Reds v. Angels Preview

Lets talk about the Josh Hamilton story. Actually on second thought lets not because that was over 6 years ago and at this point we have been better off without him. You want to read that story ESPN has a great preview piece.

For those of you who want to read about the actual game here we go.

March 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) plays the field in the second inning during a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The game sees Reds ace Johnny Cueto face off against Angels ace Jared Weaver in a battle of NL and AL heavyweights. A rarity for the season, both teams open with inter league play, something neither team has done. Another story line will be the weather on monday, the high is supposed to be in the mid 40’s with a chance of a shower or two. Either way not prime baseball weather and certainly not the weather the Angels are used to.

A bigger story than Josh Hamilton coming back to Cincinnati is the return of Albert Pujols to Cincinnati. Reds fans have not seen the aging slugger since he was last in town with the Cardinals in 2011. Expect Pujols to be booed on monday and all three games throughout the series. There is no love lost between the fans and a former Cardinals player.

The Angels have tremendous slugging power although so do the Reds. Pujols, Hamilton and Trout have to go up against Votto, Phillips and Ludwick. Hopefully we can add Choo’s name to the list of great hitters for this season.

Monday won’t answer all the questions for the season but it should give us an understanding of how well this team can perform against a solid opponent.

Tomorrow at 4:10 the road to redemption begins for the Reds. The quest for the fall classic starts tomorrow at GABP.

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