With Opening Day less than ten days away, I trying to get a true feel for what the Reds chances are this season. After careful deliberation I am going to project an 84-78 record. While that could keep them in the mix for the division title, 2010 is going to be there year they will legitimately contend for the title. Here are five things that must happen for them to snap their streak of eight straight losing seasons.

1. AARON HARANG MUST RETURN TO FORM
If the Reds are going to compete in the division in '09, they can ill afford to have their staff ace go 6-17 again this season. Harang won 16 games in each of the two previous seasons and if he even comes close to that again the Reds will be in good shape.

2. YOUNG PITCHERS MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP
There's no doubting the upside of Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, and Homer Bailey. The young guns have outstanding stuff and seemingly unlimited upside. How much will they progress this season is what is in question. It's hard to imagine Volquez's numbers improving, but if Cueto and Bailey each take a leap and Volquez stays steady the Reds could bolster the division's best starting rotation.

3. WILLY TAVERAS MUST SCORE 100 RUNS
Forget about the stolen bases and even the on-base percentage, the key stat for the Reds' sake when it comes to Willy Taveras is how many runs will he score? There were 25 different major leaguers to score 100 runs last season and none of them played for the Reds. With Taveras setting the table atop the batting order, getting him across the plate is going to be of the upmost importance. He's never sniffed 100 runs in his career, but did crack 80 twice during his stint with the Astros. To score 100+ runs he will need to get on base, make plays on the basebaths and have the players behind him execute. This is far-fetched I know, but this is a stat that if happens will almost certainly mean the Reds will be in the race.

4. JOEY VOTTO MUST ARRIVE
Asking Jay Bruce to be the man is a bit naive. However, this is Votto's chance to shine. Firmly entrenched as the team's No. 3 hitter, Votto will have the built-in advantage of hitting in front of Brandon Phillips. Votto looked good late in the season and has shown some signs of a breakout during the spring. The Reds are banking on 25+ HR's and something close to 100 RBI's. If he falls short so will the Redlegs.

5. SOMEONE MUST EMERGE AT SHORTSTOP
Alex Gonzalez can't get in on the field to save his life and already tweaked his hamsting again this week. The Reds need steady defensive play at shortstop if they are going to stay in games. Jerry Hairston and Jeff Keppinger are capable of some spot play at the positiion, but if they are counted again to carry the position primarily the Reds are going to struggle. This is one area where trading for an upgrade may not be a bad idea.

MLB reds, aaron harang, edinson volquez, johnny cueto, homer bailey, willy taveras, brandon phillips, joey votto, alex gonzalez, jerry hairston, jeff keppinger