As depressing as this is, we need to discuss some strike-related issues. Specifically, how past labor stoppages — nice term, eh? — have affected the Reds.

        The Reds' recent fade means an interruption of play probably won't make a difference this season. But it certainly has in the past. A look:

        1981

        The players went on strike June 12.

        At the time, the Reds were in second place behind Los Angeles in the NL West.

        The strike lasted 51 days and cost 712 games. It was decided that the season would be split — with the champions of each half playing for the right to advance to the League Championship Series. The Reds finished second in the second half as well.

        The result:

        The Reds finished with the best record in baseball at 66-42 and didn't make the postseason.

        The primary players:

        Manager John McNamara

        1B — Dan Driessen (.236, 33 RBI)

        2B — Ron Oester (.271, 42 RBI)

        3B — Ray Knight (.259, 34 RBI)

        SS — Dave Concepcion (.305, 67 RBI)

        C — Joe Nolan

        OF — Dave Collins, Ken Griffey Sr. and George Foster (22 HR, 90 RBI)

        P — Mario Soto (12-9, 3.29), Tom Seaver (14-2, 2.55) and Tom Hume (9-4, 13 saves, 3.44).

        1994

        The players went on strike Aug.12. At the time, the Reds were leading the new NL Central division by one-half game over Houston.

        This time, the season did not resume. .

        The primary players:

        Manager Davey Johnson

        1B Hal Morris (.335, 10 HR, 78 RBI)

        2B Bret Boone (.320, 12 HR, 68 RBI)

        SS — Barry Larkin (.279, 50 RBI)

        3B — Tony Fernandez

        C — Brian Dorsett, Eddie Taubensee

        OF — Reggie Sanders (.263, 17 HR, 62 RBI), Deion Sanders (.272) and Kevin Mitchell (.326, 30 HR, 72 RBI).

        P — Jose Rijo (9-6, 3.08), John Smiley (11-10, 3.86), John Roper (6-2, 4.50), Jeff Brantley 6-6, 15 saves, 2.48).

        The week ahead
       Monday — OFF
       Tuesday — vs. St. Louis, doubleheader beginning at 5:10 p.m.
       Wednesday — vs. St.Louis, 7:10 p.m.
       Thursday — vs. St.Louis, 12:35 p.m.
       Friday — vs. Milwaukee, 8:05 p.m. (we hope)
       Saturday — vs. Milwaukee, 7:10 p.m.
       Sunday — vs. Milwaukee, 1:15 p.m.

Reds 5, Astros 3 Reds Box, Runs Reds hurlers lick wounds, escape DL Dunn shakes slump Online with John Fay Reds chatter Cinergy countdown No. 12 Down on the farm For Whom the Tax Tolls Five questions with George Will Hall of Famer Wilhelm dies Texas paper to withhold baseball coverage Cubs 4, Diamondbacks 0 Phillies 4, Cardinals 0 Pirates 17, Brewers 10 Here comes da Fonz John Fay's MLB Power rankings Louisville 5, Indianapolis 1

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