Terry Francona watched the Cincinnati Reds lose both Wild Card games to the Dodgers, ending their dream of advancing further in the playoffs. However, the manager believes his team competed hard all year and through the final two games of the season.
“We aren’t the finished product, but they competed like crazy and that is what we asked them to do,” Francona said after the game. “Even the last couple nights — we’re kind of getting our a— handed to us — but they keep going. That’s a good trait.”
Despite Francona’s compliments, an analyst on ESPN was heard during the Wild Card series saying that the Reds were tipping their pitches against the Dodgers, a revelation that would be considered a major problem moving forward.
The Postseason Slump is Over
Although Francona and the Reds had a short appearance in this year’s playoffs, the franchise finally ended its postseason drought, having last reached the Wild Card in 2020 (where they were also eliminated by the Braves).
Francona reflected on the abrupt end to the season: “The season doesn’t just wind down. It just comes to a crashing halt. And that’s kind of hard sometimes to make your peace with. I thought our group from day one was a special group. We did not accomplish what we set out to do. That takes away nothing from what me and the coaches feel about those guys.”
Pitchers expressed confidence in the team’s future. Zack Littell highlighted the camaraderie and effort, saying, “This group is awesome. We busted our [butts] to put ourselves in this spot.” Fellow pitcher Emilio Pagán was already looking ahead to next year: “….Hopefully it all comes together next year and I would love to be back and hoisting the World Series trophy. I truly believe that this team can do that.”
see also
MLB World Series champions through the decades: A year-by-year breakdown
