The Reds lost their 5th game in a row today. It is the 11th separate time in the last 3 seasons that they have had a losing streak of at least 5 games. Compare that to just 2 winning streaks of at least 5 games over the same span and I think you've got the gist of what it means to be a Reds fan over the last decade.
They were a season high 6 games over .500 on May 27th. Since then, they have gone just 18-32. In those 50 games, they've scored just 177 runs (3.54 R/G) and batted .238/.304/.366 with 39 home runs. In those 50 games, they've given up 255 runs (5.1 R/G) and allowed 69 home runs. This team has been bad across the board for the last two months.
But it's been even worse of late. The pitching staff has given up 115 runs in the last 17 games (6.76 R/G). The offense has picked them up with 58 runs in those games (3.41 R/G). No wonder they are just 4-13 in that span. They've now lost 7 in a row on the road and 10 of their last 12.
And if you want to feel even worse about it, think about this. In 2008, they were 46-50 at the same point in the season. That was a season where they finished 74-88.
So what keeps you watching a team that has been damn near unwatchable?
I can't really put my finger on it. For some reason I keep coming back everyday to see what they do. For some reason, a team that doesn't deserve my attention keeps getting me to sit down and watch them on a daily basis. I mean, the only player I find all that interesting right now is Joey Votto. I keep hoping that others will step up and become a story, but that doesn't happen.
What's really weird is that I even find myself enjoying these games from time to time. When Aaron Harang hit the home run yesterday, I had a huge grin on my face. Of course, I was miserable the rest of the game.
I wish I understood this whole fandom thing. Then maybe I could kick it when things are going so bad.