Every year I get a bunch of e-mail messages wondering if this is the year, and every year it’s not; the Reds are working on an eight-year streak of sub-.500 seasons. Why the annual optimism? Because their uniforms are so pretty. You think I’m joking, but I’m not; the Reds are one of the smartest-looking teams and you almost can’t help but wish them well.
Look, I too like Joey Votto and Jay Bruce and Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto. Aaron Harang’s not going to go 6-17 again, and Homer Bailey still has a shot (theoretically, at least). I suppose if you make a list of five surprise teams in 2009, the Reds might be in there somewhere. But while finally reaching .500 might be a realistic goal, qualifying for October baseball probably is not.
I’m going to refrain from commenting, because I’m still trying to wear my Pete Rose-colored glasses.
But I agree that the Reds uniforms look great.