The face of the A.L. Central has changed over the past few years. In the early to mid-90s, Cleveland dominated this division. Then, Minnesota and Chicago took turns. Two years ago, Detroit took a crack at it. Last year, it was the Tigers and Indians. This season should be a dogfight again, with the Tigers and Indians leading the way, and perhaps a new team on the rise?
1. CLEVELAND INDIANS
It has been 59 years since the Indians have tasted the fruits of victory. They came pretty close last season, and they could get there in 2008. The Indians, like many A.L. teams, rely heavily on the long-ball. Aside from Grady Sizemore at the top of the lineup, there is virtually no speed here. The middle of the lineup is as potent as any with Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Ryan Garko, Jhonny Peralta and Casey Blake. Even Franklin Gutierrez at the bottom of the lineup has some power. But the Indians need Hafner to rebound from a sub-par 2007. If he does, the offense should score plenty of runs.
The pitching staff is the Indians bread and butter. The rotation returns reigning Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, along with superstar-in-the-making, Fausto Carmona. Behind them are Jake Westbrook and Paul Byrd who add some veteran experience and leadership. Aaron Laffey, Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers will battle it out for the fifth spot to complete a solid rotation. Despite his high ERA over 5, closer Joe Borowski saved 45 games last season. Borowski will have to bring that ERA down. However, the Indians have two of the better set-up men in all of baseball with Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez, and both are capable of handling the closer's job if Borowski fails. Add in veteran Japanese closer Masahide Koboyashi, and the Indians have a solid bullpen all around.
If Hafner can rebound and Borowski can better his ERA, the Indians, with their rotation, should be in pretty good shape to repeat, and a favorite to go all the way.
2. DETROIT TIGERS
The Tigers mortgaged their future when they unloaded six prospects, two very good ones, at that, to acquire third baseman Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis from Florida. Add in acquisitions for shortstop Edgar Renteria and outfielder Jacque Jones to a lineup that already features Curtis Granderson at leadoff, Placido Polanco, Gary Sheffield, 2007 MVP finalist Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen and Ivan Rodriguez, and you have one of the most dangerous lineups we've seen in years. Scoring runs will be far from an issue in Motown.
The pitching is a whole 'nother story. Ace Justin Verlander anchors what appears to be a solid rotation by the names in it. But there are some serious concerns behind him. Jeremy Bonderman struggled much of last season, and was eventually hampered by an elbow injury late in the season that made matters worse. Nate Robertson tired out in mid-season, and never returned to form. And Kenny Rogers missed a good chunk of 2007 with injuries. Add in newcomber Willis, who hasn't looked anything like the 22-game winner he once the last season and a half, and you can see why the rotation looks iffy. The bullpen is a little better than the rotation, however, some questions linger here, as well. Todd Jones resumes his roles as the closer, but with Joel Zumaya out until at least mid-season, and no clear-cut set-up man in the bullpen, the workload and roles of others will be rigorous. That means the Tigers must avoid overusing Fernando Rodney early, or he'll wear out later.
The Tigers could score 1,000 runs with this offense, but the pitching must overcome health issues and inconsistencies. If they do, the sky is the limit.
3. KANSAS CITY ROYALS
"The new team on the rise." The Royals finally made some strides last year after adding some veteran leadership in the mix with their promising young kids. Now they might actually be strong enough to not only avoid losing 90 games, but maybe even finishing above .500. The offense is still a little on the soft side, meaning runs could be at a premium again, as could the power. There is a lot of potential in the middle of the lineup with Mark Teahan, newly signed veteran Jose Guillen, Billy Butler and Alex Gordon. But the lineup is built to new manager Trey Hillman's style, as he will stress fundamentals and some small-ball play. The top and bottom of the order should help in that area with David DeJesus and veteran Mark Grudzielanek at the top, and Tony Pena, Jr. at the bottom.
The rotation actually looks pretty solid for a change, particularly at the top. Gil Meche was signed before last season to anchor the rotation and didn't disappoint. Second-year starter Brian Bannister was solid in 2007 and should only get better, along with young veteran Zack Greinke. Prospect Luke Hochevar will push both Kyle Davies and Jorge de la Rosa hard, as neither have very good control, and he could bump one of them out of a rotation spot. The bullpen emerged last year as a vital part of an improving team, and looks to be only getting better. Joakim Soria emerged as an effective closer, and veteran Ron Mahay, and veteran Japanese import Yasuhiko Yabuta should be solid set-up guys. Leo Nunez and Joel Peralta should add some depth to a solid pen.
The Royals are still a few years away from being serious contenders, but if they keep heading in the direction they are, then there's no reason to think they can't win 81 games now.
