He leans over in the middle of Boone's proposal and inquires about what he might have missed. He instinctively laughs at the outlandish idea of Johnson wearing a wishbone C, but then he starts listening. Nothing of lasting significance has happened to the Reds since Jeff Shaw was traded to Los Angeles on the eve of the All-Star break, yet there has been a seismic shift in attitude. The team that left town with its captain in open revolt over management's direction returned Friday from an undefeated road trip, winners of 10 in a row and 15 of 16. The Little Red Wagon, hit a stretch of serendipity that surpassed any experienced by The Big Red Machine.
Comparisons are otherwise inappropriate.
I don't even want to think about anything other than just to go out there and play the game. If you're going to do anything, sneak up on them. To promise more would be perilous. Grateful as the Reds are for sunshine, they recognize the likelihood of rain. The most consistent characteristic of young teams is inconsistency.