At the plate

The Indians, simply, have one of the most potent lineups in baseball, though they'll be stripped of the designated hitter in the National League park. First baseman Jim Thome is having the best year (.322, 13 HR, 43 RBI), followed by right fielder Manny Ramirez (.293, 10 HR, 36 RBI), DH-outfielder David Justice (.284, 10 HR, 41 RBI) and third baseman Travis Fryman (.260, 8 HR, 31 RBI).

Oh, yeah, there's also center fielder Kenny Lofton (.269), Moeller graduate David Bell (.297) at second, catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. (.266) and shortstop Omar Vizquel (.299).

Basically, it's a lineup that dwarfs the offensively challenged Reds.

On the mound

Today: RH Pete Harnisch (5-1, 3.06) vs. RH Charles Nagy (7-2, 5.68) Saturday: LH Mike Remlinger (3-6, 4.35) vs. RH Jaret Wright (4-3. 4.03)

Sunday: Reds RH Scott Klingenbeck vs. RH Dave Burba (7-4, 3.73). At first glance, pitching appears to be Cleveland's sore spot. Fact is, they have the best ERA in the AL. Burba has given them the lift they were looking for when they got him for the Reds just before Opening Day.

Outlook

Of course, the Reds look overmatched. Of course, they also did last year when they won two of three in Cleveland. It might be tougher this year, given the Reds' low offensive output all year long, but pitching will be the key. If the starters can hold down the Indians' bombers, Cincinnati may just be able to score a few off the Cleveland staff.

It's still a tall task, though, and the Indians easily have the overall edge.