Reds fans are hoping for a competitive end to the 2018 season.
The fan base around the Cincinnati Reds is buzzing with renewed excitement after a hot finish to the first half of the season has seemingly put the Reds in striking position. Granted, being 13.5 games out of first place in the NL Central and ten games out of the wild-card picture isn’t the prettiest of situations, but just like the old saying goes, it isn’t over until the fat lady sings or until game 162 in this case.
We are currently 96 games down with 66 remaining, meaning there are 66 more opportunities for a win and to gain ground in both races. That is 66 more opportunities for your rivals to go cold, 66 more opportunities to make a statement, and well you get the point. It could also be 66 more opportunities to lose ground, take a loss, become a bottom feeder, etc., so the possibilities are endless in both directions.
Cincinnati Reds management and ownership have made it clear that they are already moving ahead to 2019, with an increasing payroll and hope for growth out of the youngsters on the horizon. 2019 will likely mean a new manager unless interim Jim Riggleman can make his case to stick around in the Queen City, which is a legitimate possibility if Riggleman can get the Reds to the doorstep of playoff contention or even into the playoffs.
The Reds faithful are loyal fans who hold out for any hope in a season where there is none, so while we aren’t expecting a 2018 World Series Champions banner at Great American Ballpark, we are expecting to be in contention for the second half of 2018, barring any kind of breakdown like we witnessed in the early part of the season. Rotational outfielder Scott Schebler going down with shoulder inflammation certainly is not a good start to the second half of 2018, but its the on field performance that determines whether you win or lose.
