Last Updated on April 4, 2016 3:04 pm by Brad Burns
Big offense at Great American Ballpark?
Thank goodness for the pomp and circumstance of Opening Day. It helps mask the stench of what otherwise looks like a surface stinker between the Reds and Phillies.
Two of the worst teams in all of baseball collide in the Queen City at 4:10 p.m. ET. Oddsmakers at online spots book BetDSI like the host squad as a slight favorite, with the over/under run total coming in at 7.5.
Cincinnati hands the ball to young righty Raisel Iglesias in hopes of starting 2016 on a much better note than the ugliness that shrouded last summer. Bryan Price’s club went 64-98 to finish in the basement of the National League Central. Third baseman Todd Frazier (89 homers since 2012) and closer Aroldis Chapman (146 career saves) were also dealt during the winter.
Somehow, though, Philadelphia even had it worse. As the most futile squad in the senior circuit at 63-99, the Phils represented easy targets for the Mets, Nationals and basically everybody else. New general manager Matt Klentak didn’t exactly retcon his roster, but one new addition, veteran Jeremy Hellickson, starts this afternoon’s affair.
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Neither hurler is likely to go deep into this contest, and potent bats still exist on both sides. Catcher Devin Mesoraco and shortstop Zack Cozart should buoy the Reds’ attack. As for the Phillies, Maikel Franco may infuriate Iglesias and a shaky Cincy bullpen all by himself.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: PHILLIES/REDS OVER 7.5 RUNS
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