Cincinnati Reds

The traditional National League opener gets underway this afternoon at Cincinnati's Great American Ballpark, where the homestanding Reds begin what's hoped to be a promising 2009 campaign with a matchup against the New York Mets.

The Reds haven't delivered a winning season since 2000, but there's reason to believe the team is poised to improve upon last year's lackluster 74-88 record. Cincinnati sports a potentially strong starting rotation headlined by rising star Edinson Volquez, while second baseman Brandon Phillips, right fielder Jay Bruce and first baseman Joey Votto provide a talented and young offensive nucleus.

Original article posted at http://www.kansascity.com/