Cincinnati Reds Update

It's October again and Red fans have hung up their caps. Another regular season gone, another postseason

started without the Reds.

At this time last year, Reds fans had something to look forward to, but their dreams of a sixth World Series title were swept away by the Phillies in three games.

Fans looked forward to this season, hoping it would bring more success than the last, but they were disappointed when the Reds missed the Pennant by 17 games and a playoff berth by 11, finishing the season sub-500 for the ninth time in 10 years.

Reigning NL MVP Joey Votto led the team in batting average, RBI, OBP and hits. Based on his performance, we can be sure that without him, the Reds wouldn't stand a chance.

A player of Joey Votto's caliber wants to play for a winning team, and he has two more seasons with the Reds before becoming a free agent in 2014.

The way things are going, the Reds will not be able to keep him if they don't step up their game.

The Reds have to go to the postseason next October to have a prayer of keeping Votto and two time Gold-Glove winner Brandon Phillips.

The first and second basemen more or less carried the team, though even they could not make up for Stubb's record breaking 205 strikeouts and Arroyo's unimpressive

46 homeruns allowed and 5.07 ERA.

The team as a whole is young and inexperienced. The starting lineup at the end of the season included one player, Brandon Phillips over 30 years old. It's not surprising that they weren't able to compete seriously this year.

When Zack Cozart returns from Tommy John surgery in the spring, Reds fans will feel more comfortable knowing Paul Janish won't be playing shortstop.

The addition of Cozart, Alonso, Valaika, Francisco, Sappelt, Frazier and Mesoraco from Triple-A Louisville will prove helpful next season, along with a seemingly recovered

Aroldis Chapman.

If the Reds are successful

enough that they're able to hold onto Votto and Phillips, in a few years this team could be unstoppable.

Utilizing their farm team to the fullest of its ability takes time, but once they're all seasoned players they could have a real chance at the postseason.

Don't give up just yet, Reds fans. Next year will be better.