The Cincinnati Reds landscape is littered with pitchers who have contended with injuries. Are we living in a unique period, with fragile pitchers and unsure management? It’s worth remembering that even our most respected and beloved managers — including Fred Hutchinson, Dave Bristol. Sparky Anderson, Davey Johnson and Lou Piniella — have been as perplexed and frustrated as we are today. Unfortunately, history does repeat itself.
Sparky’s Fab Four
As the Reds steamrolled the NL West to 102 wins during the 1970 season under rookie skipper Sparky Anderson, the big four of the Reds starting rotation was Gary Nolan, Wayne Simpson, Jim Merritt and Jim McGlothlin.