Watch Out For These 2009 Sleepers

The start of spring training brings high expectations. Every team is a contender in April. I mean, who really saw the Rays in the World Series last season? If the stars fall into place and players believe, who knows what could happen? So although not every team has the talent to go to the World Series, some teams might surprise the everyday fan and make a run at the postseason.

Cleveland Indians: The AL Central is always the biggest hodgepodge of teams trading places at the top and bottom of the standings. The last three seasons have shown a different winner atop the AL Central, and this season could be the year of the Indians. It will all boil down to pitching. If Cliff Lee can maintain his dominance, and Fausto Carmona can bounce back to 2007 form, this team has a very nice 1-2 punch that can shut down any team. With Kerry Wood shutting the door, blown games are unlikely. One of the main stories over the year will be whether or not Travis Hafner can break out of his funk and become the power hitter he once was. But, with every team, there will be question marks. It just comes down to whether the issue gets addressed and the team gets hot at the right time. The Indians have the personnel for a late-season run.

Cincinnati Reds: Although I don’t see this team as the NL Central winner, (Cubs got this one) they could surprise many people next year. For a team that hasn’t been to the postseason in 13 years, there is a lot of uncertainty. But I think this team has enough raw talent to at least challenge late in the year for a playoff spot. The rotation has a nice blend of older and younger players. Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo return coming off down years. If they pitch well in ’09 and youngsters Edinson Volquez, (2008 NL All-Star) Johnny Cueto, and Homer Bailey mature quickly, this team has a good chance to be in a lot of ballgames. And being in a lot of close ballgames calls for a shutdown closer. Francisco Cordero can be that guy. Coming off a 34 save season, he seems to still bring heat and mix it in with a late-breaking slider. The offense lacks only power. With Adam Dunn gone, (he finished up 2008 with the Diamondbacks and is now first baseman for the Washington Nationals) the returning starter with the most home runs is first baseman, Joey Votto, who only hit 24. In a time when the home run ball is the thing in baseball can the Reds defy the odds and win in 2009? Only time will tell.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Arizona’s pitching has been a staple for the last couple of years and it will continue next season. Brandon Webb and Dan Haren combined to win 38 games last year and both will be back. The dependable Doug Davis and recently added Jon Garland can hold their own and bring 200 innings year in and year out. Fireballer Max Scherzer will most likely round out the rotation. With the pitching in place, can the offense do just enough to make a run? With the fourth worst offense (.251 team batting average) in the league and no major free agent pickups, this group will have to break out of their shells and live up to potential (see: Chris Young and Justin Upton).

It’s been said time and time again that winning in baseball comes from pitching and defense. These three teams have those in place and could be a surprise next year.