The Reds certainly have the potential. The starters for the Reds are similar to be sure. You have a veteran, reliable presence in Aaron Harang, and Bronson Arroyo. You have three outstanding young pitchers in the trio of Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, and Micah Owings. Some think that Cueto and Volquez are future Cy Young candidates to be sure. The key here is that they are able to stay consistent and win regularly.

Run production is the other concern for the Reds. That concern appears to be dealt with however, as they have a slew of nice offensive players. Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, and Brandon Phillips are going to be absolute murder on the opposition this year. All three have the potential to be solid five category players, and Bruce and Votto may even be 30-40 homer guys…this season. The signing of Ramon Hernandez is likely to pay off nicely as well, as he is a pretty decent offensive catcher as a rule.

The only thing the Reds did not address was to get a strong right handed bat to take over left field. The right handed bat would help to break up the slew of left handers in Votto and Bruce. They did resign Jerry Hairston Jr, who should provide RBI opportunities and speed. He can also man that left field spot as well as a few other positions in a pinch. The Reds also signed Jonny Gomes with left field in mind if he can reclaim the power that he showed at the start of his career. If not, Norris Hooper and Chris Dickerson will probably man the position with Hairston Jr filling in here and there.

Another strength for this team might be their bullpen. The Reds have a strong, established group of pitchers out there, and they know how to protect the lead. The problem in the last few years is that they have not had many leads to protect. Francisco Cordero will continue to provide closing duties, and David Weathers will be his set up man most of the time. Left hander Bill Bray is coming on strong as well.

Youngster Homer Bailey and Micah Owings will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation and both have the potential to completely dominate batters. The offense in Cincinnati is sure to be exciting if nothing else. After signing Willy Taveras and Jerry Hairston Jr, the Reds are set to have plenty of speed to set the table for young sluggers Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. Add in the explosive Brandon Phillips and Edwin Encarnacion, and they could be one of the most productive offenses in the league. The one element that the Reds had hoped for but did not get was a power hitting right handed bat to sandwich between left handers Votto and Bruce. This will add some pressure to the two young sluggers to carry a much heavier load, and they will not get much protection in the lineup. Fortunately, the Reds are trying to revive the career of youngster Jonny Gomes to take that spot. Gomes has the power and ability to be a perfect fit in Cincinnati, but he will have to earn that chance in Spring Training. The defense in Cincinnati should be in great hands as they signed veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez from the Orioles. This guy is a great on the field coach that can lead the Reds from behind the plate. Phillips is about as good as it gets at second, and the combination with A. Gonzalez at shortstop is strong up the middle and turning the double play. The outfield is quick and athletic and should be sound if they can find a good player for left field. The resigning of Hairston gives the Reds a ton of lineup flexibility. Hairston Jr can literally play anywhere on the baseball diamond, and does not mind doing so. This will give Dusty Baker a chance to rest players and test some new ideas here and there. Baker is one of the most creative coaches in the league, and Hairston Jr will allow him to utilize that talent.

Overall, the Reds will be much improved in 2009. It is hard to imagine that the Reds would do anything but move up from the dismal season of 08, and if they have some of those bats mature quickly, they just might be a power in the National League. The Rays have shown that it can be done. The Reds want to follow suit in 09.

In 2009, baseball fans will again enjoy some surprises – the Cincinnati Reds and the Texas Rangers.

The Reds will contend for one main reason – they are stocked with pitching talent. The rotation will again be anchored by young righthanders Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto. Veteran Bronson Arroyo will be back to eat innings and Aaron Harang is due for a rebound after struggling last year. The Reds closer, Coco Cordero will be set up by free agent signing Arthur Rhodes. Mike Lincoln, one of the leagues most underrated relievers, also returns to bolster the pen.

The Reds have plenty of hitters too. Jay Bruce is a superstar in the making, while firstbaseman Joey Votto hits for average and power. Secondbaseman Brandon Phillips and thirdbaseman Edwin Encarnacion are both well above-average at their respective positions.

Then there’s manager Dusty Baker. While he may not be the best in-game strategist, Baker is adept at getting the most from his teams by keeping them motivated. Look for the 2009 Reds to push for 90 wins and a playoff spot.

The Texas Rangers haven’t had a winning season in years, but they are about to right the ship.

The Rangers are led by an explosive offense centered around slugger Josh Hamilton. The Rangers middle infielders – Mike Young and Ian Kinsler – are excellent hitters as well. Outfielder Nelson Cruz, another power bat, will hit cleanup and thirdbaseman Hank Blalock will try to stay healthy and get back to his 25-homer output. Last year’s impact rookie, firstbaseman Chris Davis, will look to build on his half season last year.

Offense prowess aside, the Rangers’ biggest concern has always been pitching and , more specifically, a lack thereof. This season will be different because, for the first time in years, the team is going to add an impact free agent starter. Look for either Randy Johnson or Ben Sheets to sign short-term deals to pitch in Arlington and front their rotation. The new ace will be joined by veterans Vincente Padilla and Kevin Millwood and youngsters Tommy Hunter, Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy. Hunter, Harrison and McCarthy will battle for the final two spots in the rotation, with the loser heading to the bullpen. In a weak division, the Rangers can reach 90 wins and challenge the Angels for AL West supremacy.

Keep an eye on both the Reds and Rangers next spring as they try to move forward and become legitimate playoff contenders.