Chris Sabo's Goggles

(AP Photo/H. Rumph, Jr.)

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Worst loss in Cincinnati Reds history.  And neither Eric Milton, Josh Fogg or Gary Majewski were part of the box score.

Johnny Cueto had a bad day.  Shit happens.  But when the bullpen comes in and gives up an additional 13 runs one has to wonder if Monday’s game officially marks the end of the 2009 season for the Reds.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — STOP LOOKING AT THE STANDINGS!

The Reds are barely an average baseball team and they are lucky to even be mentioned in conversations about the NL Central.  It’s completely irrelevant how many games out of first place the Reds are right now because, trust me, this team is not going to win anything this year.

So, whom do we blame?

DUSTY BAKER?

Believe me, I don’t like the guy, but even I can’t blame him for the Reds mediocrity.  Well, not all of it.

WALT JOCKETTY?

Maybe.  Building a competitive baseball team in a small market takes time (generations?).  Jocketty has done it before — albeit in a “small” market that drew 40,000/game — but can he do it here?

That promised “strong” rotation of Harang, Arroyo, Volquez, Cueto and Owings has turned into a pretty average of collection of pitchers.

Harang still has his moments, but he’s no longer AARON HARANG. Bronson Arroyo… who the hell knows what’s up with him? We may have already seen the best we’re ever going to get out of Edinson Volquez. I like Johnny Cueto (as long as we agree to never mention last night’s game again). And Micah Owings is much more interesting with a bat in his hand than a glove and ball.

I guess what I’m saying is that the Reds rotation is going to look a whole lot different in 2010.

In other words: More rebuilding.

COREY PATTERSON?

Sure, why the hell not?

Remember this day, folks. It’s when you look at the calendar and start counting the days until college football starts.