It’s cool to be a Cincinnati Reds fan again (Wick Terrell, SB Nation)

This article was from a couple of weeks ago but I thought it was fun so here you go:

The string of 90-loss seasons was a series of kicks to the shins. The gradual dismantling of the clubs that won the NL Central division titles in 2010 and 2012 was the precursor of that, obviously, and it pained the heart to see so many good names exit the Cincinnati Reds in search of a franchise that put a priority on winning baseball games.

Finally, though, it feels like these Reds are on to something once more. A certain je ne sais quoi that now permeates the roster, and it’s got them on a hot streak that’s turned mere playoff dreams into a true playoff chase reality. From standout rookies to a thumping outfield, a dizzying rotation to Joey Votto proving to all of us that yes, he still bangs, being a Cincinnati Reds fan is as damn fun as it’s been in years right now.

Red Reporter: Does Joey Votto still bang, Homage?

Homage: Yes, Red Reporter. Joey Votto still bangs.

These Reds are a full eight games over the .500 mark with just under 50 games left to play, and they’re finally getting healthy enough to have their full squad to do it. They’ve got the San Diego Padres in their sights for the Wild Card, with the mighty Milwaukee Brewers to catch in the division. It’s mid-August and the Reds are playing in meaningful games, doing so with a Hall of Famer captaining their ship and some of the filthiest starters anyone out there can assemble, with Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker swatting extra-base hits all over every park in which they play - most of which drive in Jonathan India.

This team isn’t just good, they’re fun as hell, too. It’s cool to be a Cincinnati Reds fan, something that those of us whose knees hurt when they wake up everyday haven’t been able to say consistently for a long, long time. Savor that.