OPENING DAY OPTIMISM: REAL OR PHONY?
So it rains for opening day. Big deal… unless it’s some kind of foreshadowing, which I sincerely hope is not the case.
This is how it always starts, no matter which team you cheer. “We’ve made steps to improve the ballclub” ambiguous manager says. “Our pitching has to step up this year.”
Ambiguous veteran player says, “The guys in the clubhouse look more determined than ever… we’ve decided .500 ball ain’t good enough anymore.”
Sound familiar? It should, especially if you’re a Reds fan. That’s been sort of the company line for more than a decade. But you’ve heard talk I’m sure that this version of the Redlegs might be more than just talk. Cincy improved its pitching staff (in particular the relievers) and might be a bat or two away from a contender in the NL Central. They’re the trendy #3 in the division, behind the Cubs and Cards.
But is Reds’ optimism phony? I’ve been burned too many times, so I’ll lean toward phony---for now.
In Cleveland the weather’s just as nasty, but the forecast for 2008 could not be brighter. Most “experts” (I use the term loosely) expect the Tribe to compete with the Red Sox, just as they did a year ago, for the AL pennant. Despite an improved roster in Detroit, I’d say they’re dead on. The Tigers, as of now, lack the team unity found in the Tribe dugout.
The Indians may have the deepest pitching staff in the American League, featuring two legitimate Cy Young contenders (CC and Fausto). If Travis Hafner returns to his 2006 form, the Tribe should also be a terror at the plate. So…. If you’re pitching’s strong and your hitting’s elite…. You should be pretty good (but what about special teams? haha).
As always, April’s a time for hope… and here’s hoping no matter who you cheer in Ohio, your hope at least lasts ‘till the end of the month.
JROD
