Not a great way to end the season...

[havefunkc]

Reds bow out in NL Wild Card Playoff. http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=331001123

That will leave a bitter taste for next season - I hope. Reds need another big bat that produces from the right side of the plate.

[appst89]

Reds bow out in NL Wild Card Playoff. http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=331001123

That will leave a bitter taste for next season - I hope. Reds need another big bat that produces from the right side of the plate.

Gonna lose Choo in free agency, but maybe Hamilton is ready to be the leadoff hitter next year. Definitely need another right-handed bat. This was as disappointing a season as a Reds fan as I can remember in a while. Expectations were so high and they just never could get it going.

[ASUMountaineer]

I'm not a Reds fan, but you have to be happy for Pittsburgh. That was an awesome scene for a ballgame last night!

[kiddbrewer]

The Reds' flop in the post season the last 2 years may have cost Dusty his job.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ml ... r/2921277/

[havefunkc]

The Reds' flop in the post season the last 2 years may have cost Dusty his job.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ml ... r/2921277/

Not may have... Did...

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/97676 ... eds-ouster

Times are a'changing in Cincy. Could be a good thing.

[mtnjax]

I'm not a Reds fan, but you have to be happy for Pittsburgh. That was an awesome scene for a ballgame last night!

Pretty much this. i'm happy to see Pittsburgh back in the playoffs

i'm pulling for a Pittsburgh/Oakland World Series!

[kiddbrewer]

The Reds' flop in the post season the last 2 years may have cost Dusty his job.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ml ... r/2921277/

Not may have... Did...

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/97676 ... eds-ouster

Times are a'changing in Cincy. Could be a good thing.

Hopefully they pick up someone that knows what they are doing. That team is loaded and with a few exceptions, need to be kept together.

[appst89]

The Reds' flop in the post season the last 2 years may have cost Dusty his job.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ml ... r/2921277/

Not may have... Did...

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/97676 ... eds-ouster

Times are a'changing in Cincy. Could be a good thing.

Hopefully they pick up someone that knows what they are doing. That team is loaded and with a few exceptions, need to be kept together.

Yep. Probably gonna lose Choo in free-agency, but Hamilton should fill the leadoff spot nicely. I'd like to see one more big right-handed bat in the lineup, and that could be Ludwick if he's healthy. Latos, Cueto, Bailey, Leake and Arroyo is a good starting rotation and the bullpen was good all year. The right manager has all the pieces in place for 100+ wins. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[MountainMan]

Gooooo Pirates!!!!

[Cincy App]

It's easy to root for the Pirates given the legend of Roberto Clemente and the lengthy period since their last playoff appearance. It's a bit harder given Hurdle's beanball mentality and the inhospitality of their fans. I'm pulling for either the Dodgers or Cards to win it all. Dislike the Cards during the regular season as an opponent but have respect for them as a true baseball city with knowledgeable fans.

I still hold out hope that the Reds can re-sign Choo. Appst89 - I believe that Arroyo is also a free agent but Cingrani will step in fine. Stephenson is not far away either. Reds need to be more consistent on offense. We also need a deeper bench. If so, 2014 can be our year!

[AppGrad78]

It's easy to root for the Pirates given the legend of Roberto Clemente and the lengthy period since their last playoff appearance. It's a bit harder given Hurdle's beanball mentality and the inhospitality of their fans. I'm pulling for either the Dodgers or Cards to win it all. Dislike the Cards during the regular season as an opponent but have respect for them as a true baseball city with knowledgeable fans.

I still hold out hope that the Reds can re-sign Choo. Appst89 - I believe that Arroyo is also a free agent but Cingrani will step in fine. Stephenson is not far away either. Reds need to be more consistent on offense. We also need a deeper bench. If so, 2014 can be our year!

I'm thinking the Reds need help behind the plate and at third base, too. I like the way Hanigan plays the game and I know he was battling injuries, but that sub-.200 average has to improve. Mesoraco wasn't much better than Corky Miller. Frazier was also disappointment. I just don't like his mental approach to the game. Swings at way too many first pitches. He's young and could blossom into a big run-producer, but I don't see it. Doesn't have it between the ears. Your thoughts?

