Cincinnati Reds Ride Houston's Nine-Game Losing Streak

The Cincinnati Reds have used the nine-game losing streak of the Houston Astros as a springboard to tie them for fourth place in the National League's God-awful Central Division.

The Reds have won seven of their last 10 to distance themselves from the cellar, which is being occupied by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ramon Hernandez went 2-for-5 in his first appearance in the lineup since sidelined in mid-July with a knee injury.

The Reds have been in fifth place or the cellar since the All-Star break. If they could win the final 11 games of the season, the Reds could snap an eight-year losing streak. They are currently 70-81.

Injuries have plagued Cincinnati the entire year, leaving fans and sportswriters to ponder what could have been. As has been the case for the last half of the season, at least, the Reds had very few players on the card from the Opening Day lineup. This time the familiar faces were Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Darnell McDonald, and Hernandez.

As we draw closer to the postseason, we Reds fans have nothing to do but wish and hope for next year. What do we need most? Let's examine the situation.

We are dying at shortstop and, in fact, have been since before we attained Alex Gonzalez. He never really panned out to what most of us expected.

I can't imagine another year with Hernandez behind the plate. It would be my call to hand the reins over to Ryan Hanigan, who did a quality job in relief of Hernandez during the last half.

We writers have beaten the subject to death concerning the outfield. I would put Jonny Gomes in left, Drew Stubbs in center, and Jay Bruce in right.

Now, back to shortstop—what can we do there? I would try to find some way to unload Hernandez and one of our "babies" for a decent shortstop in the performance line of a Miguel Tejada, Rafael Furcal, or Mark DeRosa.

I realize DeRosa hasn't played short as much as some of his other positions, but he could adjust well, and if he couldn't, put him at second and move Phillips to short. The man can play anywhere.

I do not want to see another fast center fielder come in here during the offseason. That picture is getting pretty faded. First Corey Patterson and then Willy Taveras—'nuff said.

Cliff Eastham is a BR Featured Columnist for the Cincinnati Reds.

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