In the coming days, I am going to write about the NL Central teams-- not to actually analyze their chances of winning the NL Central but to become reacquainted with the exact reasons why we dislike them.
First up... the Cincinnati Reds.
THE (RECENT) PAST:
There was not much animosity last season between the Reds and the Cards, mostly because the Reds finished under .500. But in 2010, when the Reds and the Cardinals were fighting for the division, there was plenty of animosity.
The hatred looked to continue in 2011 when Adam Wainwright underwent Tommy John surgery and a Cincinnati reporter wrote that (now former) Reds outfielder Jonny Gomes celebrated Wainwright's surgery by singing a song, "Wainwright's gone, Wainwright's gone" in the clubhouse.
Of course, Jonny apologized and denied the charge, but I am more inclined to believe the reporter than the ballplayer. The reporter took down the original article that spoke of the incident, but he wrote in a later article, that he was not the only one who heard Wainwright's name in the song.
Jonny obviously is not the kind of competitor who enjoys winning bragging rights by beating his opponent's best team.
Of course, after this incident, you can only surmise that it's their clubhouse culture-- extreme cockiness to the point of disrespecting opponents. This is the same clubhouse that houses Brandon Phillips, the second baseman who insulted the Cardinals and proceeded to feign friendliness with Yadi the next day. Yadi wasn't having it, preliminary punches were thrown, ultimately leading to the best Cardinals brawl in recent memory.
You know, I have actually grown to like Brandon Phillips-- or, should I say, admire him. I appreciate the fact that he's a really nice guy who loves to visit with fans.
I just won't ever forgive him for calling the Cardinals what he called them. Ever. I support those at Busch Stadium who boo Phillips to this day.
During the brawl, Jason LaRue and Carpenter were kicked in the back (Carp) and head (LaRue) by Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto, who suddenly forgot how to comprehend even a little English when interviewed about the matter, claiming through a teammate/interpreter that he was scared. LaRue retired after the season due to post-concussion syndrome.
Another issue the Cardinals and Reds have-- slick baseballs. Anytime Bronson Arroyo pitches at Great American Ballpark, the balls are slick. Cardinals pitchers DO NOT like this. (For those who don't know, baseballs are rubbed down with mud, so pitchers can get a good grip on the ball and batters won't have to worry a 95 mph pitch slipping and hitting them on the head.) Carpenter, in particular, will toss back ball after ball because the slickness prevents him from gripping the ball properly. (John Smoltz also had a problem with Cincinnati's slick balls when he was with the Redbirds). Needless to say, the Reds don't like that the Cardinals have a problem with this.
THIS YEAR:
The Reds are definitely going for it this year. Last year's top two teams (Brewers and Cardinals), lost large contributors (oh, man, there's a Prince Fielder joke waiting there, but I'll leave it be). Plus, with Joey Votto closer to testing the free agent market, the window of opportunity is closing.
The Reds made aggressive moves this off-season, shipping the future (typical of Jocketty-- depleting the farm system for large acquisitions. SEE: St. Louis Cardinals under his tenure.) to San Diego for starting pitcher Mat Latos. They acquired Cubs reliever, left-hander Sean Marshall, to serve as the bullpen's set-up man. Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson signed to handle to ninth inning. Unfortunately, they will be paying him $8.5 million to undergo Tommy John surgery. Even worse (for whoever owns the Reds), is the fact that that $8.5 million puts a strain on the purse strings. If the Reds are in the race come the trade deadline, how salary will they be willing to take on in a trade?
All in all, the Reds look to be a solid all-around team-- a good defense and offense, to complement improved pitching.
EDIT (April 3, 2012): Joey Votto will not become a free-agent after 2013. Yesterday night it was announced that he and the Reds had agreed to a contract extension worth $225 million over 10 years.
