Sport: MLBPick Selection: Reds
At 9:40pm our selection is on the Cincinnati Reds over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Early in the season, after the Red Sox traded Bronson Arroyo to the Reds in exchange for Wily Mo Pena, all the talk was about the 2 home runs Arroyo hit in his first two games as a Reds starter. Cynical Red Sox fans were quick to point out that Arroyo had more homers than Pena did at that stage in the season. Now that Arroyo is 5-0 with an ERA of 2.06, the talk has turned to what a quality pitcher he has become. Indeed that trade would appear to be a big reason for the surprise start for the Big Red Machine as they currently have a 20-10 record and are battling for the division lead with the Cardinals. The offense of the Reds has not been in question in several years, its been the pitching that has held them back, but with Arroyo, Aaron Harang, who appears to be getting better and better, and a very surprising bullpen (relief ERA of 2.01 in the last 3 games), the Reds seem to have finally put together what at least appears on paper to be a competitive pitching staff. There is still a lot of season left to be played, but if they get Ken Griffey Jr. back any time soon, they may prove to the league that they are for real. The Reds are 11-3 in their night games this year, and Claudio Vargas is 0-2 in his career vs. the Reds, with an 8.30 ERA and a WHIP of 2.08. Take Cincy. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
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