By Conrad Clowers Cincinnati Herald Contributor This is scary. This is new. This is welcome. This is different. Unless the Cincinnati Reds have a total collapse, they are (better not say it too loud) in the pennant race. The storied team, who has had nine straight losing seasons and a 14 year playoff drought, looks to have finally woken up.

In January of 2008 Walt Jocketty was named president of baseball Operations. Just two months before Jocketty signed on with the Reds, Dusty Baker was named field manager. Baker had an up and down managerial career. He was given a threeyear contract. Not unlike players who play their best during a contract year, Baker has managed his best during his third and final year of his contract. Though he has lead the team to more wins each year (74 in 2008 and 78 in 2009), he has yet to crack the .500 mark of 81 wins. But, he looks to have his first winning team since his 2004 Chicago Cubs went 89-73.

The formula for increased attendance is simple—wins on the field equals fans in the seats. When the team doesn’t win, fans stay away (unless there is a free bobblehead involved). The 2010 Reds are on pace to have their biggest attendance in years. In the mid 70s with the Big Red machine the Reds were drawing 2.5 million annually. Last season in 2009 the team drew its lowest marks since 1998 at 1.7 million. With a first place team, renewed interest, and a solid corps, the team looks to be on pace to draw close to the 2.5 million of the glory days.

It would be hard to point to one player who would be considered the team’s MVP for 2010. Several players have elevated their game to lead the team. Joey Votto has turned heads all over major League Baseball. The Reds’ first baseman is hitting .319 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI’s. Votto has a staggering on base percentage of .421. His partner in damage is Scott Rolen. Rolen has even gotten minimal National buzz in MVP talk. Rolen is hitting .301 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI’s. while Reds hitting is getting it done at the plate, Reds pitchers continue to get opposing batters out. The team knew they had something special in Johnny Cueto when he took the mound in 2008. Though Cueto went through growing pains in ’08 and ’09, he looks to have come full circle in 2010. Cueto is currently 11-2 with a 3.24 ERA. “He’s got the best stuff of any reds pitcher I’ve ever seen,” said announcer Marty Brenaman.

The Reds are about to have their most important series in years. They will take on the seconnd place St. Louis Cardinals. A sweep could give the Reds first place distance while getting swept would put the card back in 1st place. “We know they’re good but we expect to win when we come out on the field,” said Brandon Phillips. “I think that’s what has gotten us this far.”