new league playoff schedule, the team with home field advantage would start two away and then come home for three. Though Reds fans appeared nervous to play this dangerous Giants team at home, their fears were snuffed as they watched their team go up 2-0 and heading home. A close game three ended on an error by Scott Rolen that allowed the Giants to score the winning run in the 10th inning. It was a minor set back, but the Reds still only needed one win. One win that they never got.

The Reds dropped the ball again in October. The Giants came to Cincinnati and pulled out a three game win streak in Great American Ball Park to take the series. Once again the Reds World Series hopes were squashed in the first round, leaving a sour taste in the fans' mouths. Will this team have their day anytime in the near future? As a RedLegs fan, myself, I am not only disappointed. I am seeing red. I want the team to be able to finish what they started. If the pitchers fall behind, take them out earlier. Do you know who I wouldn't want to be on the SS Minnow with? Reds players...because they would leave me on the island. The team cannot strand 10 runners every game if they want to win.

The Reds need a successful off season so that they can set themselves up for another playoff run. If not, Cincinnati sports fans may start heading for the hills again. The city needs them and hopefully they will be able to answer the call in 2013.