X-factor in the second half?

[Kate Upton]

Kate, to win in the playoffs. you need proven starters. We have been down this road before

They have proven starters.

This has been a top shelf rotation for 2 years now.

Who are they going to trade for that's better than what they have?

 

[JohnU]

These starters who we can trade for ... can I see a list?
Winning the playoffs ... we can't get out of 3rd place.
The teams that are faking it will realize they can't get a starter but will settle for middle relief.
That way, the fans think they've fixed something.

 

[Redsfan1507]

The problem with winning the big one, is that they need a LHSP, which technically they have with Cingrani( but like Travis Wood in 2010, would Dusty even start him in a short NLDS series ?), and they have to HIT enough to make Dusty a non factor. These are the TWO things the Reds have NOT been able to do in their recent post season appearances.

 

[Cincy the Red]

Yeah, I don't get that "proven" starters comment. It's our pitching that has gotten us this far.... Latos has been great, Arroyo & Leake have been better than ever, Bailey has been very good (poor kid just doesn't get much run support), and Cueto is Cueto when he is healthy. ALL of these guys have been in the league for quite some time and have proven themselves on various occasions. The only "non-proven" starter has been Cingrani and hell, he has been excellent when called upon in Cueto's absence....

Let's look at it....

Our 5 starters mentioned (minus Cueto's stats and adding Cingrani's since he has pitched more in a starting capacity):

467.6 innings............................497 K's.
37 WINS vs. 24 LOSSES

What's not to like? Run support has been the problem up until the break otherwise that win/loss would look a little better. When Cueto & Marshall return it is on folks......with Cingrani a nice lefty to have in the bullpen who is capable of coming in in any situation. Starter, long relief, setup............

 

[JohnU]

I had a separate thread started on Cingrani.