A mere 13 days ago, I said this: the Reds can't expect to keep winning with a combination of backups, rookies, utility players, chicken wire, and bubble gum. We need to make a trade for a big bat (or sign a player, like Alfonso Soriano!). At the time, the Reds were 51-44 and 1.5 games out of first place. In 10 games since the All-Star Break, the Reds have won only once. The Reds have scored 17 runs in those 10 games. Even the one game they won was a 1-0 victory. The Reds are now 52-53 and 6 games behind the Brewers (and in fourth place no less). Talk of a pennant race has turned into talk of a fire sale. And so I will make two points:
1. All the "smart baseball people" will tell you it's foolish and short-sighted to trade away future prospects for the lure of a short-term pennant race. I agree with this point to a degree. The difference here is that the 2014 Reds have amazing starting pitching. It is difficult to assemble such a talented group. At some point you have to take your shot at the title. Why not take that shot now? Well, not now, but two weeks ago.
2. I suggested the Reds should (and they still could) pursue a free agent like Alfonso Soriano. Would Soriano have made a difference over the last 10 games? We will never know for certain, but I will stick with my point that the guy is just sitting out there waiting to be signed. He had a 30 HR, 100 RBI season last year - much of it while batting in a pitiful Cubs lineup. Even if he hadn't produced, his acquisition -- or any other player for that matter -- would have been a shot in the arm for the rest of the team.