[More Cowbell]

It appears that the Cincinnati Reds, left for dead since around the first of July, now appear to have something left to play for after all!

What are they playing for, you say? Is it a division title? No, silly. Is it a wild-card berth? Fat chance. Is it just to finish above .500? Not happening.

So what is the prize? Yes, it is that elusive #1 draft pick for next year. It seems that the Reds, having been practically eliminated from the playoff chase, are now going for the one goal still attainable: worst record in all of baseball. :biggrin:

As of right now, the Reds hold the #5 pick, but they are charging hard toward the #4 Pirates, who are only a game back (ahead?) of the boys from Cincy. And they still have a decent shot at moving up to either #3 or #2. The 2010 top pick overall is still firmly in the grasp of the Washington Nationals (which would make two years in a row), but stranger things have happened.

Here are the current standings in the race to be the worst (with games behind/ahead noted):

#5 Cincinnati 50-69
#4 Pittsburgh 49-70 (1 game back)
#3 Baltimore 48-72 (2 1/2)
#2 Kansas City 47-73 (3 1/2)
#1 Washington 43-77 (7 1/2)

All you Reds fans on here, let's root on those Reds in their quest for #1! Go team!