Redsfan1507
It is what it is
I can't offer a clue as to Reds organizational "strategy". The more things change, the more they stay the same, with the Reds.
Environment, economy, philosophies and roster management change generationally, but the Reds, for whatever reasons, don't seem to adapt in ways that make them look like a perennial contender. Is this small market limitations ? In part, maybe...but the Cubs floundered for decades with lots of dollars in their market...so, how you steer the ship has a lot to do with where you go, not just the wind in the sails. If winning was easy, everyone would do it ? Not neccessarily if the product of winning is reduced profit margin...and anyone that thinks that quarter billion dollar guaranteed contracts doesn't phase profit margin are mistaken. There are exceptions, but better talent usually wins, and that always sooner or later, costs more. A puzzle isn't complete without all the pieces, and the Reds always have a couple missing.
I was surprised at the results of a recent MLB study of the fan's "cost of a game" (a ticket, a dog, a beer, a soft drink, a hat and a shirt was used) showed the market challenged Reds in the top quarter of most expensive...if I can find it again I'll post it here. My point is it's tough to be a Reds fan these days- not just from a winning perspective, but in already overpaying for inferior product, while saying it takes more cash to improve. I'm skeptical that conundrum is driving any long term Reds strategy, but it should.
Environment, economy, philosophies and roster management change generationally, but the Reds, for whatever reasons, don't seem to adapt in ways that make them look like a perennial contender. Is this small market limitations ? In part, maybe...but the Cubs floundered for decades with lots of dollars in their market...so, how you steer the ship has a lot to do with where you go, not just the wind in the sails. If winning was easy, everyone would do it ? Not neccessarily if the product of winning is reduced profit margin...and anyone that thinks that quarter billion dollar guaranteed contracts doesn't phase profit margin are mistaken. There are exceptions, but better talent usually wins, and that always sooner or later, costs more. A puzzle isn't complete without all the pieces, and the Reds always have a couple missing.
I was surprised at the results of a recent MLB study of the fan's "cost of a game" (a ticket, a dog, a beer, a soft drink, a hat and a shirt was used) showed the market challenged Reds in the top quarter of most expensive...if I can find it again I'll post it here. My point is it's tough to be a Reds fan these days- not just from a winning perspective, but in already overpaying for inferior product, while saying it takes more cash to improve. I'm skeptical that conundrum is driving any long term Reds strategy, but it should.