The Cincinnati Reds are now eight games into their stint without Joey Votto. This was supposed to be a difficult time for the N.L. Central leaders. It was being labeled as a stretch where we would find out who this team really is and what they are really made of.
Six wins and two losses later, the picture seems to be clearing up. In the absence of their Gold Glove first baseman and offensive leader, this team has stepped up to the challenge.
Every season, teams are presented with moments that define their season, and this is what is happening right now. The Cincinnati Reds are in their moment. They hold a 9-2 record since the All-Star Break and are a half game away from the best record in the National League.
We knew at the onset of the Joey Votto setback that supporting cast members were going to have to step up, and that is exactly what multiple members of this team have been able to do.
From the pitching staff that has allowed three or fewer runs in 10 of the 11 games to an offense that overcame a six-run deficit in the staff’s lone poor performance, the Cincinnati Reds are winning as a team. Banding together as one and picking up each other along the way.
The offense is being led by BP, Brandon Phillips, who is hitting .429 with 10 RBI, Ryan Ludwick with three home runs and nine RBI, and Scott Rolen with a .375 BA and five RBI. The three veterans are carrying the load and paving the way for the supporting rookies who have even came up big—like Todd Frazier’s game-winning RBI in the six-run comeback against Arizona.
What can you say about this Reds pitching staff? They continue to lower their team ERA to a staggering 3.31 and continue to give a so-so offense a chance to provide them the lead. Aroldis Chapman has returned to his unhittable form, notching six saves with 15 K’s in 6.1 innings pitched. Homer Bailey is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA and Johnny Cueto has done what Johnny does best—go 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA.
In the words of Barry Larkin (during his Hall of Fame induction speech), “un-stinking-believable!”
Remember this moment, Reds fans. This is a defining moment for this club and it is setting the stage for their stretch run towards the postseason. The Reds are developing an identity of resiliency and it is happening before our eyes.
Let’s focus on one other subject real quick that is playing a major role in Cincy’s 2012 success—the rookies. Zack Cozart and Todd Frazier are both legit front runners for the ROY award. Cozart has provided solid rookie offensive numbers (on pace for 17 HR and 37 doubles) while putting himself in contention (front runner in my mind) for the N.L. Gold Glove award for shortstop.
Todd Frazier has put up the best offensive numbers of all N.L. rookies—Bryce Harper included, and yet Harper gets all the hype (article coming on this soon).
Frazier maintains a .285/.347/.542 slash with 10 HR and 33 RBI while Harper boasts only a .279/.343/.449 slash with nine HR and 29 RBI. I don’t know the exact numbers, but I would venture to say that Frazier has more game-winning RBI as well. He has continually come through in situations late in the game to give the Reds the lead.
Whether it’s the veterans or the rookies, the Cincinnati Reds are playing as a team, winning as a team and proving to be the team to beat in the National League. The short-term loss of Joey Votto may actually turn out to have been a positive for them.
Sounds crazy, I know.
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