The Reds arefinallyin first place. I say finally, because if we’re all being honest, we expected it to happen much faster. However, I think that the way the Reds are playing right now surpasses what we as fans had hoped for. Being called one of the most dominant teams in the NL is definitely something we can live with. When the offense is on, it is on. Lately, there haven’t been many times when it hasn’t been on. Sure the Reds will still lose the occasional game, but look to a much more positive season from this point forward.

Here’s why: Homer Bailey & Mike Leake are settling down. Bronson Arroyo has been pretty steady. Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos, enough said. Our starting rotation is finding its collective groove. Yes, they still occasionally have bad games but, as Johnny said, they aren’t robots. Sometimes they will have bad days and it is up to the offense to help support them. Remember when Mat Latos gave up five runs in one of his home starts? Remember how the offense got it together and we won that game? Yes, pitching is important, but the offense has to help as well.

That’s another reason that we are headed for happiness. The offense is performing on a more regular basis. Cozart is getting more comfortable in the leadoff spot; Stubbs is bunting and drawing more walks; Votto is being Votto; Phillips is getting a bit more consistent on batting behind Votto; Jay Bruce is just hitting; Todd Frazier is apparently Mr. Magnificent; Hannigan is a beast. Yes we have some switches occasionally (Mes for Hannigan) but overall, the offense is meshing and that is what will help us win ball games.

Let’s not get carried away, we have a lot of games left in the season. For now, as fans, it should be a happy time. Yes we will lament any loss(es), but we should always remember this moment, sitting 1.5 games ahead of the Cardinals in the NL Central and having a scary ace (Johnny Cueto) and an even scarier closer (Aroldis Chapman).