The Cincinnati Reds on Top of the NL Central
By Vernon Croy
The Cincinnati Reds lead the National League in runs scored and that is the main reason why this team currently leads its division. Coming into this season, the Reds expected big things out of first baseman Joey Votto and he has not disappointed. The all-star currently has 21 homeruns and 59 RBIs, while hitting .318 on the season. While Votto leads the team in each of these offensive categories, Scott Rolen has also performed very well, hitting .310 with 17 homeruns and 57 RBIs. Jonny Gomes has also come up big thus far, hitting 10 homeruns while driving in 56. At the top of the order, Brandon Phillips has done a great job of getting on base and has 64 runs scored to go along with his 11 homeruns. This extremely potent offense is showing no signs of slowing down as we progress.
The one thing to wonder about the Reds is whether or not their pitching staff is good enough to compete down the stretch. The team's pitching is led by Johnny Cueto, who has an 8-2 record with a 3.56 ERA, and Mike Leak, who is 6-1 with a 3.38 ERA. These two young pitchers have played very well throughout the year, but the Reds will need a larger contribution from veterans Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang if they wish to qualify for a playoff spot.
The Reds offense is definitely the reason why they are in contention, but they have given up more runs than any other division leader in the Major Leagues. This will have to change, as the games will surely get closer as we head down the home stretch. The St. Louis Cardinals have the second best ERA is all of baseball and they are hot on the Reds' heals, making this race worth watching throughout the summer.