Fate in the Reds Hands

A little more than halfway into the 2011 season and the Reds face the biggest road trip of the year.  Seven games until the All-Star break.  Seven games that very likely could make or break their season.  Sitting at 43-42, but just two games back of first they face the two teams tied atop the NL Central Division -- St. Louis and Milwaukee.  The Reds control their own destiny as a 6-1, 5-2 trip would shoot them up the standings and provide some much needed momentum headed into the 2nd half of the season.

If the Redlegs go 6-1, they'll be at 49-43.  5-2 and they'll sit at 48-44.  Anything less will only perpetuate the status quo or send them spiraling out of contention.  If the Nationals can win 8 in a row and the Pirates can sweep the mighty Red Sox, the Reds must stand up and be accounted for right now if they are to re-assert themselves back into the division race.

To a man, everyone on the Reds feels they're about to break out.  But as Reds Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman recently asked Dusty Baker during Saturday's pre-game show, "What makes you think this team is capable?" Aside from beginning the year 5-0, the Reds are just 38-42 since, with only two winning streaks of three games or more.

The first game of the road trip may very well set the tone as Reds ace Johnny Cueto (5-2, 1.84 ERA) takes to the mound against the Cardinals Chris Carpenter (3-7, 4.00 ERA), who despite is overall record has been much better of late.  In his last two starts, Carpenter has allowed just two runs over 16 innings.  It's likely the Reds won't be facing the same guy they battered around May 15 for 7 runs.

This team can talk all the want about how they're close to putting together a winning streak.  It would seem they have a perfect opportunity staring them in the face.