O-H-I-O

It looks like a promising season for baseball fans in the state of Ohio. The Indians made some awesome additions and the Reds are looking to win the National League Central once again. Who will be the dominant team in Ohio: The Tribe or The Big Red Machine?

The Indians' Bullpen Mafia

The Indians made some tremendous additions to their starting lineup this off season. They signed right fielder Nick Swisher, center fielder Michael Bourn, and first baseman Mark Reynolds too add to an already strong lineup. The Indians also signed veteran Jason Giambi who I believe can make the roster. They have a nice combination of speed and power and I think they can compete with the Tigers in 2013.

1. L. Bourn CF     99 OPS+
2. S. Cabrera SS  115 OPS+
3. S. Swisher RF   126 OPS+
4. S. Santana C     122 OPS+
5. L. Kipnis 2B      103 OPS+
6. R. Reynolds 1B  107 OPS+
7. L. Giambi DH     74 OPS+
8. L. Chisenhall 3B  108 OPS+
9. L. Brantley LF      113 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the Indians is a bit of a question. They traded right fielder Choo in a three team deal with the Reds and Diamond Backs to acquire pitcher Trevor Bauer, who is considered as a top prospect and Major League ready. I think Ubaldo Jimenez will find success in 2013, and Justin Masterson will show us what he is made of. The Indians should sign or trade for a starter to really strengthen their rotation. The perfect candiditates are Lohse and Capuano, both are available and both can make a big impact.

1. R. Justin Masterson 4.93 ERA
2. R. Ubaldo Jimenez 5.40 ERA
3. R. Brett Myers 3.31 ERA in the bullpen
4. R. Trevor Bauer 2.42 ERA in minors
5. R. Zach McAllister 2.98 in minors

The Indians have a decent bullpen anchored by their closer Chirs Perez. They deem the name "Bullpen Mafia" and part of that mafia is Vinnie Pestano who has impressed everyone with a sub 3.00 era two consecutive seasons. Expect the Bullpen Mafia to whack teams in the late innings.

I project 87 wins for the Indians in 2013

Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto. The faces of the Reds

The Reds are a contender almost every year, but in recent seasons they are knocked out of the playoffs pretty early. They have a great rotation, a powerful lineup, and a great bullpen. The lineup for the Reds changed a bit from 2013 with the addition of Choo and the subtraction Scott Rolen.

1. L. Choo CF     131 OPS+
2. R. Phillips 2B   96 OPS+
3. L. Votto 1B     174 OPS+
4. L. Bruce RF     118 OPS+
5. R. Ludwich LF 128 OPS+
6. R. Frazier 3B    115 OPS+
7. R. Cozart SS    79 OPS+
8. R. Hanigan C    88 OPS+

The pitching rotation is led by the most under rated starting pitcher, Johnny Cueto. He is followed by some young talent and an established veteran. The well above average rotation pitches in a small park which makes the low ERA's even more amazing.

1. R. Johnny Cueto 2.78 ERA
2. R. Matt Latos 3.48 ERA
3. R. Bronson Arroyo 3.74 ERA
4. R. Homer Bailey 3.68 ERA
5. R. Mike Leake 4.58 ERA

The bullpen is topped off with the Cuban Missile, Aroldis Chapman (1.51 ERA). There has been talk about moving him to the rotation, but if the flame thrower is put in the already great rotation, you might as well kiss his career good bye. The other parts of the bullpen are Jonathon Broxton (2.48 ERA), Sean Marshall (2.51 ERA), Logan Ondrusek (3.46 ERA), and Jose Arrendondo (2.94 ERA).

I project 94 wins for the Reds in 2013