Admit it, we did not see this coming.
Once owner Bob Castellini opened up his checkbook and signed Joey Votto to the fourth richest contract in MLB history, most of us thought it was a foregone conclusion they couldn't keep Brandon Phillips as well.
Well, we were wrong.
Today, Phillips and the Reds agreed on a 6 year, $72.5 million contract.
With this contract a couple of things happen.
First, the Reds have a number of their key pieces locked up long term.
Second, this now removes the Reds from the "small market" category.
The "Small Market" Reds have committed over $300 million to two players, thus making it impossible for the Reds to continue to push the fact they are a small market club.
This city always complains about having a winner. Well, Mr. Castellini has done his part, now it is time for the fans to put our money where our mouth is, and show up to some games.
