So…a lot can happen in 24 days, huh? Just a little over 3 weeks ago, I posted about the Reds’ lackluster 2020 season. At that point, the team was 15-21 and it was looking like we’d have to pin our hopes on the 2021 season.
::: Insert audio clip of Lee Corso saying, “Not so fast my friend!” :::
Since that day, the Reds have gone 15-8 and CLINCHED A PLAYOFF SPOT!!! Are you kidding me? Is this reality?
Just a few weeks ago, I though manager David Bell would have packed his bags by now. Instead, he’s getting his team ready for the post-season. Amazing.
How did they do it? Let’s look at some numbers.
Eugenio Suarez found his power swing, and is now leading the team with 15 homers.
Shogo Akiyama raised his batting average almost 60 points and has turned into the lead-off hitter we wanted him to be.
Trevor Bauer actually LOWERED his 2.17 ERA down to 1.73. (Give that man the Cy Young Award!)
The Reds added reliever Archie Bradley, and he contributed a 1.17 ERA.
Rookie pitcher Tejay Antone is currently boasting a 2.94 ERA.
So the Reds are busting into the post-season where they will probably go head-to-head with the Braves. The Reds’ first 3 pitchers in that series will be Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo, and Sonny Gray. Braves fans will be forgiven for sweating and/or cursing when they read that last sentence.
The Reds broke out new “Respect Cincinnati” t-shirts during last night’s celebration, and it’s a message the other playoff teams better take to heart. This team is on a flaming hot streak right now, and Joey Votto said they will be a “nightmare” for any team they face.
Three weeks ago, the idea of making the card below seemed impossible. Today, though? We know we’ll be watching Reds baseball in October.
Do you believe in miracles?