By Brian Gillespie, MLB Analyst (My Sportsbook)

2004 FINISH (76-86) - Fourth (NL Central)

OVERVIEW

It looked good in late June for the Cincinnati Reds, as they sat in the top spot of the NL Central, but like in years past, the bottom came out in the second half of the season.

After June 25 when they were nine games over .500 (41-32), the Reds managed just a 35-54 record in 89 contests. Cincinnati's collapse led to its fourth consecutive below-.500 finish, its longest stretch of sub-.500 campaigns since 1945-55 (11).

Cincinnati managed just a 40-41 record at the friendly confines of Great American Ball Park, marking the fourth consecutive campaign that the team mustered a sub-.500 home record. The Reds are just 75-87 since their new ballpark opened prior to last season.

As usual, the Reds struggled with injuries that hurt the team throughout the season. Right fielder Austin Kearns suffered a broken left forearm early in the year and didn't return until the final month of the season, while Ken Griffey Jr. re-injured his hamstring and missed the rest of the year. Griffey did provide one of the highlights for Cincinnati this season, as he posted his 500th homer.

In all, Reds manager Dave Miley, who was recently re-upped for the 2005 campaign, utilized 132 different lineups. The team's projected starting lineup played together for only nine outs.

PEAK PERFORMER

Adam Dunn was easily the Reds' best player this season, as he became only the second Cincinnati player to collect at least 100 runs, 100 RBI and 100 walks in the same year (105r, 102rbi, 108bb). Joe Morgan was the first Red to pull off the feat in 1976, as he recorded his second consecutive MVP campaign (113h, 111rbi, 114bb). Dunn also registered 46 homers and 102 RBI.

Everything wasn't positive for Dunn though, as he made the record books with a Major League record 195 strikeouts. Dunn passed Bobby Bonds' previous single season mark (189) set in 1970.

WEAKEST LINK

Although Griffey Jr. could fit just fine in this category, the most disappointing player on the Cincinnati Reds had to be righthander Jose Acevedo. Acevedo, who pitched so well in 2003, came apart at the seams this year.

After winning his first two decisions, the wheels came off the wagon for Acevedo. The 26-year-old dropped 12 of his last 15 decisions and eventually fell out of the rotation. Acevedo did pitch well out of the bullpen, but the Reds were counting on him to be an effective starter.

OFF-SEASON NEEDS

Where do you start with this club? Finding a consistent third baseman is crucial for the Reds, who have been mixing in a bunch of players at the spot since Aaron Boone was dealt last season. Felipe Lopez did a good job defensively at the slot in the short run, but the question is whether or not he can have a consistent major league bat.

Cincinnati has a lot of young shortstops that are attempting to take Barry Larkin's spot, but none seem to possess the bat that the Reds legend has flashed over the years.

The Reds must re-sign righthander Paul Wilson in the offseason, while solidifying the bullpen. One way that the Reds might be able to acquire a solid pitcher would be to deal Griffey to the American League.