Wednesday, March 30, 2011

AL Central Preview/prediction

This division is incredibly top heavy like its counterpart in the National League. this division will be won by one of three teams: the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, or Minnesota Twins. the other two teams, the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians have zero shot of winning the division. The top three teams just have way too much talent. The top three all have their question marks though, and I'll document those when we get to the team previews.  Just a reminder, the picks will go from bottom to top of the division.

Cleveland Indians

Biggest addition: None, as the Indians didn't really make any moves over the offseason.

Biggest loss: look above.

The Indians have fallen so much in four years it's ridiculous. Ever since their collapse in the 2007 ALCS to the Boston Red Sox, the Indians have fallen off the face of the earth as far as contention goes.  Now, they are looking to rebuild with a young nucleus of players, as none of their starting players will be over the age of 28 to start the season. So, if these players perform like they are supposed to, a few years down the road, this team can perform, but for right now, look forward to a very long season Indian fans.

Kansas City Royals

Biggest addition:  Alcides Escobar. Escobar came over from Milwaukee in the Zack Greinke trade, and he should be a fine defensive shortstop for years to come, if Kansas City decides to spend the money that is.  Escobar, as a rookie last year put up mediocre numbers offensively, but will definitely help the weak Kansas City defense.

Biggest loss: Greinke. It's not easy to replace a Cy Young award winner on any team, let alone the Royals.  Kansas City got as much in return for Greinke as possible, and sent Greinke to a place where he at least has a chance to contend for the playoffs, which is a great thing.  Hopefully it can be a win-win situation for both clubs.

As mentioned above, both Kansas City and Cleveland are in the idst of rebuilding efforts. Although for Kansas City, they've been in rebuilding mode for a while now.  Their last winning season came in 2003, and that was a fluke season.  But, the Royals do have some good young prospects coming, such as slugger Mike Moustakas, who has the capability of hitting 30 homers and being a force in the middle of the Royals lineup.  the lone bright spot for the Royals, is their closer, Joakim Soria who should make another all-star appearance for Kansas City in the desert.

Chicago White Sox

Biggest addition: Adam Dunn. Dunn signed a four year deal to be the White Sox designated hitter and possibly be plugged in at first base every now and then. Dunn is a hitter, nothing more, as he is putrid in the outfield and at first base. Dunn will give even more pop to the already loaded White Sox lineup.

Biggest loss:  Bobby Jenks. Jenks was the closer in the south side for the past five seasons, and he will be missed. However, it is easier to find a star closer than it is to find a marquee starting pitcher, and the White Sox have a closer in place now with Matt Thornton, who should be fine in that role.

Chicago has not been to the playoffs since 2008, when they won the AL Central in a one game playoff over the Twins. I don;t think they make it back this year, and I can't really pinpoint a reason why. just a feeling I have I suppose.  But, they will contend for the division crown along with the Tigers and Twins, they will not be out of it until the final two weeks of the season at the earliest. Chicago's biggest question mark is whether or not Ozzie Guillen will be able to get the most out of his players, or will the act be too much after seven years in Chicago?

Detroit Tigers

Biggest addition: Victor Martinez. V-Mart as he is affectionately known brings some pop to a position which normally doesn't bring much, catcher. Martinez will probably be split between catcher and designated hitter to give his knees a rest, as he is 32, which is old for a catcher.

Biggest loss: Johnny Damon. Damon was the primary designated hitter for the Tigers last year, but he has been replaced by Martinez, so it's not a terrible loss, but it is a significant one.

Detroit has a good mix of veteran and young players. If everything came together, they can really put a run together.  They got a great mix of young starters, and none of the five are over the age of 30. Justin Verlander is the horse of the staff, and can win 20 games any given season, or a Cy young award very soon. Then, the lineup is very dangerous, with Miguel Cabrera, who in any year could make a case for MVP. Plus, in the outfield, they have two second year players in Brennan Boesch and Austin Jackson. Boesch can bomb it, and Jackson has lightning speed. So, they will definitely be in contention for the division crown, but ultimately fall just a bit short. Their biggest question is whether or not their main guys of Brandon Inge, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera can all stay healthy.

Minnesota Twins

Biggest addition: Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau. Technically not really additions, but they are from last year. Nathan is back after having Tommy John surgery and Morneau is back after suffering a concussion late last season.

Biggest loss: Orlando Hudson. Hudson was a nice offensive piece at second base, but he had his issues defensively. So, the Twins replaced Hudson with prospect Alexi Casilla, who should be a significant upgrade defensively for Minnesota.

Minnesota's biggest question marks are also their biggest additions. How will Nathan and Morneau return from their injuries? Will they return to all-star caliber or will they bust? Well, history has shown that lately, pitchers who come back from Tommy John surgery have been more explosive and have been able to bounce back quite nicely. Morneau has had ample time to rest and he should be fine, getting back to his 2006 AL MVP performance.  Minnesota also always seems to defy expectations, and win more games than they probably should, hence why I'm giving them the AL Central crown for the seventh time in a decade.

Stay tuned tomorrow for my AL West preview!

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