Casey at the Bat

Few things get me more excited than this time of year: It’s baseball season baby!

You would think as a fan of the Cleveland Indians I would know better by now. But even at 28 years old and knowing the Indians haven’t won a World Series since 1948, hope springs eternal.

So call me naive or dumb if you will, but I really think these 2009 Indians are going places.

That is if the pitching overachieves, the offense realizes its potential and the renovated bullpen lives up to expectations.

That is if Cliff Lee bounces back from his Cy Young Award-winning season and can truly contribute like an ace.

We’ll be fine as long as Fausto Carmona regains his 2007 form and doesn’t walk 70 batters in 120 innings.

Big things could be in store if Carl Pavano, Scott Lewis and Anthony Reyes can combine for 30-35 wins.

We might be contenders if Travis Hafner’s shoulder problems are behind him and Victor Martinez is back to 100 percent.

Things would be great if Shin-Soo Choo and Ben Francisco can prove to be everyday players in the outfield.

Watch out if Mark DeRosa and Jhonny Peralta can duplicate their stellar offensive seasons from a year ago and Ryan Garko can put together a full season.

It’s on if Asdrubal Cabrera can mold himself into the prototypical No. 2 hitter and support leadoff hitter and superstar Grady Sizemore.

We could win the division if Kerry Wood can stay healthy enough to save 30-40 games.

We could go even further if Jensen Lewis, Rafael Perez, Rafael Betancourt, Joe Smith, Masa Kobayashi and Zach Jackson turn around a bullpen that ranked 12th in the 14-team American League last season.

If all that happens, fuhgeddaboudit I say; The division, league and world is ours.

Who said hope is a dangerous thing?