It is time for the playoffs with online gambling odds on the board at Sbg global.com and the Cincinnati Reds have set their starting rotation. The Reds are going with three right-handers in the first three games. It will be Edinson Volquez in Game 1 followed by Bronson Arroyo and Johnny Cueto. The Reds will be underdogs at Internet gambling companies against either Philadelphia or the NL West Champion.
The Reds will not have a left-hander going in their first three games. Travis Wood could see action later in the opening series or in a later series as a starter if the Reds advance. Manager Dusty Baker did not want to put the rookie into a pressure-packed situation right off the bat. The Reds will use Wood and Homer Bailey out of the bullpen in the first three games.
Questionable Rotation – There is just not a lot of fear involved in facing Volquez, Arroyo and Cueto. Arroyo is the only one of the three pitchers with playoff experience. Arroyo pitched for Boston in relief in 2003 against the Yankees and again in 2004 against New York in relief. He also pitched in the World Series in 2004 but only in relief. The Reds will not be using Aaron Harang who is not in the starting rotation. Harang didn’t even make it out of the second inning in his last start of the season on Sunday. He only got the start because the Reds wanted to rest Volquez for the playoffs. It was probably the last start for Harang in a Cincinnati uniform.
Reds 42-39 on the Road – When you get ready to bet the Reds in the playoffs at Internet gambling companies you want to remember that they were just barely above .500 on the road during the regular season. Their first two games of the playoffs will be on the road and they will be underdogs in online gambling. Cincinnati has shown the ability to win on the road but they are no sure thing. They have a potent offense but there are just too many times when their pitching staff lets them down. And this rotation of Volquez, Arroyo and Cueto is average at best. It could be that you take a shot with some of the Cincinnati games going over the total in the playoffs.