In the last 10 games, yes. Everyone knows the baseball season is a long race. There are about 40 million games that gives teams a chance to show what they really are. Going into the season we knew the Reds were a good team. A couple of offseason moves got fans excited about the pitching and the offensive power potential the Reds had. Also, we had Joey Votto. This was the one player that could always get the Reds back in the game, an incredible asset at the plate, I heard many times that this is the guy the Reds could not afford to lose to injury.

Then he got injured. Reds fans (as they typically do) freaked out. The season is over, it was mismanaged and the sky is falling. How can they compete with only a half game lead in the division and the best player in the world now out for 4 weeks?

So it got bad right?

Missing Votto the Reds have only been able to win 11 of their last 13 games. Also, they were able to win their last 10 in a row with 9 on the road.

Huh?

Yeah, when the Reds needed players to step up, that is exactly what they did. But who filled Votto’s shoes?

• Todd Frazier has started 10 games at first base (with Miguel Cairo starting three). Frazier has hit .269 with one home run and five RBIs since July 16.
• Scott Rolen is hitting .306 with two home runs and five RBIs in 10 games without Votto.
• Drew Stubbs since the Votto injury is 16 for 48 with 3 HR and 13 RBI’s.
• The Pirates (chasing the Reds in the division) have tried to stay close. In the last 19 the Pirates are a respectable 12 and 7. However, in the same span the Reds are 17 of 19.

So what is the Red’s edge?

Pitching.

• The Reds’ Opening Day rotation of Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo, Homer Bailey and Mike Leake has started all 101 of Cincinnati’s games this season, the only major league club that can make such a claim.
• Bailey is 3-0 with a 1.21 ERA in four outings during the Reds’ hot stretch.

Fight.

• They trailed in the 9th inning twice last week and won both (facing Co-Co Cordero).
• They trailed 6-0 after five innings in another game and rallied to win 7-6.

Can they get better?

Yes, and they may. Rumor has it that the Reds are looking at two players closely who could help in the outfield and also in the leadoff spot. Shane Victorino and Juan Pierre have both been rumored to be sought after by the Reds. (Also Shin-Soo Choo from the indians has got some rumor run)

Shane Victorino @ShaneVictorino

Batting Average: .261

OBP:  .324

Juan Pierre @JPBeastMode

Batting Average: .306

OBP: .346

All in all I think that Reds fans are pumped about what the Reds are showing and excited about the possibilities of adding a left handed bat and also getting Votto back.

Big weekend series against the Pirates that could all but close the door on the chasers if the Reds stay this hot.