4/3/14 - Reds vs Cards

[_Sir_Charles_]

So far this season:

Cards bullpen ERA: 4.69
Reds bullpen ERA: 3.12

Point well taken about how the Reds injuries have weakened the Reds pen, but the Cardinal pen hasn't looks much better and it's healthy.

But this demonstrates how even the talent levels between the two teams are. Even with 8 players, including their closer both setup men, #2 starting pitcher, and starting catcher, the Reds matched the Cards pretty much inning for inning for three straight one run games.

I agree that the talent level is pretty even overall. The difference is the experience of the rotations and the depth beyond the starting lineups.

[LewGra]

Sucks to lose this one, but I think this series put to rest this notion that the Cards and Reds aren't on the same talent level. This will be a dogfight all season long.

Maybe for you, but I still have my concerns. Did this series put to rest the notion that Billy Hamilton can get on base?

[757690]

Maybe for you, but I still have my concerns. Did this series put to rest the notion that Billy Hamilton can get on base?

Never expected him to. He can't hit a curve hitting left. MLB pitchers will exploit that until he proves he can. But still expect him to be a solid producer on defense and on the bases.

[757690]

I agree that the talent level is pretty even overall. The difference is the experience of the rotations and the depth beyond the starting lineups.

I'm assuming you mean the Reds have more experience and the Cards have more depth. Completely agree.

Reds starters have 580 career starts
Cards starters have 308 career starts

In terms of depth, the Reds have, well, basically no one in the minors who can step in and start if someone gets hurt.
Cards have Oscar Taveras, who might become their best player once he's recalled. And Stephen Piscotty would probably be starting in LF for the Reds right now if they had him.