First off, they didn't need to do it. People are still going to go to the games, despite screaming that they are "done with this team". They had 30,000 people there last Saturday night for a last place baseball team.
Maybe I am just looking at the situation through my red colored glasses, but I really do believe that Bob Castellini wants to put a winning team on the field to match the first class off-the-field organization. The Reds have a state-of-the-art stadium, a large fan base, the best broadcasting crew in sports and despite the losing team, still make going to the park an enjoyable experience (at least for my family). Also, contrary to their neighbors on the other side of Lot D, have done so with upmost integrity.
They even attempt to provide a brief explanation for trading Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr and admit that the team will have to "endure the short-term ramifications for the sake of building a strong, competitive team for 2009 and many seasons to come". They also give an update on the signing of the draft picks.
The letter didn't cost the Reds anything. It didn't cost you anything to read it. It was just a nice gesture. I am and will always be a Reds fan, no matter what happens on the field.
I really do believe Castellini when he says he's committed to putting a winner on the field. When he bought the team I didn't expect to see playoff tickets being printed immediately. We've stunk since 1995, what's another year or two? They're one of the worst teams in baseball and yet I still find myself watching them on FSN every night that I'm home. I just like watching the game itself. I do my fair share of bitching, moaning and belly aching but I still love the Reds. When they become good again, it'll just be that much more rewarding. I may reevaluate my sports priorities if their futility starts to match the Pittsburgh Pirates though.
Dean Travers01:32 PM EST