Reds vs. Dodgers, Game 1: Preview and Predictions

Tony Cingrani gets another opportunity to prove himself tonight against Dan Haren and the Los Angeles Dodgers at 7:10.  The game will be televised on ESPN, so you should should probably tune into that.  Hopefully, the Reds can improve on their nationally televised record.  Cingrani has been speculated to be the man who will bumped from the rotation after the return of Mat Latos.  Cingrani looked pretty decent in his last start until the very end when he started to give up some bombs.  Cingrani looked upset/sad at the end, and I don't want to see sad Tony.  I want to see happy Tony!

Dan Haren is the pitcher for the Dodgers, and you should know plenty about him.  He is in the twilight of his career, but he is having quite the resurgence with the Dodgers.  Saying that made me vomit a bit.  He's sporting a 3.50 ERA with a 4.33 K/BB ratio.  Basically, he isn't walking anyone, which is what he's always done.  He does look hittable, and isn't missing many bats.  Hopefully, Donald Lutz can run into one, two, or maybe even three knockwursts.

WAIT DID YOU JUST SEE THAT I SAID THAT DONALD LUTZ IS IN THE LINEUP?!?  HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gonzalez not starting today. Puig back in. <a href="http://t.co/o6kdJJCEGu">pic.twitter.com/o6kdJJCEGu</a></p>&mdash; Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/alannarizzo/statuses/476073088803954688">June 9, 2014</a></blockquote>

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We aren't exactly getting the Dodgers best lineup, and hopefully Tony can take advantage of that.  Mat Latos and Joey Votto are playing for Louisville tonight.  Price won't say how close Votto is to returning, but it sounds like it will be very soon.  Latos is pissed that he is making another rehab start, and I expect him to make his next start for Cincy.  He is lined up to take Tony's place.  We'll have to see what happens with that.  We have a fully rested pen, except for Chapman, to pick up the slack, but I expect Tony to bring his best tonight.

Bullpen Log