Los Angeles @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 5, 2013 ) Cincinnati 4, LA Angels 6

Two teams with sky-high expectations meet Monday when the Los Angeles Angels visit the Cincinnati Reds in the season opener for both teams. Josh Hamilton makes his Los Angeles debut after five seasons with the Texas Rangers, joining a loaded lineup that includes Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo. The starting rotation is a question mark after Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson, but the Angels are cautiously optimistic about new additions Joe Blanton, Jason Vargas, and Tommy Hanson.

Cincinnati’s rotation figures to be among the best in the National League, and its bullpen received a huge boost when closer Aroldis Chapman’s short-lived stint as a starter ended during spring training. The Reds’ major off-season acquisition - centerfielder Shin-Soo Choo - finished spring training on a high note after dealing with back spasms early in camp. The leadoff hitter should have ample protection in the lineup with Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce all batting near the top of the order.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles), Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (2012: 20-5, 2.81 ERA) vs. Reds RH Johnny Cueto (19-9, 2.78)

Weaver is beginning his eighth season in the majors, all in an Angels uniform. The three-time All-Star struggled early in spring training, but tossed seven scoreless innings against Arizona in his final start March 26. Weaver has thrived in interleague play with a 12-3 career record and a 2.61 ERA in 20 starts. The Angels will rely on Weaver to lead the rotation again this year after he led the American League last season in several categories, including winning percentage (.800), opponents average (.214), WHIP (1.02) and hits per nine innings (7).

Cueto suffered a mild oblique strain during Game 1 of last season's National League Division Series, but was fully recovered by the start of spring training. Cueto, who has never faced the Angels, has 14 wins and a 2.21 ERA in 24 games at Great American Ball Park over the past two seasons. Cueto has good control and has always done well at keeping the ball in the park. If the 27-year-old Cueto can stay healthy, he figures to rank among the top contenders for the Cy Young Award.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels are 8-1 in last their nine Opening Day games, including four straight wins.

2. Cincinnati hasn’t been shut out on Opening Day since 1953.

3. Seven of the Angels’ first 10 series to begin the season are against 2012 playoff teams.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Angels 4