Bold Prediction: Offense out of the Nine-hole

Today's Bold Prediction:

The starting pitchers in today's Reds-Cardinals game will have more combined hits, runs, and RBI than the first basemen in the starting lineup.

Okay, so this may be a little far-fetched; it's no secret St. Louis Cardinals will have the most special hitter on the planet in the lineup today, and Joey Votto's no slouch either.

But for some reason I think Bronson Arroyo (who homered in his first two starts in 2006) and Brad Penny (who batted over .150 in four of the last five seasons) could really shine in today's game at the Great American Ball Park.

Yesterday's Bold Prediction:
Early on in the season, it's typical to see a manager go to the bullpen after five or six innings regardless of how well the starting pitcher may be doing. There are a few reasons for this. in order to avoid risking injury, it's important not to push a hurler too much as he works on building strength. Also, managers want to give their relief pitchers work, since they need to experience regular live action in order to get a feel for their craft.

Through Day 3 of the baseball season, no starting pitcher had pitcher more than seven innings. I thought that would change yesterday, and it did. In fact, two pitchers recorded at least 22 outs: Luke Hochevar of the Royals (23) and Matt Garza (24). Hochevar was very efficient with his pitches, needing only 89 to get through his workload, while Garza's 114 pitches represent the highest pitch count of any starter in this young season.

2010 Bold Prediction Record: 1-0