Johnny Cueto grimaces in pain during the first
inning of the Game 1 of the 2012 NLDS.
To say that I am nervously anticipating the National League Wild Card matchup tonight would be an understatement. Dusty Baker is essentially wagering the Reds' World Series chances on Johnny Cueto's oblique/lat/leg/brain muscles.
After 17 seasons without a postseason series win, my anxiety is overpowering my excitement. Sure Cueto looked good in his two outings since he returned from the disabled list, but his latest 7 innings of work came against the hapless Mets, which was preceded by 5 innings facing the Houston (just in case you forgot where they play) Astros.
Cueto's line since returning is solid: 12 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 K but again it came versus two teams going nowhere fast. Eighteen of his outs recorded came by way of the ground ball in those two games, while 15 putouts were recorded on flyouts.
The Reds' hopes aren't only tied to Johnny's muscle stability/strength but also his ability to keep balls down in what will likely be stellar hitting conditions at PNC Park.
I don't want to admit it but I wouldn't be surprised if we see Sam Lecure in tomorrow night's game. Johnny's 12 innings of pitching at the Major League level over the past three plus months came on 181 pitches. Even if Cueto holds up and can give 6 solid, he'll likely have a pitch count up around 100, which Dusty, considering his past, will not want to surpass by much.
Johnny was erratic at best in his last start. He was aided by a couple of spectacular defensive plays, and walked three guys despite getting some lucky strike calls throughout the game. I am nervous, and the only thing that would settle my worries would be Jay or random player X giving JC some early run support.
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