Last year was a magical one for the Reds as they won their first division title and reached the playoffs for the first time since 1995 thanks in large part to Joey Votto winning NL MVP. In the postseason, however, they were dominated in the NLDS by the Philadelphia Phillies. Votto was arguably the biggest breakout star in baseball last year, winning the MVP one vote short of unanimously. He was simply stellar last year in leading the Reds to their first playoff berth since 1995. He batted .324 with 37 homers and 113 RBIs and led the NL in on-base (.424) and slugging (.600) percentages.

Cincinnati has had some pitching injuries to deal with this spring, as both Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey will start the season on the disabled list although they should be out too long. Bronson Arroyo has mononucleosis but said won't miss any starts. The Opening Day start goes to Edinson Volquez. He allowed three runs on nine hits and four walks in his final spring outing. Volquez was brilliant in 2008 in his first season with the Reds but then missed the last half of 2009 and first half of 2010 after Tommy John surgery. After debuting just after the All-Star break last season, Volquez went 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA over 12 starts. But he had a 1.95 ERA over his final four regular-season starts. He started Game 1 of the playoffs vs. the Phillies but lasted 1 2/3 innings in allowing four runs. Volquez had an 8.38 ERA in the Cactus League this spring.

The Brewers, meanwhile, are a chic pick to win the division this year after trading for two Opening Day starters from last year, Kansas City’s Zack Greinke and Toronto’s Shaun Marcum. Greinke, however, cracked a rib playing basketball this spring and starts the season on the DL. Marcus also had some injury issues but should be fine to make his start this week. Thus Yovani Gallardo gets the start Thursday. He has been the Brewers' best pitcher this spring, posting a 1.96 ERA over five exhibition starts. He pitched five scoreless innings and struck out nine Mariners in his final spring start. Gallardo showed up in camp about 12 pounds lighter. Milwaukee finished with a composite .321 batting average this spring, best among the 16 National League clubs.

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