Why would anybody be unhappy with the Reds now?

This is a franchise that went through nine consecutive losing seasons and won a division title last year.

This season, the team is languishing along just under .500 and still in a very tight race. It’s not over yet.

The team has players who are interesting to watch, first baseman Joey Votto for one. While they are not winning big, they are not losing big, which was the way it was just a few years ago.

Five years ago, the Reds finished 18 games under .500. Four years ago, they were 23½ games out of first place.

Those were the days you didn’t want to see them play.

I say give them a break. It’s not a perfect team, but it’s an interesting team.

It may not yet even have all the right parts in place, given what remains at Class AAA Louisville and some day may help the big team.

Don’t be spoiled because the team surprised with a good season last year and seems to be disappointing now. Be happy with what you have, a young team with promise. Among the usual starters, other than third baseman Scott Rolen, who’s too old to play for a long time?

Is it good enough to win the pennant every year? No. Is it good enough to spend a nice time at the ball park a few nights during a hot summer?

And always remember, this is a lot better than what you’d expect from the football team in Cincinnati.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.