Preview/Prediction

Last season, the Pittsburgh Pirates went 62-99, turning in their 18th consecutive losing season and, in the process, establishing the longest stretch of futility in MLB history.

David Ortiz'z struggles in 2009 are well-documented.

Lets face it, no one ever gets the predictions for the season anywhere close to perfect. Every year new players blossom and new teams show up and act ready for the big show.

Some have been waiting for years for the right moments, others appear out of nowhere and even surprise themselves. Small money clubs are able to strive in a small division and sometimes even peak so fast that they are able to achieve the postseason status as underdog. I didn't predict the Cardinals by a longshot last year, and neither did many.

A lot has been said about the Reds and their "young" talent.  While there are many prospects in the organization with untapped potential, there are also veterans with a wealth of knowledge and experience.  If the regulars can stay relatively healthy, the infield is one area that Dusty Baker should not have to worry about much this season.

All over the country, Opening Day is a time for hope, optimism, and making predictions.

Unfortunately, assigning auguries for an all-but-doomed team like the Cleveland Indians can be depressing.

The Indians essentially waved the white flag on 2010 with the trades of Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez last July. This a rebuilding year, which is code for "we're not even really going to try."

Luckily, we have more to worry about than just our numbers of wins and losses.

Yesterday, I looked at the “Key” player for each National League East team, so today I will cover the National League Central.

Here is the “Key” player for each National League Central team.

St. Louis Cardinals: Brad Penny

Normally this title is reserved for Chris Carpenter, but I feel good about Carpenter staying healthy this season. With Carpenter and Adam Wainwright at the top of the rotation, the Cardinals are set.

The American League West may have the fewest competitors of any MLB division, but the shortage of teams does not equate to a shortage of talent.

The Angels are a well-run, perennial playoff team, the Rangers are developing their pitching in addition to a notoriously dangerous lineup, the A's are an intriguing low-budget club, and the Mariners have pocket aces at the top of their rotation.

So how will this foursome fare in 2010?

4. Oakland Athletics

The end of March is rapidly approaching. We are now less than a week away from opening day. With that in mind, I decided to announce my 25-man roster based upon what I have witnessed so far this spring.

As the Tigers are preparing to trim down the roster , I decided to take a stab at it as well. Rather than predict who I believe the Tigers brass will select, I decided to list my 25 man roster.

Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta has earmarked Thursday as the day he will end all position battles and decide on a 25-man roster.

It will coincide with the April 1 exhibition game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, where Fausto Carmona will take the mound for the Tribe in his final tune-up before the season.

In 2008 the Seattle Mariners lost 101 games, second only to the lowly Washington Nationals. Last season, the Mariners finished with a record of 85-77, signaling a 24 game turnaround, best in the league. This year the Mariners have their eye on 95 wins and an AL West title, and neither is out of the questions.

The Mariners have some household names that every baseball fan is familiar with. Ichiro Suzuki, who holds the all-time record for hits in a season, is easily one of the game’s most recognizable stars.