Reds Still Rolling But...

There are reasons to be concerned. Mainly offensive punch from the outfield positions. Overall the Reds are still leading the N.L. in several key statistical categories, like runs scored, batting average, and RBI. They are top 5 or better in many other key offensive statistics. Overall they are looking sweet in run differential. But the recent slumber by the usual starting outfielders has been alarming. Maybe Gomes has broken out of it with three hits in Pittsburgh Wednesday. Unfortunately for the Reds, Stubbs and Bruce are looking more and more uneasy at the plate. More like a deer in the headlights, especially in pressure situations. I wasn't nearly as alarmed just a couple of weeks ago, but instead of getting better, it's getting worse. I've felt for months Heisey should get two or three starts a week and I think he's forcing his way into even more starts with his recent play. So what do you do to snap Stubbs and Bruce out of their funks? Stubbs is 1 for his last 35 at bats. Earlier in the year he was at least driving in some runs and scoring some runs, but that has dried up lately. Bruce has just 2 RBI in his last 10 games. Jay has too many situations to drive in runs from the 6 hole and he's just not getting it done. Since June 30 Bruce has 107 at bats and 0 Home Runs. Not good for a young guy with power. I'm thinking Dickerson comes up to the big club, and you work a rotation with him, Heisey, Bruce, Gomes, and Nix. I'm not giving up in Stubbs long-term, but the Reds are in the hunt now. They have to use their best combination of players. It appears Stubbs is lost, and Bruce isn't far behind, especially in pressure situations. Dickerson is on fire at Louisville, so you might as well get him up here.