2012 MLB NLDS Picks and Odds: San Francisco Giants vs Cincinnati Reds Predictions – Free NLDS Picks

2012 MLB Playoffs Picks: San Francisco Giants vs Cincinnati Reds Odds and Predictions – Free MLB NLDS Picks: In 2010, the San Francisco Giants won the World Series. That same year, the Cincinnati Reds went to the playoffs, as well. Both franchises failed to live up to expectations last year and missed out on the postseason, but both are back for some October baseball in 2012. The Reds survived a mid-season injury to star Joey Votto, winning the NL Central and nearly finishing with the best record in baseball. Meanwhile, the Giants overcame a suspension to All-Star MVP Melky Cabrera to win the NL West. Now, the two division winners will battle in the NLDS with a spot in the National League Championship Series up for grabs.

Both teams have used similar recipes for success this season. Inconsistent offense has been a problem for both sides, but excellent starting pitch has more than made up for it. Cincinnati had the third-best ERA in baseball and had four starters throw more than 200 innings. San Francisco, on the other hand, had the seventh-best ERA and had five starters win at least 10 games and four starters win 14 or more games. Needless to say, this could be a series of low-scoring games. One hot bat on either side could be the difference between who advances and who goes home.

The Giants Win If:

Led by ace Matt Cain, the Giants’ rotation is stout. The bullpen, on the other hand, has been shaky. An injury to closer Brian Wilson has forced a committee approach at the end of games, and San Francisco has lost some games because of it. If Cain and company go deep into games and give the bullpen a little cushion to work with, the Giants should have a shot in every game of the series. Offensively, catcher Buster Posey will have to have a big series. He led the Giants with a .336 average, 24 home runs and 103 RBIs. Meanwhile, third baseman Pablo Sandoval is the only other player in the San Francisco lineup with double-digit homers, and he hit just 11. Posey won the batting title, and he is one of the frontrunners for the MVP award. If he plays like one against the Reds, the Giants should generate enough runs to advance.

The Reds Win If:

With Mat Latos and Johnny Cueto at the top of the rotation, Cincinnati has two pitchers than can go out and shut down any lineup on any night. However, Bronson Arroyo doesn’t measure up with any of the third starters that San Francisco can run out. In other words, Cueto and Latos have to deliver in their starts in the series. If they do, the Reds will be in excellent shape because they have one of the best bullpens in baseball capped by flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman. If Cincinnati gets through the sixth with the lead, the Reds are going to be tough to beat. Offensively, the Reds have been streaky all year, but they have more firepower in their lineup than San Francisco. Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and Joey Votto can all carry the team at the plate, and the role players have more pop in their bats, as well. If just a couple of hitters get locked in, the Reds should be able be push some runs across the plate on a more consistent basis and advance.

Bottom Line:

In a series that should be dominated by pitching, the Reds should have the upper hand. Yes, San Francisco has more depth in the rotation by a wide margin, but depth isn’t as important in the postseason. Cueto and Latos are just as good if not better than the San Francisco’s top two starters, and they have a far superior bullpen behind them. More importantly, the Cincinnati lineup more players capable of producing a game-changing hit in any at bat. With the starting pitching basically being a wash and Cincinnati having an edge in the bullpen and at the plate, the Reds should be able to outlast the Giants over the course of the series.

Prediction: Cincinnati Reds Win the Series in 5 Games

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