Opening day is almost here, and the League should be interesting with numerous players who have "lost weight" as a result of the new steroid testing policy. As a Columbus native, my favorite major league team each year is either the Reds or the Indians... whoever is doing better. The Reds have a better history while the Indians have had better teams over the last decade or so. Both teams have newish ball parks and are receiving relatively good press (check out the "Suprising Teams" section in this article). Here's a prediction as to how each team will do this year.
Cleveland Indians: They should top the Twins in the AL Central because of all their young sluggers. Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Casey Blake, Ronnie Belliard, Ben Broussard and Aaron Boone will help the Indians become the best offensive team in the majors. Plus they picked up veterans like Juan Gonzalez and pitcher Kevin Millwood. C.C. Sabathia and the rest of their starters are good enough to keep them close in every game. The only question mark for the Tribe is their bullpen. Last year they had 28 blown saves. Hopefully, when they put Bob Wickman in this year in the 7th with a lead, he can close the deal.
Cincinnati Reds: If the Reds stay healthy, they will seriously challenge the Cubs for the NL Central crown. Their strength is the power-hitting of outfielders Ken Griffy Jr., Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns and Wily Mo Peña. All are capable of hitting over 40 dingers in a season. Closer Danny Graves can get the job done if Paul Wilson and their starting staff can give him a lead late in the game. An issue for the Reds this year will be the shortstop position. In 32 years the Reds have had two starting shortstops, Dave Concepcion and Barry Larkin. Rich Aurilia and Felipe Lopez are currently battling for the position, and whoever wins it will have some mighty big shoes to fill.
I've never really been much of a baseball fan... I grew up playing it with neighborhood kids and I remember watching the Reds during those long summers (when you had to be home when the street lights came on). It's a much more intricate game than most other sports. I've come to appreciate it more as I've gotten older and my attention span has increased. Now does this mean I'm gonna sit down and watch every televised Reds or Indians game, hell no. But I'd love to go to a few games this summer. Anyhoo opening day is this Monday... does that mean it's officially summer?
ReplyDeleteOh yea, and here's a kinda of sarcastic / negative way to look at the upcoming season for the Reds and Indians: "Why bother? Aren't the Yankees or Red Sox just gonna win it all?" I'm only kidding of course... there's a reason they play the games, and every season is a new one.
I'm sorry... for the last part I should have said: "Why bother? Aren't the Yankess or Red Sox just going to buy the world series?"
ReplyDeleteYeah, either the Red Sox or Yankees will probably win in all. Hopefully, the new steroid policy will slow down Yankees Shefield and Giambi. But the Red Sox don't seem to have any guys whose head circumfrence has grown considerably in recent years. Plus, you can never count out the Braves, Cardinals and Cubs, all of whom seem to have good teams every year.
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