Learning to Live With Less

The Reds are doing it well. Are you?

“I’d like to talk to you tonight about the Cincinnati Reds. . .’’

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I look at the Reds today, a day after they acquired OF Austin Hays, and I see Jimmy Carter in February 1977. The president is sitting in front of the fireplace in his study, wearing a cardigan sweater and telling us to learn to live with less.

Don’t turn your thermostat up, Carter is implying. Put on a sweater.

The Reds signed Hays for one year and $5 million. On the surface, it’s a good, little deal. It gives the Reds some lineup flexibility in an outfield overloaded with left-handed hitters. It opens up the possibility Spencer Steer will move back to 1B, his best position. It means less Stu Fairchild.

But Hays is not a difference-maker. He is not Luis Robert or Anthony Santander. On a decent club, he’s a fourth outfielder. On a contending club, he’s a spare part. He is the best the Reds can do, or choose to do.