Friday, February 18, 2011
Special Edition: AL Central
The X-Factors Justin Morneau(Twins), Jake Peavy(Sox), Rick Porcello(Tigers), Fausto Carmona(Indians)
1. Minnesota Twins Key Additions: 2B Tsuyoshi Nishioka
It took an extra play-in-game for the Twins to win the AL Central but they still won it. Joe Mauer showed some surprising power in new Target Field and is probably the best contact hitter right now in baseball. Justin Morneau was fantastic when healthy but it remains to be known if he'll be as effective as last year. Joe Nathan missed all of last year and is ready to go for the Twins. With him and underrated Matt Capps the Twins have a good bullpen. Though, they need a good year out of side-armer Pat Neshek. New acquisition Tsuyoshi Nishioka will be a key player in the middle of the infield.
2. Chicago White Sox Key Additions: RP Jesse Crain, OF-1B Adam Dunn
The White Sox had a little more success than the other team from their city. But, in order to win the AL Central this year they need Jake Peavy to stay healthy and win around 15 games. Adam Dunn was brought in mostly at first and the Sox are hoping he can put up big power numbers. Reliever Jesse Crain will have to replace Bobby Jenks in the bullpen. The staff isn't domiant but Mark Buehrle and John Danks will produce. Infielder Gordon Beckham hopes to have a big year.
3. Detroit Tigers Key Additions: SP Brad Penny, C Victor Martinez, RP Joaquin Benoit
The talent is there in Detroit. Now, they just need to convert it to wins. They have MVP canidate Miguel Cabrera(38 home runs, 126 RBI's) and veteran catcher Victor Martinez. The staff won't dominate anyone but they do have Justin Verlander and underappreciated Rick Porcello. They added Joaquin Benoit to help their bullpen which has been known to struggle over the years. The outfieldhas loads of young talent including Austin Jackson and Clete Thomas who may breakout this year.
4. Cleveland Indians Key Additions: SS Orlando Cabrera
It was a struggle for Cleveland last year which meant the end of manager Eric Wedge. They do have strong points: mainly the middle infield. 2B Asdrubal Cabrera showed flashes last year while vet Orlando Cabera was added also. The staff doesn't have much other than Fausto Carmona(13-14, 3.77 ERA) and Mitch Talbot. The bullpen isn't great either but still has Rafael and Chris Perez. Grady Sizemore isn't quite and all-star anymore but he'll still bbe a good lead-off man.
5. Kansas City Royals Key Additions: SS Alcides Escobar, OF Jeff Francouer
Zack Greinke is gone, which means the Royals will not climb out off the AL Central cellar. Luckily, they acquired Alcides Escobar in the deal now the team's best prospect. They also have talent at first in Billy Butler who hit .318 and talent and Wilson Betemit. Betemit was an under-the-radar star for the Yankees in 2009. Jeff Francouer hasn't been the type of player since the Braves moved him to the Mets but he'll give you a veteran instructor to the younger guys. The pitching is now led by exiled Jeff Francis and Brian Bannister. Joakim Soria is a flamthrower ending games.
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