It's the weekend finally and there seems to be some good matchups this weekend.  Here's the info on the big series of the weekend:

Yankees(12-10) @ Indians(10-12)
Let's just say that these two teams don't like each other.  Cleveland was the big dog in the AL in the mid 1990's until the Yankees stepped up and took the mantle from them.  Everyone loves being the Yankees and the Indians are no exception.  Coming off a strong series against the Royals, look for the Indians to keep the pressure on.  The Yankees will hopefully have A-Rod back in the lineup and the Yankees miss Carmona and Cliff Lee, the most consistant healthy pitchers for the Indians.  Pick:  Yankees take 2 of 3

Angels(14-9) @ Tigers(10-13)
Detroit just got done sweeping the powerless Rangers at home and they have found their offensive stride.  Having Curtis Granderson back in the lineup will make the Tigers the team to beat in the AL Central again and Miguel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez and Co. are now hitting a ton.  The Angels won the last game in Boston, but they seem to be missing something....their starting pitching.  Pick:  Tigers sweep

Diamondbacks(16-6) @ Padres(9-14)
This is a pitching dream series, for the most part.  Friday, you have Randy Johnson(0-1) v. Randy Wolf(2-0).  Saturday, it's Micah Owings(4-0) taking the mound v. Justin Germano(0-2).  On Sunday, you have Brandon Webb(5-0) v. Jake Peavy(3-0)-why this game isn't the Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN is beyond me.  I'd much rather watch this game than do what I'm going to do(listen to it).  I think the Big Unit will get his stuff together and throw a great game on Friday, the question is will Wolf match him pitch-for-pitch?  Pick:  Diamondbacks take 2 of 3

These are the three series that I'm looking forward must to.  It should be a great weekend!

The Indians had a breakout year in 2005, but failed to duplicate it last season.  Finishing in 4th place, they had less than stellar years from many of their players and decided to trade their starting shortstop and first baseman at the trade deadline.  Their offseason moves were good for a mid-market team trying to continue the rebuilding process.  Here's the position-by-position preview.

Catcher
Victor Martinez is one of the better hitting catchers in the league.  His numbers were .316 16 HR 93 RBI last season.  Him being a switchhitter also helps out.  Grade:  B+

First Base
This position was a steady one for the Indians in '05, but the struggling Ben Broussard was traded to Seattle at the deadline last season.  Enter Ryan Garko, who is listed as a backup catcher.  He had decent numbers last season.  In 50 games, he batted .292 with 7 HR and 45 RBI.  He should be an ok fit here.  Grade:  C+

Second Base
Last season, this was Ronnie Belliard and Hector Luna's position.  Luna is still here, but the Indians traded for hot-shot 2B Josh Barfield from San Diego.  Barfield played great last season and I was surprised he was traded in the offseason but the Padres needed a good 3B and we'll talk about that next month.  Luna is still here for protection should Barfield have a sophomore slump.  Grade:  B-

Shortstop
Whoever played SS for the Indians last year, it wasn't the same Jhonny Peralta who was there in '05.  His numbers went down from .292, 24, and 78 to .257 13 HR and 68 RBI with his strikeout number jumping from 128 to 152.  He needs to vastly improve for the Indians to compete.  Grade:  C

Third Base
With Aaron Boone officially out at 3B, Andy Marte will be the opening day starter.  Marte, the once highly-touted prospect for the Atlanta Braves who was acquired for Coco Crisp last offseason, went .226 with 5 HR and 23 RBI.  If he should struggle, Casey Blake is capable to make a difference here.  Grade:  C-

Outfield
For a mid-market team who is trying to build around youth, the Indians made 2 great offseason moves in the outfield.  Flanking young stud Grady Sizemore is David Dellucci in Left and Trot Nixon in Right.  If the rest of the team does what it needs to do, I feel that these 2 free agent signings should put them over the hump offensively.  Grade:  B

Designated Hitter
Last season, I saw Travis Hafner hit a pinch-hit grand slam against the Red  in Cincinnati.  He is possibly the only DH that could match up with Big Papi.  Grade:  A

Starting Rotation
This is a team that is in dire need of great pitching out of their youngsters.  C.C. Sabathia, Jake Westbrook, and Cliff Lee make a decent 1-3 with Paul Byrd and Jeremy Sowers rounding out the rotation.  I feel that Lee and Sabathia need to pitch better later in games for the Indians to compete.  They all have the ability to do it, they just need to accomplish it.  Grade:  C+

Bullpen
What was a decent offseason for the Indians bullpen turned a little bleak over the weekend when Keith Foulke retired.  His fellow offseason signee, Joe Borowski, takes over the closer role with Aaron Fultz, Fernando Cabrera, and Rafael Betancourt as the main relievers in front of Borowski.  Borowski is a good closer but the problem will be getting to him.  Grade:  C

Overview
The Indians regressed in many areas last season, with the exception of catcher, centerfield, and DH.  For this team to be successful in this division, their young arms have to last longer and their new additions have to dominate.  I think there's another 4th place finish in the wings for the Tribe.  Grade:  C+