In all of the MLB’s playoff series I don’t think there is a bigger underdog than the Cincinnati Reds going against the Philadelphia Phillies. No matter what angle you look at it from it just screams at me mis-match. Even in the one category, offense, that the Reds might have had an edge, the Phillies are right there with them. Whether it’s pitching or hitting I don’t see this one lasting long at all.
Top Rated MLB Betting Site: Bodog.com
Roy Halladay is the main reason for this series getting so much attention. It’s his first post season appearance and if his regular season is any indication he’ll have no trouble pitching when the stakes are high. He led the NL in wins, innings pitched, ranked 2nd in strikeouts, WHIP and winning percentage and is 3rd in ERA. All of this while compiling a 11-3 record since the allstar break. The last time Halladay faced the Reds he went the distance in a 5 hit shutout. Lucky for the Reds they’ll only face him once. That’s the least of their problems though. In their last 14 road games the Reds are an abysmal 4-10. In their 5 visits to Citizens Bank Park (Phillies home field) they are winless and in their last seven meetings with the Phils are a very sad 1-6.
MVP candidate Joey Votto and the rest of the Reds offense could be the one thing that saves the Reds from being embarrassed. Votto is having a great year and has made a lot of pitchers this year avoid him. If he does the same to the staff of the Phillies they will be facing Scott Rolen or Jay Bruce who will be waiting in the wings. Because of these guys, the Reds ranked 4th best in scoring offense this year in the majors. However, if this is the reason that people are giving the Reds a chance then things don’t look good. The Phillies have their own strong offensive attack as well. In the majors they ranked 7th overall and 2nd in the entire NL. Anyone still taking the Reds to upset?
Phillies vs Reds MLB Playoff Series Odds
Bodog.com lists the following odds for this MLB playoff series:
Cincinnati Reds +255
Philadelphia Phillies -310
As you can see, on paper, the Phillies are big favourites to win the series.
Phillies Reds Series Prediction
The Phillies are the complete package and despite some bright spots here and there, the Reds aren’t. Because of this, I see the Phillies dominating the Reds in pitching and hitting. I’ve got the Phillies taking this series in 3 straight on the heels of dominate pitching.
Series Prediction: Phillies @ -310
Bet on the Phillies at Bodog.com!
Written by: Allan Etmanski
Cincinatti Reds • MLB Playoffs • Philadelphia Phillies • Series Odds • Series Predictions