MLB Preview: AL Central
It's been. admittedly, some time since I referred back to the MLB preview. I intend to have them done on Monday, so keep your fingers crossed. In any case, it's probably been for the best that I haven't got to the AL Central for a while, because a lot of weird stuff has happened, namely, Cleveland not getting a home game until yesterday. But I've discussed that alread. (By the way, Jayson Stark has a much better solution to the April scheduling issues than any I've heard.) So let's soldier on and take a look at the vastly improved, even since last year, AL Central.
Detroit Tigers: I don't think I've once picked the AL Central champion correctly, and at this point, the Tigers look to be the most formidable opponent, so I'm hoping to jinx them. They have a solid pitching staff, top to bottom and deep into the bullpen, despite the loss of Jamie Walker. They added Gary Sheffield to an already decent lineup, so their run total should go up and their young pitchers won't throw out their arms by June. They aren't that much better than the other teams in the division, but they have a lot going for them.
Minnesota Twins: I'm sure I'll discuss the Twins at various points this year, since they are my favorite team and all, and my general mood is somewhat dependent on the success of the team. I'm a little moody right now, after they lost to the Devil Rays and dropped two to the Yankees. It can't last though. Santana will become dominant late in the year, and they are such a cohesive unit that they will go on teamwide streaks, good and bad. The pitching staff will improve as one or two of their prized prospects will be brought up from Triple A. I can't imagine, however, the Twins repeating last year's unlikely performance if they get too far behind the 8 ball early this season.
Cleveland Indians: The Indians made it a point to patch their biggest holes with talented youngsters. No more are the days of Ronnie Belliard and Adam Boone playing everyday, as Cleveland over the past two years have added the exceptionally talented Andy Marte and Josh Barfield. If they're pitching comes around this season - and they did make some key acquisitions in the pen - they will be strong this year. Of course, no one can fault them if they get off to a slow start, given their early season weather follies.
Chicago White Sox: This team was inherently flawed last year. They sacraficed a solid defensive, fundamental baseball player in Aaron rowand to go back to the slugging team that had failed to succeed for about a dozen years before that. Forwhatever reason, this year GM Kenny Williams figured the best way to change the team was to drastically weaken the pitching staff. I know the man has a ring, but seriously, what was he thinking? He didin't need to deal Freddy Garcia AND Brandon McCarthey. Really, Mark Buehrle and Jose Contreras are getting old and brittle enough on their own. I'm thoroughly confused by this team.
Kansas City Royals: Usually, the Royals man their roster with a bunch of young players who are too green or untalented to see the majors, paired with Mke Sweeney. ventually, one or two really talented guys would sneak in there and get promptly traded. Jermaine Dye, Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran come to mind. This year they are actually promising, something I haven't said about the Royals in a hwile. They have a couple of pitchers, Gil Meche, Brian Bannister and the ever mercurial Zach Greinke that could be solid. Offensively, there is a lot to like as well, with Alex Gordon and Ryan Shealy getting daily playing time, and the pressure coming off of Mark Teahen. The Royals certainly won''t climb out of the cellar, but they may put some heat on the 4th place team.
Detroit Tigers: I don't think I've once picked the AL Central champion correctly, and at this point, the Tigers look to be the most formidable opponent, so I'm hoping to jinx them. They have a solid pitching staff, top to bottom and deep into the bullpen, despite the loss of Jamie Walker. They added Gary Sheffield to an already decent lineup, so their run total should go up and their young pitchers won't throw out their arms by June. They aren't that much better than the other teams in the division, but they have a lot going for them.
Minnesota Twins: I'm sure I'll discuss the Twins at various points this year, since they are my favorite team and all, and my general mood is somewhat dependent on the success of the team. I'm a little moody right now, after they lost to the Devil Rays and dropped two to the Yankees. It can't last though. Santana will become dominant late in the year, and they are such a cohesive unit that they will go on teamwide streaks, good and bad. The pitching staff will improve as one or two of their prized prospects will be brought up from Triple A. I can't imagine, however, the Twins repeating last year's unlikely performance if they get too far behind the 8 ball early this season.
Cleveland Indians: The Indians made it a point to patch their biggest holes with talented youngsters. No more are the days of Ronnie Belliard and Adam Boone playing everyday, as Cleveland over the past two years have added the exceptionally talented Andy Marte and Josh Barfield. If they're pitching comes around this season - and they did make some key acquisitions in the pen - they will be strong this year. Of course, no one can fault them if they get off to a slow start, given their early season weather follies.
Chicago White Sox: This team was inherently flawed last year. They sacraficed a solid defensive, fundamental baseball player in Aaron rowand to go back to the slugging team that had failed to succeed for about a dozen years before that. Forwhatever reason, this year GM Kenny Williams figured the best way to change the team was to drastically weaken the pitching staff. I know the man has a ring, but seriously, what was he thinking? He didin't need to deal Freddy Garcia AND Brandon McCarthey. Really, Mark Buehrle and Jose Contreras are getting old and brittle enough on their own. I'm thoroughly confused by this team.
Kansas City Royals: Usually, the Royals man their roster with a bunch of young players who are too green or untalented to see the majors, paired with Mke Sweeney. ventually, one or two really talented guys would sneak in there and get promptly traded. Jermaine Dye, Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran come to mind. This year they are actually promising, something I haven't said about the Royals in a hwile. They have a couple of pitchers, Gil Meche, Brian Bannister and the ever mercurial Zach Greinke that could be solid. Offensively, there is a lot to like as well, with Alex Gordon and Ryan Shealy getting daily playing time, and the pressure coming off of Mark Teahen. The Royals certainly won''t climb out of the cellar, but they may put some heat on the 4th place team.
posted by Ryan | 1:13 PM
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