It's general wisdom -- because it's pretty obvious -- but if you can beat up on weaker teams, you can stay in the race. The Reds don't need to claw their way to five or seven games above .500 within a month. Just staying within a few of .500 through the end of May (or even June) will keep them in the playoff hunt. The first three weeks of the season have done little to discredit the idea that there are at least four teams in the NL Central who will be lackluster-to-bad.
At any rate, it's no fun lowering the bar and it's too early to assume this team is going to play second fiddle to the Cardinals. The Reds are capable of ripping off a bunch of wins with the schedule ahead. They've gotten the hit parade started over their last few games. Getting the confidence up and averages off the interstate could provide the launching point.
The Reds have recorded all of their wins this season in day games, at a 6-2 record. Taken with armchair psych observation, it's enough to make me think the early struggles are mostly in the head. Get the team a lightbox and a life coach and we're in first place before May Day.
The bullpen is in good shape after two games of strong starts from Bailey and Arroyo.