MLB
  Scores
  Schedules
  Standings
  Statistics
  Transactions
  Injuries: AL | NL
  Players
  Weekly Lineup
  Message Board
  Minor Leagues
  MLB Stat Search

Clubhouses

Sport Sections
Monday, July 17
Midseason report: Cincinnati Reds



The Cincinnati Reds are struggling. And it wasn't expected. The preseason predictions for the Reds were glorious. Some had the beefed-up Reds winning the National League. Others had them bringing the World Series trophy back to Cincinnati for the first time since 1990. But as of the All-Star break, the Reds (43-44) are on the outside looking in. It's time to take a look back on what has been a difficult first half for Cincinnati.

First-half MVP: In a season where the Reds' pitching staff has been a huge let down, reliever Danny Graves has performed like a savior. Starters Denny Neagle and Pete Harnisch were injured for parts of the first half and 1999 NL Rookie of the Year Scott Williamson (2-5 through 84 games) struggled out of the pen. (Editor's Note: Neagle has since been traded to the Yankees). Graves, on the other hand, has done nothing but shine. The 5-foot-11 righthander leads the team in wins (nine) and saves (14). His 1.89 ERA is almost unbelievable considering the offensive firepower in the majors this year. Without him, the Reds would not be in second place in the NL Central.

Biggest disappointment: 1B Sean Casey was considered part of the Reds' foundation, the core group of players that would lead Cincinnati back to the World Series. But, more than anyone else, Casey has failed to produce at the plate. In 1999, Casey broke out. He batted .332, hit 25 bombs and drove in 99 runs in 151 games. In the first half of this year, Casey is stuck in the mud. He's batting just .250 with four home runs and 20 RBI through July 6. For a player who scouts said "could win a batting title," Casey is having an awful year. Period.

Biggest surprise: We expected him to hit 65 home runs. We expected him to drive in 160 runs. We expected him to soar into the playoffs with his new, flashy team. And center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. may still do all of it. But Griffey's roller-coaster start makes you scratch your head. In the middle of his prime, in the city he wanted to play for, Griffey (.237, 26 HR, 64 RBI through 84 games) has struggled at the plate more than any other time in his 11-year career. That's unusual for a player who started this season with Hall-of-Fame numbers (.299, 398, 1152) and who dominated pitchers over the past four years (209 HR) with his power and patience. Would we be surprised if Griffey recovered and finished with numbers like .300, 59 and 148? No, of course not. He's Junior.

Second-half goals: The Reds have underachieved. And there might not be enough time to recover. Unless the Cardinals implode, the Reds only chance of playing in the postseason will be a grueling battle for the wild-card spot with the D-Backs, Mets, Giants and Rockies. And that's still a long shot.

Grade: -- Second place means nothing. The Reds can't even play .500 baseball. What a shame for a team with this much talent.

(Scale: 1 to 4 baseballs; 1 = worst, 4 = best)

We told you what we thought of the Reds' first-half performance, now you've told us. Here is what you had to say about what the Reds have to do in the second half.

 



ALSO SEE
Midseason Feedback: Reds

MLB midseason reports

ESPN.com's All-Star Game coverage

Kurkjian: Stories of the first half

Ten second-half questions for the AL

Ten second-half questions for the NL