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Why Can't the Reds Beat the Pirates?

They say if you are to be good team, you have to be able to play at least .500 against other good teams and "take care of business" against the lesser teams.  For years (20+ years to be precise), the Pirates have been one of those lesser teams - a team that good teams need to consistently take two out of three from.  In fact, Reds teams of years past had no trouble with Pittsburgh.  Heck, the 1990 World Series Champions took out Pittsburgh in the playoffs thanks to people like Barry Larkin.
A Card Your Mother Threw Out (2010)

In fact, since 1990 the Reds are 170-157 against the Pirates.  That includes every year, whether it was a season with good players like Casey, seasons with frustrating players like Dunn, or seasons we'd rather forget with guys like Howard.

Quick trivia aside:
Since 1990, what three teams do the Reds have the best winning percentage against?

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Answer:
Rays (.889), Yankees (.583), and Marlins (.573)

Unfortunately, the tide seems to have turned when it comes to the Reds/Pirates match-ups.  Games that used to be easy wins are now getting more and more difficult.  In the past two years, the Reds have stumbled to a pathetic 9-15 record against Pittsburgh - and that's despite having a much, much more talented roster including guys like Bruce, Latos, and Brandon Phillips.
2 out of 3 are Topps Archives for theme week!

The final straw was last night's game against the Pirates where Pittsburgh scored the first earned run of the season off of Aroldis Chapman en route to a 10th inning victory.  The Pirates now lead the Reds 5-4 in the season series - but the next bunch of games don't occur until August of this year.

Will the Reds be able to pad their lead again (it's currently only two games over the aforementioned Pirates) before August or will the Pirates finally put together a full season of quality baseball and upset the Reds (and Cardinals)?

***
The above cards were all "throw ins" in a trade with blog reader Jon.  The real catalyst for the trade was four Bowman Platinum cards that I wanted for my set.  I guess I should write posts the morning after watching the Reds blow an extra inning game!

Thanks for the trade Jon!  And, as always, if anyone else would like to trade - check out my want list and make an offer.

Comments

  1. Seems like the same year after year. The Reds put up great numbers against winning teams, but when it comes to teams below .500 they struggle. I will admit that I'm worried about Pittsburgh especially in the coming years. They're stocked with A LOT of young talent and if those kids start clicking on all cylinders then they'll be the team to beat in the central.

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