The one concern I really have

[Brutus]

in the playoffs:

LH bat off the bench.

I can't say enough how much I hope Edmonds is available for the postseason. It's good to see Nix in the lineup tonight. I hope he's at least able to go if Edmonds isn't.

The thought of sending Alonso or Francisco up to the plate in the 8th inning of game 7 of the NLCS is kind of frightening. Both guys have plenty of talent, and I'm sure one day they'll be solid (if not spectacular) hitters. But right now, I don't think they're ready for those high-leverage plate appearances.

The starting pitching could be better, but then again, any of the Reds starters are capable of going out and pitching really well. So I don't worry about that too much. And there are other issues with this club that are of concern. But the possibility of not having any veteran hitters to come in and face a tough RHP is kind of concerning.

Anyone share that thought?

[Jpup]

My 3 biggest concerns are Halladay-Oswalt-Hamels. If the Reds can get by Philly, they can go to the World Series.

[Joseph]

Philadelphia is the best team in the playoffs. If the Reds can get by them, they can win the whole thing.

[Jpup]

Philadelphia is the best team in the playoffs. If the Reds can get by them, they can win the whole thing.

I hope you are right, but them boys in the Bronx are pretty good at winning.

[Joseph]

I hope you are right, but them boys in the Bronx are pretty good at winning.

They are that, but let's be realistic, they don't have near the pitching the Phils have.

[mdccclxix]

in the playoffs:

The thought of sending Alonso or Francisco up to the plate in the 8th inning of game 7 of the NLCS is kind of frightening. Both guys have plenty of talent, and I'm sure one day they'll be solid (if not spectacular) hitters. But right now, I don't think they're ready for those high-leverage plate appearances.

I agree, although in their defense, they've been coming to the plate with one mission, hit a HR to take the lead or tie. I think if they can focus on just getting on base somehow they can be at least passable. Meanwhile, their natural power could lead to some fireworks.

[dougdirt]

Philadelphia is the best team in the playoffs. If the Reds can get by them, they can win the whole thing.

I will take the Rays over the Phillies in terms of the best team in the playoffs.

[kaldaniels]

My 3 biggest concerns are Halladay-Oswalt-Hamels. If the Reds can get by Philly, they can go to the World Series.

Uh oh.

[RedsManRick]

I will take the Rays over the Phillies in terms of the best team in the playoffs.

If we're talking about the guys who will play in the playoffs, not who had the best 162 game season, I'd take the Phillies over everybody and wouldn't think twice.

That starting 3 is just flat out ridiculous.

[dougdirt]

If we're talking about the guys who will play in the playoffs, not who had the best 162 game season, I'd take the Phillies over everybody and wouldn't think twice.

That starting 3 is just flat out ridiculous.

Is Roy Oswalt really this good though? I don't think he is. He is good, but I don't think he is any better than Cole Hamels is. He is where the Phillies have the significant advantage though, at the #3 spot (or maybe its Hamels at the #3 spot). 1-2 though, I think Price and Garza match up well with the Phillies.

Offensively, I will take the Rays.

[kaldaniels]

Is Roy Oswalt really this good though? I don't think he is. He is good, but I don't think he is any better than Cole Hamels is. He is where the Phillies have the significant advantage though, at the #3 spot (or maybe its Hamels at the #3 spot). 1-2 though, I think Price and Garza match up well with the Phillies.

Offensively, I will take the Rays.

In a 7 games series vs. the Phillies with 4 games at CBP....I wouldn't.

[TheNext44]

If history has taught us anything, it's that you can't predict who the Heroes and Zeros will be.
The Cardinals would never had made it to the World Series in 1987 if not for Tom Lawless, who I believe only had two hits the whole season. I think he had as many homers in the post season as he had hits in the regular season.

I alps believe that Duke Snider once went 0 for a whole World Series.

[kaldaniels]

To get back to Brutus's original concern...has there been any updates on Edmonds status?

[VR]

Nix, if healthy, is a very solid option. Looked OK tonight.

[thatcoolguy_22]

My one concern has nothing to do with bench play... Starting Pitching.

How will Cueto, Arroyo, EV, and company match up against Halladay, Oswalt, Hamels.

Cueto has been known to get too hype in key moments and overthrow
Arroyo is not in the same league as the other 3
EV is a wildcard. Will he be bouncing pitches 5 feet in front of the plate or throwing one of the nastiest changeups in the majors for strike 3?
Wood/Bailey- who will get the starts and will their youth be exposed?