Bob Harvey
Cincinnati Reds +119
While the Cardinals are already looking ahead to the playoffs, the Cincinnati Reds have their focus on ending the season on a high note in preparation for next season.
The Reds have played about as well as any team in the NL since the All-Star break. Unfortunately for Cincinnati you get graded on the entire season and they’ll have to be content with some playing the role of spoiler down the stretch.
Let it be said that Reds manager Dusty Baker has this team in the right frame of mind heading into next season and with a key pickup here or there, Cincinnati is going to be in the mix for the NL Central title in 2010. Right now the Cardinals hold that distinction but still have something to play for as they chase the Dodgers for the best record in the National League.
The Cards (90-66) wrapped up their seventh division title in 10 years on Saturday. Now they’ll focus on chasing down the Dodgers (93-64) for the league’s best record. St. Louis sends Joel Piniero to the hill tonight as he looks to improve on his 15-11 record and lower his outstanding ERA of 3.24. Piniero’s comeback season has helped the Cardinals build arguably the best starting rotation in baseball. The righthander has enjoyed good success against the Redlegs going 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA in his career.
Homer Bailey, much to the delight of Cincinnati fans, hasn't lived up to his name in recent games. He’ll toe the rubber tonight as he looks to continue an outstanding seven-game starting stretch in which he’s 4-1 with a miniscule ERA of 1.99.
With the division clinched, St. Louis figures to rest a few players tonight most notably Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday. Manager Tony LaRussa’s main concern is to get his guys ready for the postseason while Dusty Baker would like his club to continue its strong finishing kick and set the tone for bigger and better things in 2010.
I’ve enjoyed great success over the years fading teams that have clinched a postseason spot. St. Louis is just such a team tonight. With a few guys banged up and just an outside chance at catching the Dodgers for the majors best record, LaRussa should play this one on the ultra conservative side.
The Reds are 9-2 in their last 11 home games and are on a 7-1 run as an underdog. The UNDER is 6-3-1 in the last ten series meetings. It will be mostly clear and chilly in Cincinnati with a game time temp of 62 degrees.
Cincinnati Reds +119
While the Cardinals are already looking ahead to the playoffs, the Cincinnati Reds have their focus on ending the season on a high note in preparation for next season.
The Reds have played about as well as any team in the NL since the All-Star break. Unfortunately for Cincinnati you get graded on the entire season and they’ll have to be content with some playing the role of spoiler down the stretch.
Let it be said that Reds manager Dusty Baker has this team in the right frame of mind heading into next season and with a key pickup here or there, Cincinnati is going to be in the mix for the NL Central title in 2010. Right now the Cardinals hold that distinction but still have something to play for as they chase the Dodgers for the best record in the National League.
The Cards (90-66) wrapped up their seventh division title in 10 years on Saturday. Now they’ll focus on chasing down the Dodgers (93-64) for the league’s best record. St. Louis sends Joel Piniero to the hill tonight as he looks to improve on his 15-11 record and lower his outstanding ERA of 3.24. Piniero’s comeback season has helped the Cardinals build arguably the best starting rotation in baseball. The righthander has enjoyed good success against the Redlegs going 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA in his career.
Homer Bailey, much to the delight of Cincinnati fans, hasn't lived up to his name in recent games. He’ll toe the rubber tonight as he looks to continue an outstanding seven-game starting stretch in which he’s 4-1 with a miniscule ERA of 1.99.
With the division clinched, St. Louis figures to rest a few players tonight most notably Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday. Manager Tony LaRussa’s main concern is to get his guys ready for the postseason while Dusty Baker would like his club to continue its strong finishing kick and set the tone for bigger and better things in 2010.
I’ve enjoyed great success over the years fading teams that have clinched a postseason spot. St. Louis is just such a team tonight. With a few guys banged up and just an outside chance at catching the Dodgers for the majors best record, LaRussa should play this one on the ultra conservative side.
The Reds are 9-2 in their last 11 home games and are on a 7-1 run as an underdog. The UNDER is 6-3-1 in the last ten series meetings. It will be mostly clear and chilly in Cincinnati with a game time temp of 62 degrees.
