Cincinnati Reds Can Win the World Series

20 years ago, the Cincinnati Reds capped off a four-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics and captured their fifth World Championship.

Since that magical year of 1990 the Reds haven’t come close to sniffing that same postseason success.

This year could be different. Here’s why:

Defense:

The Reds’ .988 fielding  percentage is the best in the National League, and second-best in all of baseball.

The Reds also have gold-glove candidates in Brandon Phillips, Scott Rolen, Joey Votto, and Jay Bruce.

Hitting:

The Reds’ team .270 batting average is also the best in the National League, six points higher than the second-place Colorado Rockies, and ten points better than the proclaimed champion Philadelphia Phillies.

The Reds also lead the NL in runs, hits, homeruns, RBI, total bases, and slugging percentage. 

Pitching:

Everyone says the Reds don’t have an ace to match up against the Roy Halladays, Tim Lincecums, or Tim Hudsons of the world.

But the Reds have five guys who have the potential to go head-to-head with anyone in the bigs.

Joey Votto:

Every team that has ever won the World Series has had an MVP-calliber player. For the Reds, Joey Votto is that guy.

Votto is first in the NL in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, second in batting average at .323, and third in home runs and RBI.

Votto is also third in the NL in total bases, fourth in runs, and fifth in walks.

Statistically, the Reds are as good or better than any team in baseball—and most importantly, in October, anything can happen.