Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE
The Cincinnati Reds were the first team in the major leagues to lock up a postseason spot. Clinching the NL Central crown for the second time in the last three years. The fact that the Reds were the first time to make it to the postseason comes with little surprise. They had been pulling away with the division for the last month and a half.
Now that the Reds are for sure in the playoffs, are they the National League favorite to make it all the way to the World Series?
The last time they were in the playoffs, the Reds ran into Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Reds would be swept in three games. One of the games Halladay threw the second no-hitter in postseason history.
But the Reds are a better team than they were in 2010. This time around they find themselves having one of the best rotations in the game of baseball, a line up that scores runs at will, and the best bullpen in the MLB. They also play excellent defense, with multiple Gold Glovers in the field.
If the postseason started today, the Reds would find themselves facing off against the San Francisco Giants. The Giants are no strangers to the playoffs. They won the World Series in 2010, and are on the brink of winning the NL West for the second time in the last three years.
These two teams would make for a thrilling NLDS. Both teams have good rotations, and the Giants actually have an offense that has not be anemic this year. They would match up well, but I think the Reds could beat them out with their offense and their great bullpen. The Giants have had a decent bullpen, but have blown some games late this year. Something the Reds don’t do at all.
Their biggest competition would come from the Washington Nationals. The Nationals have the best rotation in the game of baseball, and a good offensive line up. This would be the marquee match up of the National League playoffs if these two were to meet up. If the Reds could beat the Nationals, they would have a great shot at winning it all.
The Reds are definitely among the best teams in the MLB, and could make some serious noise in the playoffs. They have their work cut out for them to make it all the way, but a favorite for sure to represent the National League in the World Series.
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