After the poor starts the Cincinnati Reds have had to recent seasons. It could be argued that the Reds can’t afford to have a bad April this year.

The Reds’ head into this season facing low expectations. Even as someone who strives to be an optimist. I don’t expect the Reds to win more than 80 games this year. Though considering, they went 62-100 last year. Following that up with 70 to 80 wins would be remarkable progress.

After the Cincinnati Bengals began last season with an 0-2 record. The Bengals later emerged as the contender many expected them to be. Even with Major League Baseball’s 162 game schedule. Compared to the National Football League’s 17 game regular season schedule. Recovering from the 3-22 start the Reds had last year would be difficult for any team.

A major league season gives teams chances to recover from a bad start on the field. Recovering from a bad start this year could be difficult for the Reds in other areas. The most significant area of concern could be the box office. The Reds haven’t had a season with attendance surpassing two million spectators since 2015. When the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic season is excluded. Last year marked the lowest season attendance in Great American Ball Park’s history. 2022’s total attendance barely surpassed their last 100 loss season in 1982.

While the Reds set a GABP attendance record during Thursday’s Opening Day game. Getting 20,000 fans per game could be challenging if the Reds look out of it by Memorial Day. The Reds and the Bengals have shown that winning is the best way to fill seats. The Bengals had no trouble generating public interest last year after the Super Bowl run. With the Bengals setting their single game attendance record at Paycor Stadium last year.

The Reds issues with their television partner is a different matter. Earlier this month, Bally Sports Ohio’s owner Diamond Sports Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Presenting uncertainty around the Reds broadcasting future. Bally Sports is pressing forward with plans to continue broadcasting. MLB says it has contingency plans if the Bally Sports regional networks go off the air.

There’s one sticking point that could impact the Reds broadcasting future. Bally reportedly pays more in Reds broadcasting rights fees than it gets back in profits. Presenting the possibility that Bally could walk away from the Reds. In an effort to keep their business afloat. Having a season with improvements could help them broadcasting-wise. By maintaining Bally Sports’ interest in broadcasting Reds games. Or by attracting an alternative broadcaster or streaming platform.

When it comes to the Reds broadcasting-wise. If the Reds continue to struggle, it won’t matter what channel their games are on. Getting a lot of casual fans to frequently tune in for Reds games will be a challenge. Beyond that, the Reds have broadcasting options they can consider and an established broadcasting team. Including many people that have been working on Reds’ broadcasts prior to Bally Sports Ohio’s launch in 2021.

The Reds hopes for a better season will depend on a few things. First, they need to avoid having the injury issues that disrupted last season. Injuries and payroll shedding kept the Reds from reaching their true potential last year. Cincinnati also needs a bullpen rotation that fans can have confidence in. Thursday’s Opening Day 5-4 loss highlighted the Reds bullpen struggles. With walks playing a role in the Pittsburgh Pirates scoring multiple runs.

Having a good April also capitalizes on what makes Opening Day special. While tradition is a key part of Opening Day in Cincinnati. Hope is a universal constant in the history of Opening Day. Having a good April can give fans hope that the Reds are on the right path.