The New Red Machine

2 weeks ago, it appeared as if the St. Louis Cardinals were destined to pull away early in a weak NL Central, but now they are no longer even in first place. The first place team is the red-hot Cincinnati Reds, who just took 2 of 3 from St. Louis last weekend.

The Reds have won 9 of their last 12, and this turnaround has caught many by surprise. Earlier this month there was much speculation about the security of manager Dusty Baker's job, but the Reds have supported the manager and surged into contention. This isn't just a fluke though, and the Reds are a team to be reckoned with.

The Reds are doing it with their pitching of late. Bronson Arroyo has re-invented himself, despite seemingly being on the trade block every season. Arroyo has been an inning-eater for the Reds so far, pitching 52 innings and winning 3 games, capped off by a complete game victory of the 16th vs. the Cardinals. Mike Leake in his first season is undefeated, going 4-0 in 7 starts. Youngsters Johhny Cueto and Homer Bailey both pitched complete game shutouts in their last starts, both vs. the Pirates. If these pitchers can stay on this pace, and Aaron Harang can possibly find his touch that he once had, when ace Edinson Volquez returns from the DL, this starting rotation could be a definite strength for the Reds.

At the plate, Joey Votto leads the way for Cincinnati with 8 homers and a .289 average. Power is hard to come by on the team, with veteran Scott Rolen second on the team with 7 homers and a few others including Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce with 4 homers.

If this team can stay competitive and prove this isn't a fluke, they can definitely be seen as a Wildcard threat. In the weak NL Central with the under-performing Cubs and Brewers, the weak Pirates, and the terrible Astros, this team can pick up a number of wins off these weak opponents. Compared to teams in the NL West and the NL East, they will have an easier division schedule outside of the Cardinals, and this could give them an advantage. The Reds are a good mix of youth and experience, and the experience of players like Rolen, Orlando Cabrera, and Ramon Hernandez can help this team to playing meaningful games in September. Don't forget closer Francisco Cordero, who has been one of the game's best closers for years now. He will need to keep blown saves to a minimum, as he has converted 14 of 16 already this season.