Inspired by a debate in the Saturday night TSR, who do you believe will finish the season higher in the National League Central division rankings? The current 2nd place Pirates or the 4th place Reds?
The top four teams in the division are currently upside down relative to their expected winning percentage.
| Team | W | L | GB | RS | RA | Diff | eW | eL | eWpct |
| MIL | 51 | 45 | — | 420 | 432 | -12 | 47 | 49 | 0.490 |
| PIT | 49 | 44 | 0.5 | 369 | 357 | 12 | 48 | 45 | 0.516 |
| STL | 50 | 45 | 0.5 | 443 | 417 | 26 | 50 | 45 | 0.526 |
| CIN | 47 | 48 | 3.5 | 447 | 418 | 29 | 51 | 44 | 0.537 |
The Pirates have allowed the fewest runs in the division, but have also scored the fewest runs in the division. The Reds have scored the most runs in the National League. While they do not rank well in pitching statistics, I am optimistic for the Reds rotation in the second half of the season.
If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on the Reds.