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I’d like to say the Reds are a team on the rise, but they’ll need to invest in pitching depth before earning that distinction. Look for the Reds to acquire pitching at some point this season if they decide to move on from Scooter Gennett and possibly Eugenio Suarez. As good as this system is from a talent standpoint, it does not fit the needs of the major league club. The system has done a good job of acquiring talent through the draft in recent years making up for a collection of high priced busts on the international market. Despite this, Cincinnati has continued to target premium college bats at the top of the draft and in the later rounds a mix of toolsy prep hitters and mashers from the collegiate ranks. Pitching on the other hand has been much harder to come by, outside a handful of bright spots over the years. The club has had a string of talented offensive players over the years, including the current iteration that boasts one of the stronger hitting infield groups in the major leagues. With the Reds qualifying for the playoffs just four times in the 28 years since their last pennant and title, it’s been a barren period in a once proud franchise’s history. Since the early 90s contender years, mediocrity has become the norm in the Queen City. I have by no means been a life long Reds fan, but I’ve always had at least a rooting interest in the club. There was just something about the Reds, their uniforms, and rich history that drew me in. Don’t believe me? Little Ralph had the freshest Jose Rijo “Big Head” shirt you’ve ever seen. This isn’t a joke to impress my Natti readers, I was a legit fan. A fan of Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, and the Nasty Boys, I stocked up on the early 90s Reds studs. These were some of my go to power moves back in my younger days as a card collector. “ You want to move some of those Rob Dibbles? I’d gladly take them off your hands for these Ozzie Cansecos and this Todd Van Poppel Future Star.” And just like that the gambler has won again. Whaddaya think kid?!?” A swap happens, and as the predator feasts he spots his prey, moving on to his next conquest. “I’ll trade you both Upper Deck David Justices and a Kevin Maas Rookie Card for the Barry Lahkin, Eric Davis, and Jose Rijo.
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The tallest of the three pre-teens pipes up in a strong Massachusetts accent. The three young men are completely absorbed in the action, never looking up to see what the other has, simply focusing on their personal cache, sorting each player in ranking order from best to worst. Three boys sit on the floor in the middle of a bedroom, the sound of silence interrupted only by the crinkle made by packs of baseball cards being frantically unwrapped.