Bummed as a Reds fan

I'm bummed as a Reds fan right now. Let's face it, five games under .500, 10 games out of first, they're not playing for much right now. But it's not the record that bothers me so much as the way they are playing half-assed. I mean, if we're gonna try out the youngsters, let them play - Alonso included. Why bring up your best hitting prospect to sit him on the bench or use him as a pinch hitter - how his he learning the ropes of the big leagues that way? Isn't that Chris Heisey's job?

Sappelt, Frazier, Alonso - I am in favor of all of them getting their chance to play right now. It's not a pennant race, it's not going to hurt the season, why not? Rolen, Phillips and others are hurt anyway ... why not see what they can do? My biggest disappointment of the season is Zack Cozart not being healthy right now. He should have been up a month before he was, and he was very effective in the short time he played. I feel that way about Sappelt and Frazier, too, and Alonso - at the plate.

Basically, it's all about next year at this point, and finding out what is here for then. I think the team could have a markedly different look, but be more effective on the field. I think there are players right now in Louisville or riding pine that can and will contribute, I just feel like the Reds management needs to have the guts to let them play for the last two months of the season. If nothing else, it better identifies holes in the lineup.

I'm pulling for the young guys - just wish I saw them more.