Entering the all-star break, the Cincinnati Reds are in a much better position than they were a month ago. Though still fourth place in the NL Central, they are only 8 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers who sit in first place.
They can credit new outfielder Rece Hinds for the hot streak they are riding, as he was called up to the major league only a few weeks ago and has been dominating. So far, Hinds is 11-23 with three doubles, a triple, and five home runs. Usually, it takes time for rookies to adjust to the major leagues, but Hinds has started on fire. For the Reds, Hinds’ hot start has given both the players and the fans life, despite the rough stretch of losses the Reds had faced for much of the season.
Within only a few weeks, Hinds has deservingly been named the National League player of the week. Hinds is showing that he might be the missing piece for this young Reds team, who have struggled with scoring runs consistently. Since the departure of Joey Votto, the Reds lost a player who could hit home runs in crucial moments of a game, and bring the energy as well. Hinds is filling the Joey Votto role perfectly so far, as he has already been the determining factor to win numerous games. If Hinds is a legit star, adding him to the Reds’ already elite young core should be concerning for the other teams in the NL Central.
Last season, the Reds became the most fun and high-energy team in the league once Elly De La Cruz was called up. There has been a similar feeling among Reds fans and players as Rece Hinds mania takes over the MLB. Although pitchers will start adjusting, making it more difficult for Hinds, the Reds need to use this winning experience to fuel a potential playoff push.
Third Down With Devin 