[havefunkc]

I'm thinking the Reds need help behind the plate and at third base, too. I like the way Hanigan plays the game and I know he was battling injuries, but that sub-.200 average has to improve. Mesoraco wasn't much better than Corky Miller. Frazier was also disappointment. I just don't like his mental approach to the game. Swings at way too many first pitches. He's young and could blossom into a big run-producer, but I don't see it. Doesn't have it between the ears. Your thoughts?

Choo did better than expected. I can see him leaving for better money, but I can see him staying as well. Imagine: Choo in left, Hamilton in center and Bruce in right. Not a ton o'power, but I can see a ton of runs.

3B - time to move on. We haven't been solid at 3B except for some spells with Rolen. We could use a decent bat at the hot corner. Personally - I would love to see Chase Headley in Cincy - he's hurt right now, but he could be a nice improvement at 3B (and he wouldn't be THE man - so pressure off him).

C - it's easy to pick on the catcher, but in reality, there ain't much out there. It's been years since a decent crop of strong catchers in MLB. With the strong pitching staff in place (did I actually say that about the Reds), I'd rather have a serviceable C that can handle the staff well (Hanigan) than another bat... Plus, use the $ to get Headley and keep Choo. An upgrade a C backup would be nice (John Buck maybe).

[AppGrad78]

Sounds like we're on the same page. If Hanigan could bat just .235, I'd be happy. He does so many other things. What do we do with Ludwic?

[havefunkc]

Sounds like we're on the same page. If Hanigan could bat just .235, I'd be happy. He does so many other things. What do we do with Ludwic?

Ludwick? Good question, but I say trade... Maybe part of a Headley deal with the Padres? We seem to have a direct phone line to San Diego (Latos deal). San Diego could use another OF plus we have one or two coming up that might be of interest. Go get Headley... Keep Frazier (decent bench-hand).

[Cincy App]

I'm thinking the Reds need help behind the plate and at third base, too. I like the way Hanigan plays the game and I know he was battling injuries, but that sub-.200 average has to improve. Mesoraco wasn't much better than Corky Miller. Frazier was also disappointment. I just don't like his mental approach to the game. Swings at way too many first pitches. He's young and could blossom into a big run-producer, but I don't see it. Doesn't have it between the ears. Your thoughts?

The Reds had an off-year this year but managed to make the wild card playoff game. Doesn’t seem so bad for an off-year (like losing in the first round of the FCS playoffs). Could be much worse! On the other hand, the Reds’ effort and focus seemed to be lacking at times so I wouldn’t be surprised at some roster shake-ups beyond the free agent status of Choo and Arroyo. I do trust Jocketty and Castellini to improve the roster for 2014.

Given our starting pitching depth, I don’t expect to re-sign Arroyo for the contract he can likely get elsewhere in a larger home park. However, another possibility is to re-sign Arroyo and use Bailey as trade bait. Bailey becomes disposable if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal soon. Cingrani was impressive as a rookie and Stephenson is next in line. It’s great to have a healthy farm system again! SP should be strong again barring injuries.

Our offense was mediocre for much of the year. Bottom line is Reds will need more consistency from top to bottom of the batting lineup and will need RBI production from another source. Specifically (as suggested), we must get more production collectively from 3B, SS, C, and LF. The Reds will attempt to re-sign Choo but I’m worried about the impact of the big contract that Pence signed. I do think our odds with Choo are better than most expect. Hamilton will compete for a spot but is no lock. If Reds keep Choo and Hamilton earns a starting spot then Reds will definitely need a better stick at 3B for RBI purposes. I could see Hanigan and Luckwick out and Frazier moved to the bench. Mesoraco should stay as he still has potential. Cozart had a good September which should keep him safe. As KC suggests, Headley could be a target but I think his pricetag from SD will be too steep.

Overall, I think the Reds will be back strong in 2014. I expect a roster surprise or two. Jocketty is good for that. Don’t even be too surprised if we quietly market Phillips and significantly reshape our team.

[JCline0429]

Things must be getting a bit boring for App football for pro baseball to be getting this much play on here.

[appst89]

Things must be getting a bit boring for App football for pro baseball to be getting this much play on here.

No, just a bunch of lifelong Reds fans.

[havefunkc]

Things must be getting a bit boring for App football for pro baseball to be getting this much play on here.

No, just a bunch of lifelong Reds fans.

And misery (from this year) loves company... Dagumit...

[AppState89]

GO REDS!!!!!!