This was originally published in The Athletic. 

The Reds entered the All-Star break with 10 more losses than wins, sporting a 43-53 record that reflects a historically poor start that ultimately cost their manager his job. It has them the longest of long shots to appear in the postseason, which is my weak way of appeasing the people that get mad every time I claim the Reds have absolutely no shot of making the playoffs.

And yet, I’d consider their first half a success.

The reasons are obvious, from the promise shown by their young starters, to the quality individual seasons being turned in by a number of position players, to the way the bullpen has gone from being as unstable as a Kardashian marriage to being one of the team’s biggest strengths.

But you know what might be the biggest tell-tale sign that the Reds are having at least a moderately successful season? I don’t read or hear anyone using the “T” word.

No, I’m not referring to trades. We’ll talk more about potential trades between now and July 31 than the actual games. I’m talking about tanking.

To read the entire piece, go to The Athletic.

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