How 'bout them Cincinnati Reds? One week into the season with a 5-2 record and alone atop the NL Central standings?

For the first time in years, the Reds have gotten out of the blocks with the right foot - posting more Ws than Ls. While I am not willing to head to Las Vegas and put all of my money on the success of the Reds this season, I am one who believes they will have a pretty good year.

Will they win the NL Central? Probably not, because the Cubs and Astros are loaded with talented pitching and solid hitters. They can, however, make a run for division should either of those clubs have key players injured for a significant amount of time.

The key for the Reds, though, will be good health and good pitching. So far, so good.

As has been the case in recent years, the question mark lies with the pitching. This year, though, the little-known starters are coming through, giving them quality starts (six innings pitched with three or fewer runs) in each of their five victories.

As far as the offense goes, the Reds - when healthy - have one of the most potent-hitting outfields in all of baseball. Adam Dunn is knocking the cover off of the ball, Ken Griffey Jr. is showing signs of his old self and, after a slow start, Austin Kearns has come around the last few games. If all three of these guys and first baseman Sean Casey can stay in the lineup all season, they will win more games than they lose.

That's enough about the Reds. Here are my annual predictions for MLB 2004:

NL East: The Atlanta who? For the first time in a dozen years, the Braves will not win the division. Despite their 1-6 start, the Phillies will win the division. Don't count out the Marlins, though. Pudge Rodriguez or not, they have one of the best young pitching staffs in baseball and some good, young bats.

NL Central: The Chicago Cubs are the cream of the crop here. They have the best rotation in baseball (Kerry Wood, Greg Maddux, Matt Clement, Carlos Zambrano and Mark Prior) and good power in Sammy Sosa, Moises Alou and Derek Lee. Houston will challenge with the addition of Andy Pettite (even though he's injured now) and Roger Clemens to an already solid pitching staff. Whoever loses this race will be the wild card.

NL West: This is a tough one, but I'm going with the Giants, even though they won't be as good as they were last year. Don't count out the D'backs or the Padres, though.

AL East: The Bronx All-Stars, with the addition of Alex Rodriguez, will once again spoil the pitching-laden Boston Red Sox's hopes of winning the division. The Sox will have a chance for redemption, though, since they will be the wild card.

AL Central: Another tough one to pick between the White Sox, Royals and Twins, but I'm going with Kansas City, based on experienced veteran players

such as Juan Gonzalez, Mike Sweeney and Benito Santiago and exciting youngsters such as Carlos Beltran and Angel Berroa.

AL West: The Anaheim Angels' acquisition of Vladimir Guerrero and Bartolo Colon will make them the favorites. The A's and Mariners, though, could make a run for the division.

So, there you have it. My two cents on this year's MLB season. If the Reds can prove me wrong, though, I won't complain.

Shawn Doyle is managing editor of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached by calling (740) 532-1445 ext. 19 or by e-mail to shawn doyle@irontontribune.com.