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.

First of all, they are going to have to get even better pitching than last year. The Rays are in the same division with the retooled and powerful New York Yankees, as well as the Boston Red Sox. Additionally, the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are no pushovers anymore as both have strengthened their chances. The competition is the one thing that has changed for the Rays, and they must improve with it.

The Rays are largely the same team that took the field last year, with one important addition of note. They now have slugger Pat Burrell to take over the DH duties and his power and presence should pay dividends. The one catch with Burrell is that he strikes out far too often, and he does not hit for any average at all to speak of. What Burrell does do, however, is hit Home Runs and drive home runners. The slugger will be a potent force for the Rays in the 2009 season.

Carl Crawford is another key ingredient for the Rays. He has just not been the same the last couple of years, and the Rays could really use him getting back to the player he was a couple years ago. He still has the speed, and gets the stolen bases, but he has the talent to be so much more. You have to know that Crawford is due to break out soon. He is just too talented not to.

Evan Longoria provided one of the more memorable rookie seasons in MLB history last year, and this year he will need to avoid the sophomore slump. This year will be the year that he might struggle if he is going to. With the natural ability he possesses, this is highly unlikely. I expect that Longoria will be even better with Burrell in the lineup. Also the loss of Rocco Baldelli will demand that Longoria produce even more. Baldelli was hurt a lot, but when he was in he was a force to be sure.

The Rays are in prime position to repeat last seasons World Series run, and if the cards fall right, they could even improve and win it. The keys are going to be pitching, and the continued growth of their young players. If these things come together, the Rays might find themselves back in the Fall Classic and continuing their rise to the top of the baseball world.

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.