Cincinnati's Red Legs Running Hot In St Louis
A changing of the guard took place over the weekend in Cincinnati as the Reds overtook the Cardinals for first place in the N.L. Central. Let's take a look at how it happened and check in on the rest of the division.
Cincinnati Reds - Reds fans don't get many chances to say "first place". After knocking off the Cardinals 7-2 to wrap up the weekend, the Reds are officially in first place all alone. Eighteen days ago they were in last, so they could just as quickly be looking back up at the Cardinals. However, defense (no errors in 11 games), pitching (1.88 staff ERA over eight games), and timely hitting are sure -fire ingredients for winning baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals are out of first place for the first time since July 30 of last year. Sure it's only a half game, but they've lost five of six and averaged just 3.2 runs in doing so. Brendan Ryan's offensive woes continue (a woeful 1-for-28 slump) and his average continues to plummet (.162). Matt Holliday also might want to start earning his huge salary; the $120 million man has four homers and just 14 RBI - not exactly the lineup protection St. Louis had hoped for when they re-signed him.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Much like Reds fans, these fans don't get much opportunity to be in the upper half of the division, so you revel in it while you can. The Pirates rank 15th in both runs scored and team ERA, so to be in third place in the Central is pretty impressive. Odds are that it won't last, but no one thought the Reds would be in first at this point, so who knows?
Chicago Cubs - Lou Piniella is ranting again, and that's never good if you are a Cubs fan or player. Ownership is threatening to blow the team up and start over (again) if the Cubs don't win this year. They have talent, but their 174 runs scored, 4.42 ERA, and 32 errors are telltale signs of why an underachiever.
Milwaukee Brewers - Luckily for the Brewers, they will face the Reds on the road, as they are an unheard-of 4-14 at Miller Park. This is also a team with too much talent to be puttering along at 15-22 and in fifth place in the division. Offense is not the problem as their 199 runs rank second in the N.L. Pitching, however, is a major factor. Their 5.20 ERA is 14th in the National League.
Houston Astros - This beleagurerd offense has tallied 110 runs, 19 homers, a .228 average and a .276 on-base percentage so far this season. All of those are league worsts and a big reason why the Astros are bringing up the rear in the division. It's gotten so bad that Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt have begun openly discussing their trade options.
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