Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Opening Day 2008

For those who have never lived in Cincinnati, you probably can't really grasp what the opening day of the baseball season is really like here. It is nothing less than a holiday. There is a massive pep rally on Fountain Square, there's a huge parage, etc. And when the game starts, Great American Ballpark will be jammed packed with Reds fans.

I'm stoked that the regular season is finally here! Here are twelve fearless predictions for the Reds '08 season…

1. The Reds will end the season with a winning record for the first time in years.

2. Brandon Phillips will have a 30/30 season for the second year in a row.

3. Bronson Arroyo will have a much more consistent season this year.

4. Aaron Harang will continue to be one of the best pitchers in the National League…and he will continue to be ignored by the national media.

5. Some of the young pitchers will have breakout years (Johnny Cueto). Others will disappoint.

6. Ken Griffey Jr. will be healthy for most of the season. He'll spend one stint on the disabled list.

7. Adam Dunn will hit 40+ homeruns.

8. Joey Votto will secure the first base position for many years.

9. Jay Bruce will play in the big leagues at some point this season.

10. The Corey Patterson deal will not be a good one.

11. Dusty Baker will prove to be a good managerial move.

12. The Reds will finish second in the Central Division behind the Cubs. They'll miss the playoffs, but the season will be enjoyable and the future will look good.