ESNY’s MLB 2023 Preview: Please, someone save the Reds

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsThe Cincinnati Reds are too much of a laughingstock despite being one of MLB’s most storied franchises. It’s easy to forget the team dates back to the 19th century despite winning just five World Series titles.

It sure seems it’s been that long since Cincinnati baseball was truly great. The last World Series appearance (and win) was in 1990. Gone are the days of the Big Red Machine dynasty, which won four National League Pennants and two World Series in a decade on the backs of greats like Johnny Bench and Pete Rose.

Today, the Reds have nothing to celebrate. An upward trajectory for a young, fun, intense team stopped dead in its tracks simply…