By Andy Furman

The headline in the morning Cincinnati Enquirer was staring me right in the face – yet either I didn’t want to believe it; or couldn’t believe it.

Reds Boss did his part, it stated, Fans, You’re up.

The column was right under the fold on page 1, and the writer was the award-winning Paul Daugherty.

Look, I know writers don’t write the headlines, but if I’m Doc I’m not too happy the way the paper positioned me.

In short – a houseman.

It took me some time to digest this one.

I admire Bob Castellini – as a businessman, as owner of the Cincinnati Reds and as a true community leader.

Yet, as a baseball owner isn’t it his job to put the best possible product on the playing field? This year he tried – oh how he’s tried.

And, it’s cost him dearly. Some $225 million for his first baseman Joey Votto—the fourth-largest contract in baseball history. His second baseman – Brandon Phillips – is set to receive some $72 million over the next six seasons.

Yes, he’s done his part. Or at least he’s tried.

But where do the fans come in? I mean, why is it our job to buy tons of tickets to support Castellini’s spending habit. In reality, won’t the ticket prices, beer prices and cost of a hot dog increase to meet these payroll additions.

When Proctor and Gamble makes their Crest toothpaste, I’m sure they’re making the best possible product they can. Why wouldn’t they? They’re competing with many brands on the shelf.

That they produce a top-notch product and spend dearly on promotion and advertising for same – is that a cause for all of us to step up and purchase?

Why should baseball be any different?

Why should we have to purchase tickets when an owner is doing what he’s supposed to do? We’ll buy our tickets when and if we want to, right?

And if the team loses – and certainly we hope that’s not the case—we probably won’t attend. It’s really as simple as that.

So Bob, my hats off to you for your passion and love for the Reds. I admire your love for Cincinnati.

But as much money as you put into players’ salary will have no effect on my attending your games – even if you twist a local columnist to write it.