MLB Team Preview – Cincinnati Reds
Looking at the National league’s baseball betting odds this season, you have to wonder…could the Big Red Machine be on the way back to glory?
Sure, the Cubs are unparalleled, but the next rung in the crowded NL Central is up for grabs. The Brewers may regress, the Cards should improve, and the Reds may sneak past both of them if everything goes right at the sportsbook. Even with the loss of Adam Dunn, they’ll score plenty of runs and their starting pitching may finally measure up to the young bats.
View The MLB Cappers Leaderboard For 2008 – Picks Packages for 2009 On Sale Now! —–>
The Reds’ hitting lineup is young, fast, and powerful, if still a bit raw. Top prospect Jay Bruce strikes out a ton, but he also flashed big power as a rookie and could crack 30 homers this season. Joey Votto, who made a serious run at Rookie of the Year, has the makings of an All-Star. Brandon Phillips, just a season removed from going 30/30, is a great all-around player but his reckless style nicks him up. The supporting cast may not be reliable, but it has potential to seriously help Cincy’s MLB odds. Edwin Encarnacion continues to show surges of ability and flirted with 30 homers last year, while the Reds snagged Ramon Hernandez, who still has some pop, for cheap off Baltimore. Wily Taveras sure doesn’t get on base much for a leadoff man, but he can fly; he swiped 68 bags last year, so he’ll score often when he does reach base.
While the Reds rotation is still a bit wild, it ain’t short on talent. Edinson Volquez broke out last year, proving that the Reds got what they needed in the Josh Hamilton trade. He’ll anchor a rotation that includes another dynamic young hurler in Johnny Cueto, who may have the best natural ability of all the Reds’ starters and just needs to learn how to pitch. Don’t count out Aaron Harang either, online betting fans; as of 2007, he was a perennial Cy Young candidate. He battled injury last season and has lost 33 pounds entering the 2009 MLB odds. Bronson Arroyo and Micah Owings round out the staff and, while they’re not frontline material, they’re perfectly fine as No. 4 and No. 5 guys.
Not all MLB betting fans will agree, but I think the Reds’ bullpen could be their downfall. Francisco Cordero has elite stuff but he struggled with his control last year and is battling a foot injury entering the season. If he can’t close, the Reds will turn to David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes, both of whom will turn 40 this year and neither of whom has been great as a closer before. It’s a good thing Cincy will score a lot this season.
Most sportsbook odds list the Reds’ over/under win total at 79. That number looks pretty low considering the talent on Cincy’s roster, so those who bet MLB should seriously consider picking the OVER there. 85 wins wouldn’t be surprising at all for a team that should improve in the 2009 MLB odds.
