Putting all biases aside, who do you think is the better team? Clearly, the records say these teams are not far apart. After watching the Braves, I thought they were pretty much on even par with the Reds.

 

What about the Cards? Who gets the nod to win the division and maybe make some noise in October... The Reds or Cards? Give your reasoning for why you tip the scale in favor of one or the other.

I think for the regular season the Reds have the edge, but put these 2 teams in the post-season and I think the Cards have the edge. Mainly because of the Cards experience and the duo of Wainwright and Carpenter at the top.

 

Let's just hope the Reds can hold them off and keep them out of the playoffs.

I'd go slightly in favor of the Cards at this point. Pujols is really catching fire and I like the addition of John Jay to the everyday lineup with the trade of Ludwick. I like the overall depth of the Reds rotation but I like the experience of the Carpenter/Wainwright duo at the top of the Cards rotation. I guess the biggest thing that jumps out to me about the two teams is this: The Reds are 14 games above .500 against the NL Central--which is the weakest division in baseball. They are .500 against everyone else. If I had to pick the division winner today I'd pick the Cards. However, I do think the Reds can win the division but I don't think that they win a playoff series this season.

Yes, Carp and Wainwright would be a scary duo to face multiple times in a playoff series.

I'm afraid it's the Cardinals. But that's not to say that the Reds couldn't win the Central. Either team could win it and I don't think many should be surprised.

Reds have more depth. Cardinals have more experience. Take your pick.

Reds have more depth. Cardinals have more experience. Take your pick.

 

That's why the Reds are better in the reg season and Cards in the playoffs. And it's not by much in either case

My passion for the Redlegs makes it hard for me to ever pick against them. I really like the resiliency of this team. It frustrates me that something in me says the Cards but I can't really put a finger on a lot of tangible reasons. Carp, Wainwright, and Baker may give the birds the slight edge.

My passion for the Redlegs makes it hard for me to ever pick against them. I really like the resiliency of this team. It frustrates me that something in me says the Cards but I can't really put a finger on a lot of tangible reasons. Carp, Wainwright, and Baker may give the birds the slight edge.

 

That is how I feel about the Cardinals. I don't think that I could say Reds, but I am scared of them. Their depth in the pen and starting rotation is amazing. Though I think the Cardinals with Carp and Waino are pretty good too, but the bullpen stinks right now.

 

Pujols is heating up which is huge. I still think this comes down to the final week.

Everyone keeps talking about Pujols....let's not forget the Reds have a MVP candidate too in Joey Votto, who is putting up better numbers right now than Sir Albert.

 

We also seem to forget that Chapman will eventually be up which gives the Reds another solid arm in the bullpen.

 

I'll take Chapman, Rhodes, and Coco in the 7th, 8th, and 9th any day of the week.

 

Pitching wins championships and the Reds have plenty of it.

Reds by half a game.

I'll tell ya Wednesday night !

Everyone keeps talking about Pujols....let's not forget the Reds have a MVP candidate too in Joey Votto, who is putting up better numbers right now than Sir Albert.

 

We also seem to forget that Chapman will eventually be up which gives the Reds another solid arm in the bullpen.

 

I'll take Chapman, Rhodes, and Coco in the 7th, 8th, and 9th any day of the week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pitching wins championships and the Reds have plenty of it.

 

 

Chapman, Ondrusek, Massett, and Rhodes... In one order or another. The last one should have flown over Coco's nest as far as I'm concerned.

Everyone keeps talking about Pujols....let's not forget the Reds have a MVP candidate too in Joey Votto, who is putting up better numbers right now than Sir Albert.

 

We also seem to forget that Chapman will eventually be up which gives the Reds another solid arm in the bullpen.

 

I'll take Chapman, Rhodes, and Coco in the 7th, 8th, and 9th any day of the week.

 

Pitching wins championships and the Reds have plenty of it.

 

Joey is a stud, but I wouldn't say his numbers are better then Pujols.

 

Pitching will win championships. I don't think the Cardinals are really lacking in that either...

Everyone keeps talking about Pujols....let's not forget the Reds have a MVP candidate too in Joey Votto, who is putting up better numbers right now than Sir Albert.

 

We also seem to forget that Chapman will eventually be up which gives the Reds another solid arm in the bullpen.

 

I'll take Chapman, Rhodes, and Coco in the 7th, 8th, and 9th any day of the week.

 

Pitching wins championships and the Reds have plenty of it.

 

I think that the Reds could pull it off but I don't necessarily think Votto's numbers are better than Pujols. Votto leads in batting average, runs, on base + Slugging. Pujols leads in hits, walks, and RBIs.

 

Also, I wouldn't automatically assume that Chapman is going to be able to come in and immediately assume a 7th inning setup role. He has pitched very well in the minors lately but that is AAA. His main issue has been control and he has to prove he can hit his spots against big league hitters in pressure situations. One of the reasons he has been in the minors all season is learning how to pitch. That means holding runners, fielding his position and other things. Weakness in any of those areas can spell doom in a late game pressure situation. Getting thrown into the middle of a division race might not be the best way to see if he's ready.