∎ The good and bad of the Reds picking up outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Harrison Bader.

∎ What's up with the Cleveland Guardians picking up all the pitching on waivers, effectively blocking the Reds from acquiring much-needed pitching?

∎ "Bleacher feature" fan feedback: Why didn't the Reds wait to determine manager David Bell's future? 

The Big Pod Machine breaks down: 

-- Joey Votto's future: Will he retire? Or will the Reds bring him back for one more season?

-- Why the four-game home series vs. Cubs on Labor Day weekend could ultimately decide if the Reds make the playoffs.

-- "Bleacher Feature:" Responding to Reds fans' feedback 

The Reds have proven to be one of the most compelling stories in baseball this year − and The Enquirer is responding.

We're launching a new weekly Reds podcast, which is as big and brash as the team has become this season.

Introducing "The Big Pod Machine."

This weekly podcast features Reds reporter Gordon Wittenmyer and columnist Jason Williams breaking down everything from Elly De La Cruz's mega-impact to Joey Votto's mega-contract.

Spirited debate. Insight. Fan feedback. The occasional surprise guest. And the guys might even break some news on the podcast.

In the first episode:

∎ Why are the Reds struggling at home?

∎ What went wrong at the trade deadline.

∎ What went wrong with Nick Senzel.

Download "The Big Pod Machine" today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeart or listen right here on Cincinnati.com by clicking the link at the top.

Contact Gordon by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @GDubMLB. Reach Jason at [email protected] or @jwilliamscincy.

Cincinnati.com's beat writers Bobby Nightengale and Charlie Goldsmith breakdown the first week of the offseason after the Reds traded Tucker Barnhart, placed Wade Miley on waivers and saw Nick Castellanos opt out of his contract.