MLB Betting: Cardinals Favorites On First Series Game vs Reds

Teams in MLB have some decisions to make in the off-season, the results of which can make or break their upcoming year. Do you decide to try and build on the success or shortcomings of the previous season, do you stick with what you’ve got, or do you blow everything up and start again? The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds took different approaches to their off-season, and they will start to test the waters when they meet for a 3-game set in Cincy starting on Friday. Here’s a MLB betting preview for the first match of the series.

Cardinals vs Reds: MLB Betting Analysis and Game Preview

Time: Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET Venue: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati National TV: none Opening line: Cardinals -116, Reds +106 (7.5 runs) The Cardinals have been one of the elite teams in the league over the past few years, but they are starting to develop a habit of falling just short. They tried to remedy that in the off-season by bringing in some big new signings. One of those was Jason Heyward, the power hitter who was deemed surplus to requirements by the Atlanta Braves. As much as the Braves fans grew to love this guy, they will also be quick to tell you that he seems pretty fragile for a big man. Injuries have plagued Heyward since he broke into the league, but if he can stay healthy, he should be a great addition. He certainly started out well enough, bagging three hits in the season opener versus the Chicago Cubs. The Cincinnati Reds really didn’t do much during the off-season, and the biggest question with this team right now is the status of ace pitcher Johnny Cueto. There is almost zero chance that the Reds will be able to afford him when his contract is up at the end of the year, so how long he stays likely depends on how well the team does. After Cueto, the rest of the pitching rotation falls off pretty dramatically. If Jay Bruce and Joey Votto can find a way to bounce back after less than stellar years last season, the Reds may be able to hang around for a little while. They have certainly started well enough, winning their opening 2 games, but this is a long season that can go south quickly.

Key Betting Trends

Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home St. Louis is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games St. Louis is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road

What Should You Bet On?

John Lackey, who came over from Boston last season, will get the start for the Cardinals, while Jason Marquis, who was on a minor-league contract with the Phillies last year, will take the mound for the Reds. Not exactly a glamorous pithing match-up, but one that I like Lackey and the Cardinals to win.