Why are you writing a blind cover letter? In a large (and I'd go so far as to say "popular") organization like the Cincinnati Reds, unsolicited job applications are likely to fall on deaf ears. I was a Fortune 100 recruiter and the general rule of thumb for the thousands and thousands of applications we received, was that each applicant had to be actively interested (and qualified for) a particular job we had open. If an applicant applied for an open position, but was better suited for another role, I might keep their information "on file," particularly when they had a desirable skill set or diverse experience which could help my company.

A cover letter helps further explain the qualifications and experience on your résumé using a first-person voice. The basic formula is "Dear Hiring Manager, I know you're looking for ___(key words or skills from the job posting)__. I have done this successfully. Please read more on my résumé." This helps you optimize your key word score and further explain bullets from your résumé.

It also is a great place to explain relocation plans or to put to rest potential concerns about terms of unemployment. For instance, "You'll notice I haven't been working for the past year. I was... (whichever of these might apply) ...transitioning out of the military, ...moving my family across the country or ...caring for an ill relative who has now recovered." This way a recruiter doesn't wonder what you've been doing when gaps are evident in your work history.

Make sense? Call me and I'll explain more and answer any other questions you have. We can also talk about innovative ways to network both online and in-person so that you're not approaching the Reds blindly.

Good luck!