Cincinnati Reds Return To Mediocrity

Allergies and such got the best of me toward the end of last week. I guess I was indirectly showing my loyalty to the Cincinnati Reds by making my first trip to the blogging disabled list this year.

Actually, by the time I found enough energy to actually think of something to write, the Reds had secured their seat on the train back to mediocrity...and I wasn't in the mood to write about it.

Let's recap. Shall we?

The road trip began with three games in Washington D.C. against the Nationals. The Reds got good pitching and just enough offense to take two out of three. A sweep would have been nice, but we'll take it.

On to Kansas City, where the resiliency that this team has shown all year was nowhere to be found. I found myself getting that "here we go again" feeling all weekend.

On Friday, Royals' starter Luke Hochevar allowed one run on three hits in a complete-game victory. He threw 80 pitches. Yes kids, an 80-pitch complete game.

Saturday night wasn't much better. The Reds collected six hits and were able to put four runs on the board. They came up short again as the Royals tagged Bronson Arroyo for six runs.

The big event Saturday took place in the fifth inning with two outs and the Reds trailing by two. Royals' pitcher Kyle Davies had already walked Adam Rosales and Alex Gonzalez. He then ran the count to 3-0 against Brandon Phillips. Phillips swung at the next pitch and flied out to right to end the inning.

Dusty Baker was not a happy camper.

"Brandon was supposed to be taking on that 3-0," Baker said. "That could have been the ballgame because we had him on the ropes at that time. He said he didn't see the take, but in that situation, you have to know you're taking even if you don't see the take. That's a big play in the ballgame. I know (third base coach) Mark (Berry) gave it to him. I saw him give it to him."

Phillips did not see the take sign because he didn't look for it. He admitted to not even checking for a sign.

"Honestly, in that situation, why wouldn't I swing on 3-0?" Phillips said Saturday night. "We only had two hits at the time. Our offense stinks right now...To tell you the truth, I didn't even look down there (at Berry). I was trying to make something happen."

This type of behavior is absolutely inexcusable. It is a slap in the face. Phillips might as well stepped out of the box and gave his manager the finger.

After the non-hustling issues addressed earlier this year, Phillips has been playing like an all-star and really seemed to embrace being a leader. However, a stunt like he pulled Saturday night can make it all go sour really fast.

The Royals got the brooms out yesterday with a 7-1 win. The miserable Reds offense managed to get five hits. The one run was unearned.

Johnny Cueto started and lost for the Reds, even though all five runs he surrendered were unearned.

Cincinnati had a total of 13 hits in Kansas City. They had 34 for the entire road trip.

Baker has seen his club officially return to mediocrity. They are 31-31, but still only 2.5 games out of first place.

The Reds will take a much needed day of rest today before welcoming the Atlanta Braves to Great American Ball Park on Tuesday night.