Taking the PIRATES here. I'll be honest with you. I am a Reds fan. I like this team. Votto, Phillips, Latos, Bruce. A bunch of guys I really like. But not here. Reds dropped 5 in row to end the year. That is no way to end a season. Especially when we add to that the Pirates and the fact that they are basically the feel-good story of MLB this year. Add in the fairy tale that is their starter tonight in Francisco Liriano (16-8 3.02 ERA), a possible MVP in Andrew McCutchen and the NL HR (tied) leader in Pedro Alvarez and it looks like the planets have finally aligned for this tortured franchise. Liriano at home has been nearly perfect, going 8-1 1.47 ERA, an opponents BA against of just .174 and a WHIP of .96. The Reds have beaten him already this year. But as good as Cueto is and has been, I don't trust him in his 3rd start off the DL. I really can't knock the Reds. They are a very good team. But my final thought here is that after dropping 5 straight and the last 3 right here to these Pirates, I just can't see Cincy 'flipping' the proverbial switch to get a win. 4* Money-Maker PITT PIRATES