CINCINNATI -- It seems quite the contradiction that the Reds are both in fifth place in the National League Central and one of the hottest teams in the Major Leagues.
Yet that's exactly where Cincinnati is with a 43-53 record at the All-Star break. The situation is much more optimistic than when the season started. Manager Bryan Price was let go after a 3-15 record, and interim manager Jim Riggleman was brought in on April 19. The Reds have gone 40-38 under Riggleman.
While Riggleman deserves credit, he also benefitted from the return of Eugenio Suarez and Scott Schebler from the disabled list and Joey Votto rebounding from a slow start.