If my life depended on picking the 2012 World Series winner I’d be dead yesterday. I seriously have no clue which team looks like the front-runner to win the World Series. Baseball is usually good in that respect – there’s never really ever a clear cut team like the Miami Heat, etc.

So as I was perusing the league this weekend, I did a double take at the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds have been the whipping boys of the playoffs in recent years, but they have been consistently making the dance. Why wouldn’t they buck the trend this year and make a run?

Well, I’m into the idea and here are 5 reasons why……

5.) They’re a Good Fielding Team

In terms of overall defense the Reds are 7th in baseball with some non-playoff teams ahead of them. I’m trying my best to focus on defense and pitching, and the Reds are a good defensive squad.

4.) Joey Votto is the Best Hitter in Baseball

Yeah that’s right I said it.. The guy can’t stay healthy, but when he is I believe he’s the best hitter in baseball. Well let’s just say it’s a tie between him, Ryan Braun, and Miguel Cabrera (up and coming Mike Trout and Matt Kemp). I really feel like Votto could be one of those guys who lights up the postseason.

3.) Pitching Wins Championships

The Reds own the third best E.R.A. in baseball to date. The two teams above them; the Washington Nationals and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Nats are shutting down Strasburg, and the Reds have a better offense than the Rays. Sounds logical right?

2.) They Have the League’s Most Dominant Closer

One lesson I hold very dear to my heart is that a shut down closer is IMPERATIVE in the playoffs. (See Mariano Rivera) Chapman is as shut down as it gets. If you need 6,5,4,3,2, or 1 outs is there� pitcher (even though he’s untested) you’d pick ahead of Chap. (Well probably, but not many)

1.) Why Not?

No team is blowing me away and the Reds are quietly two games behind the best record in baseball. The Reds could finish this season with the best record in baseball. I think we should start paying attention.