MLB Baseball Betting Odds: 2011 Cincinnati Reds Odds

Monday, March 28, 2011

by Bodog Sportsbook

The Cincinnati Reds won the National League Central and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 1995 last season. However, the Reds looked a bit like they had stage fright in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, including getting no-hit in the opening game by Roy Halladay. Can the young, talented Reds take another step in 2011 and contend for the NL pennant or even the World Series?

2010 finish: 91-71, won NL Central (lost to Phillies in NLDS)
Key offseason additions: Edgar Renteria, Fred Lewis, Dontrelle Willis, Jeremy Hermida.
Key offseason losses: Orlando Cabrera, Arthur Rhodes, Aaron Harang, Laynce Nix, Mike Lincoln.
Bodog Sportsbook odds to win 2011 World Series: 25/1

The Reds didn’t do a whole lot this offseason, instead preferring to lock up players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Bronson Arroyo and Johnny Cueto to extensions worth a total of more than $150 million. Votto was the breakout star in baseball last year, winning the NL MVP award. He was a first-time All-Star, finishing second in the NL in batting average at .324 and third in homers (37) and RBIs (113). He led the NL in slugging percentage (.600), topped the major leagues in on-base percentage (.424) and had 16 stolen bases in 21 chances. He’s the Albert Pujols of this team now.

In Votto, Bruce, Scott Rolen and Brandon Phillips, the Reds have a strong core portion of the lineup. Arroyo, Opening Day starter Edinson Volquez and Cueto are a good starting point for a rotation that still lacks a true ace, although either Volquez or Cueto could become one. The battle for the final two spots of the Reds' rotation will be the most compelling storyline of the club's Spring Training. In the bullpen, Francisco Cordero has his shaky moments but still had 40 saves last year. And flame-throwing lefty Aroldis Chapman will start as a scary set-up man but could be a closer in waiting if Cordero falters or gets hurt.

This team should be considered the favorite in the NL Central again, especially with the devastating injury to Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright.

Projected lineup
1 CF Drew Stubbs
2 2B Brandon Phillips
3 1B Joey Votto
4 3B Scott Rolen
5 RF Jay Bruce
6 LF Jonny Gomes
7 C Ramon Hernandez
8 SS Paul Janish

Projected rotation
1 RHP Edinson Volquez
2 RHP Bronson Arroyo
3 RHP Johnny Cueto
4 RHP Homer Bailey
5 LHP Travis Wood
CL: Francisco Cordero

Bet on MLB Baseball futures now at Bodog Sportsbook

Related Articles

• MLB Baseball Picks & Tips: Cincinnati Reds vs St Louis Cardinals
• NLDS Game 1 Odds and Picks: Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants
• MLB Baseball Betting: St Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds
• Where to Bet MLB Baseball: Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds
• MLB Baseball Predictions: Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals

Category

• Baseball Articles

Tags

adam wainwright - albert pujols - aroldis chapman - brandon phillips - bronson arroyo - cincinnati reds - edinson volquez - francisco cordero - jay bruce - joey votto

Share this page