Meeting follows latest loss

Pete Mackanin had a brief team meeting after Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Cardinals.

“What I challenged them to find ways to win,” Mackanin said. “I feel we’re every bit as good as this St. Louis Cardinals team. The one difference – it’s noticeable to me – they look for ways to win games. We’re waiting for something to happen to win games.

“I challenged the players to do the same thing (as the Cards). Look for ways to win games in the month of September.”

The meeting only lasted a minute or two. Mackanin pointed to two plays that the Cardinals made: Albert Pujols going in standing up to break up the double play Saturday, and Brendan Ryan stealing third while Bill Bray stared in for the sign Sunday.

"Those two little plays helped them win games," Mackanin said.

Will the meeting work? Mackanin was able to rally the Reds when they've been down before. We'll see. The Mets are in town for three starting tomorrow at 1:15.