Reds All Star Game predictions

Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto will be representing the Reds in the top third of the batting order when the All Star Game begins tonight at Citi Field in New York at 7:30 with Phillips in the leadoff spot making his first start and Votto hitting his usual third. Aroldis Chapman will be waiting for the latter part of the game before he gets a call from the bullpen. All three Reds should play major roles for the National League team whether the team wins or loses. This is a big game for the three Reds players because if the Reds make the playoffs and their ultimate goal of the World Series, they will certainly need the home field advantage heading into the later games in a playoff series. Here is what fans should expect from the three Reds players in the midsummer classic tonight.

Joey Votto: Votto is hitless in his three prior All Star Games. He went 0/3 last year including a strikeout, so look for Votto to try and get his first hit early in the game. I think Votto will have a hit this year in one of his first two at bats after being considered the best hitter in the order due to his positioning in the lineup by Bruce Bochy.

Brandon Phillips: Phillips went 0/1 in the 2011 All Star Game after Rickie Weeks started above him for the NL that year. Phillips is now expected to be the table setter for the roster in an unnatural spot in the order for him right now. Phillips is probably most comfortable batting in the two hole, but his competitive juices and the adrenaline will certainly be flowing in his first start in the game. I'm not sure Phillips will be able to focus enough against top pitchers to get a hit tonight, but he will make some flashy plays in the field at second base. Mark that down.

Aroldis Chapman: Chapman was in the All Star Game last season when he pitched a third of an inning with a strikeout and a walk. Chapman might get more than just one out this year as one of the top five closers in the MLB. The NL will want to
display its power arms in this game, and Chapman, who reached 103 MPH against the Braves last weekend, can wow the New York crowd. Chapman will probably be given a full inning tonight, and if his fastball and slider are working right, he will rack up a couple strikeouts.

Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot