Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds: Season Preview

     Opening Day is upon us again and for the two major league teams located in Ohio, there are vastly different expectations.
     The Cleveland Indians are coming off of two straight non - winning seasons, and with the club in the midst of a rebuilding effort, there is a good chance that unenviable streak will continue.  However, there is hope for the Tribe.
     It starts with their offense that expects to be one of the best in the American League.  The one - two punch of Asdrubal Cabrera and Grady Sizemore should be able to successfully set up the potent middle of the order that consists of big bats like Shin - Soo Choo and Travis Hafner.
     The pitching, though, could be this team's achilles heel all season long.  The ace of the starting rotation, Jake Westbrook, is returning from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, and he has not pitched in almost two years.  The rest of the staff is either inexperienced or inconsistent, or in most cases, both. 
     The bullpen was already a question mark before closer Kerry Wood hurt is shoulder.  Wood will miss the first two months of the campaign, which puts the Tribe pen in dire straits unless Chris Perez can step up and assume the closer role.
     Realistically speaking, this is a team, that if things break right, could stay in contention until after the All - Star Break, but to expect anything beyond that would be unfair to the young and untested Indians.
     Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds could be embarking on their first winning season since 2000.  All the peices seem to be in place, but like the Indians, there is still some youth that could slow this club down.
     Hitting wise, this team appears to be stacked with the likes of Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and Brandon Phillips leading the way.  Unlike in past seasons, scoring runs should be no problem for the Redlegs.
     While Cincy's pitching is not nearly as poor as Cleveland's, there is still some concern over the arms in the Reds' staff.  Aaron Harang will be the ace,  but he is coming off an awful season, and even at his best was never dominant.  The other four pitchers in the rotation are extremely talented, yet inexperienced, and only time will tell if that will rear its ugly head down the stretch in Cincinnati.  The bullpen appears to be solid, but not great.
     This is a Reds' team that could actually contend for a playoff berth and a winning season could probably be counted on.  Unfortunately, the N.L. Central is very tough and that could keep this team out of the postseason again.