Blackburn: Reds face a long road back
There are certain buzz words that sports fans never want to hear.
Terms like "rebuild" and "patience" are often synonymous with losing, and in most cases, so are "cheaper," "younger" and "cost certain."
In a few days, it's a real possibility your Reds will be all of the above. Remember the 2000s? You're about to have a flashback. The only thing missing will be The Mayor, Eric Milton and Albert Pujols hitting missiles to the left field bleachers at Great American Ball Park.
May the Lord help you in these troubled times. And for the sake of safety, tell the kids to wear a helmet.
The Reds haven't given their future plans any name quite yet, even as their impending removal of assets is glaringly obvious.
It started with the best pitcher in team history, Johnny Cueto, who was traded to Kansas City for three left-handed pitching prospects with intriguing talent.
If you believe what you read, and most of us do, the dealing is likely far from over. By the time we dig through the nonwaiver trade deadline rubble Friday evening, an entirely different team could be waiting for us.
"Now batting, the right fielder, Yorman Rodriguez."
Of course, Jay Bruce has been an icon in right since he was the No. 1 ranked prospect in the Reds' system. Part of the reason why Bruce is on the block — aside from his impressive stack of Benjamins — is because the farm system doesn't have another talent like him on the way.
(This just in, drafting and development are important.)
We can argue until next season about just how much refurbishing the Reds need. The record since the midway point of the 2014 season — 76-102, worse than gas after two bowls of soup beans — is all the proof one needs to call for an outright dismantling.
But Cincinnati isn't Houston, Miami or Oakland. Reds fans would never let accept an all-out rebuild without substantial outrage from the masses.
The All-Star festivities, and the way the city embraced the whole experience despite a bad year in the standings, were more than enough evidence that baseball is critically important to the region.
The Reds' marks on Fox Sports Ohio have been near the pinnacle of the league-wide ratings in recent years, partly because the region doesn't offer much else, but mainly because the team is woven in the fabric of daily life to many.
Ohio folks, especially its rabid sports fans, are competitive and passionate. They detest losing. If the Reds suck, just like Ohio State and many others, people want answers and accountability.
And that should be a legitimate concern moving forward.
Cueto is gone like Led Zeppelin. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page have a better chance at a farewell tour than Johnny coming back home.
If starter Mike Leake is traded — like Cueto, he is a pending free agent due for a raise — only Homer Bailey remains from a rotation that led a 97-win team in 2012. And Bailey is coming off Tommy John surgery.
A potential rotation with five rookies or second-year players, pending some unforeseen free agent acquisition, is a recipe for disaster. The pot has already started brewing in that regard.
If others go, Bruce particularly, it will only get worse. The road back to respectability won't be an easy one, regardless of who is hitting.
Fans should pack plenty of Dramamine for the ride.
sblackburn@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
740-450-6723
Twitter: @SamBlackburnTR