Cincinnati Reds Finally Fly Their Flag Above the NL Central

In case you have been hiding under a rock (and perhaps with all the rain you have been, I won't judge) the Cincinnati Reds are in first place in the NL Central.  That's right, for the first time since last summer, the Redbirds aren't leading the division.

What does this mean?  In the grand scheme of things, maybe a lot, maybe not much—it depends on the perspective.

The Cardinals probably aren't reading into it very much.  Why should they?  They are only half a game back, and still lead the Reds in head to head games this year.  This is just one game to a playoff savvy team.  They are certain that when the fat lady sings, they will win the division again.  

On the other hand, it's huge for Cincinnati, both the team and the town.  In a baseball town—sorry Bengals but it's true—having a potential contender has the Queen City buzzing.  Parents and their parents have again begun to talk of the "Machine."  Reds t-shirts, caps, and jerseys fill the streets.

A young team is learning how to win, and play the game the right way.  The pitching has been dominant.  Over the past eight games, the team's ERA is 1.88.  The Reds lead the NL in defense and haven't made an error in 11 games.  They rank third in the majors behind Minnesota and the Yankees, not bad company if you ask me.

This is only May 16, and yes, there is a long way to go.  Get out from under your rock, get down to Great American Ballpark, and help keep this "New Red Machine" rolling through the season.  After all, the view is always better from the top.