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Rich Reds can’t hit lefties
Ryan Stetson
A quick glance at the MLB money standings could easily sway bettors toward the surprising Cincinnati Reds. With a 39-32 record, Cincy has earned supporters more than 15 units, best in the bigs.
But Cincinnati just isn’t the same team against lefties.
The club had lost its past five outings against left-handers before beating two southpaws last week. For the year, Cincy is 10-12 against lefties. Heading into last night's game, the Reds were hitting just .231 versus southpaws (tied for second worst in the majors) while striking out 152 times - 30 more than any other team in the National League. The Reds also have a measly .319 on-base percentage against left-handers.
By comparison, Cincy was batting .261 with a .352 on-base percentage against right-handed hurlers.
What’s the problem? Well, it certainly doesn’t help that Cincinnati’s three main run producers (Adam Dunn, Sean Casey and Ken Griffey Jr.) are all left-handed hitters.
As of yesterday, Griffey was batting just .213 with 12 RBIs, while Dunn was at .221 with 10 runs batted in against lefties. But against right-handers, their bats come alive. Both were hitting .288, while Griffey had driven in 42 runs and Dunn had pocketed 35 RBIs.
Out of the Reds’ top three sluggers, only Casey (hitting .326 with seven homers and 18 RBIs) is holding his own against southpaws. For the past few years, Casey has been battling shoulder problems. In the previous two seasons, he's hit .261 and .291, respectively.
But this year, the 30-year-old has been right on Barry Bonds’ heels for the NL batting title, hitting a lofty .351.
"I wasn't able to drive the ball to left-center last year," Casey told reporters. "I probably only hit one ball that way all year. That's the telltale sign for me: I want to drive the ball into that gap."
CIN Vs. L 0.235 avg***last 7 games
against left-handed starters 12-13
Rich Reds can’t hit lefties
Ryan Stetson
A quick glance at the MLB money standings could easily sway bettors toward the surprising Cincinnati Reds. With a 39-32 record, Cincy has earned supporters more than 15 units, best in the bigs.
But Cincinnati just isn’t the same team against lefties.
The club had lost its past five outings against left-handers before beating two southpaws last week. For the year, Cincy is 10-12 against lefties. Heading into last night's game, the Reds were hitting just .231 versus southpaws (tied for second worst in the majors) while striking out 152 times - 30 more than any other team in the National League. The Reds also have a measly .319 on-base percentage against left-handers.
By comparison, Cincy was batting .261 with a .352 on-base percentage against right-handed hurlers.
What’s the problem? Well, it certainly doesn’t help that Cincinnati’s three main run producers (Adam Dunn, Sean Casey and Ken Griffey Jr.) are all left-handed hitters.
As of yesterday, Griffey was batting just .213 with 12 RBIs, while Dunn was at .221 with 10 runs batted in against lefties. But against right-handers, their bats come alive. Both were hitting .288, while Griffey had driven in 42 runs and Dunn had pocketed 35 RBIs.
Out of the Reds’ top three sluggers, only Casey (hitting .326 with seven homers and 18 RBIs) is holding his own against southpaws. For the past few years, Casey has been battling shoulder problems. In the previous two seasons, he's hit .261 and .291, respectively.
But this year, the 30-year-old has been right on Barry Bonds’ heels for the NL batting title, hitting a lofty .351.
"I wasn't able to drive the ball to left-center last year," Casey told reporters. "I probably only hit one ball that way all year. That's the telltale sign for me: I want to drive the ball into that gap."
CIN Vs. L 0.235 avg***last 7 games
against left-handed starters 12-13