FLB: Reds preview
By Tristan H. CockcroftESPN Fantasy Games
One of the National League's best teams in the last third of the 20th century -- they won three World Series, two National League titles and three division titles in a 25-year span from 1970-95 -- the Cincinnati Reds have fallen into a lull since losing a wild-card playoff in 1999. They averaged 72 wins the past five seasons, and have failed to finish higher than fourth since 2002. Their futility ultimately cost general manager Dan O'Brien his job.
Pitching has been the primary problem; Cincinnati has had a team ERA above 5.00 in four of the past five years, six pitchers have earned double-digit wins during that span and Jimmy Haynes (15) is the only one to win more than 11 since 2000. Whether it's the result of poor coaching, scouting, player development or simply bad luck, there isn't much pitching talent in Cincinnati these days. Former No. 1 picks Chris Gruler and Ty Howington have had their careers sidetracked due to injuries, 2001 first-rounder Jeremy Sowers didn't sign, 2003 first-rounder Ryan Wagner to this point has been a bust, and 1999 Rookie of the Year Scott Williamson has since endured two Tommy John surgeries and is out of the organization. Those are just a few of the dozen or more examples. Aaron Harang was the only member of the staff to throw 100-plus innings in 2005 and have an ERA on the better side of 4.00, and he won just 11 games with a 3.83 ERA.
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