Miami Marlins vs. Cincinnati Reds MLB Betting Preview
The Miami Marlins have a whole new look this season. No longer are they the “Florida” Marlins, and no longer do they have low expectations.
Starting Pitchers: Miami (Buehrle) vs. Cincinnati (Cueto)
Date/Time: April 4, 4:05 p.m. EST
MLB Gambling Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Reds (-143) Marlins (+133)
Runline: Reds -1.5 (+140) Marlins +1.5 (-160)
Total: 7.5
The team finally got a new ballpark in Miami this year. In addition, star infielder Jose Reyes and manager Ozzie Guillen are new to the team.
In Cincinnati, the Reds had a disappointing season in 2011, but they are still considered the favorite in the NL Central.
Let’s take a look at this matchup on what is Opening Day for many teams.
The Marlins finished last season at 72-90, but this year’s team is expected to compete for a playoff spot. Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez give the team two infielders with tons of hitting ability. Giancarlo Stanton (formerly known as Mike Stanton) is one of the top young hitters in the game.
Stanton could easily lead the league in home runs this year or sometime very soon. Guillen loves to let base runners be aggressive, and he has plenty of speed at the top of the order in Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio. Heath Bell is the new closer for this team, and Bell is one of the best in the league. Mark Buerhle is with Guillen again this year, and I’d expect a solid if not spectacular season out of him. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Joey Votto signed a 10-year extension worth $225 million earlier this week with the Reds. Fans around Cincinnati are thrilled to hear that their super star should be around for a long time. Votto won the NL MVP in 2010, and he has definitely established himself as one of the top five hitters in baseball.
Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce are both young outfielders with tons of talent, but they have been inconsistent to this point in their careers. If the Reds are going to make a big leap in the win column, Stubbs and Bruce will need to start being the stars many believe they can be. Johnny Cueto had a breakout season in 2011.
Cueto had a sparkling 2.31 ERA, and he allowed just 8 home runs in 156 innings pitched.
Miami is in a difficult spot here, since they’ll be playing a night game at home Wednesday night. The Marlins could be a little flat here, and the Reds look to be the more complete team anyway. Look for the Reds to start the season with a win.
Free MLB Pick: Reds ML