4. MINNESOTA TWINS
The Twins made a couple of deals in the off-season, none bigger than shipping Johan Santana to the Mets, to reshape the look of the team. The offense took a shot when Torii Hunter opted for free agency and eventually signed in L.A. with the Angels. While the Twins didn't replace his offense with any big bats, they did get a handful of front line prospects who could make an impact right away. Delmon Young gets the nod to replace Hunter's spot in the lineup and on the field, although he'll likely play in left field, while newcomer Craig Monroe, acquired straight up for Jacque Jones, takes over in center. Young, along with Brendan Harris, bring some speed into the lineup, while Michael Cuddyer, Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel are solid middle-of-the-order RBI guys. Joe Mauer is a solid all-around hitter, and Monroe and newcomber Mike Lamb could provide some additional power. Newly acquired shortstop Adam Everett should help improve the defense up the middle of the infield.
Even with Santana gone, the Twins still have a solid rotation, if Francisco Liriano rebounds from TJ surgery. If he does, he'll eventually be the ace of the staff. Boof Bonser, Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey are all solid middle-of-the-rotation pitchers, and all boast very good command of their pitches. The bullpen is the Twins biggest strengths, with veteran closer Joe Nathan anchoring the staff for at least one more season. Pat Neshek and Matt Guerrier emerged as solid set-up guys last season, and a plethora of solid young relievers will provide the Twins with some added depth.
The Twins could be a surprise if the new-look offense comes together quickly, and the rotation can withstand the loss of Santana.
5. CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The White Sox struggled immensely to hit and score runs in 2007, and a lot needs to happen for them to rebound in 2008. Manager Ozzie Guillen is stressing more fundamentally sound baseball, which means they won't be trying to rely on the long-ball anymore. But with the guys they have in the lineup, Guillen will have his hands full. The additions of Orlando Cabrera, acquired for Jon Garland, and Nick Swisher, will give them some flexibility at the top of the order, but Guillen wants the middle of the lineup that features power hitters Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye to help manufacture runs, as well, which won't be easy. Josh Fields is likely to push Joe Crede hard for the third baseman's job, with newly acquired Carlos Quentin expected to play a big role in left field.
The rotation isn't as good as it used to be, with Javier Vazquez being the real lone strikeout threat. Mark Buehrle and John Danks figure to give up their share of hits, as well. Other than Jose Contreras, all of the five starters, Gavin Floyd being the fifth, included, pitch with pretty good command. The bullpen was an albatross in 2007 behind closer Bobby Jenks, and if all goes as planned, that could change. Newcomer Scott Linebrink brings some experience as the set-up guy, but the Sox need Matt Thornton and Mike MacDougal to rebound from atrocious 2007s, and Ehren Wasserman to prove 2007 wasn't a fluke.
The White Sox will struggle to stay consistent as the offense tries to acclimate to a new approach even though it's not built for it. The rotation is average at best and the bullpen has to be better. The Sox could finish in third, or they could finish last again.
Last but not least, the A.L. West, coming soon!
1. CLEVELAND INDIANS
It has been 59 years since the Indians have tasted the fruits of victory. They came pretty close last season, and they could get there in 2008. The Indians, like many A.L. teams, rely heavily on the long-ball. Aside from Grady Sizemore at the top of the lineup, there is virtually no speed here. The middle of the lineup is as potent as any with Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Ryan Garko, Jhonny Peralta and Casey Blake. Even Franklin Gutierrez at the bottom of the lineup has some power. But the Indians need Hafner to rebound from a sub-par 2007. If he does, the offense should score plenty of runs.
The pitching staff is the Indians bread and butter. The rotation returns reigning Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, along with superstar-in-the-making, Fausto Carmona. Behind them are Jake Westbrook and Paul Byrd who add some veteran experience and leadership. Aaron Laffey, Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers will battle it out for the fifth spot to complete a solid rotation. Despite his high ERA over 5, closer Joe Borowski saved 45 games last season. Borowski will have to bring that ERA down. However, the Indians have two of the better set-up men in all of baseball with Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez, and both are capable of handling the closer's job if Borowski fails. Add in veteran Japanese closer Masahide Koboyashi, and the Indians have a solid bullpen all around.
If Hafner can rebound and Borowski can better his ERA, the Indians, with their rotation, should be in pretty good shape to repeat, and a favorite to go all the way.
2. DETROIT TIGERS
The Tigers mortgaged their future when they unloaded six prospects, two very good ones, at that, to acquire third baseman Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis from Florida. Add in acquisitions for shortstop Edgar Renteria and outfielder Jacque Jones to a lineup that already features Curtis Granderson at leadoff, Placido Polanco, Gary Sheffield, 2007 MVP finalist Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen and Ivan Rodriguez, and you have one of the most dangerous lineups we've seen in years. Scoring runs will be far from an issue in Motown.
The pitching is a whole 'nother story. Ace Justin Verlander anchors what appears to be a solid rotation by the names in it. But there are some serious concerns behind him. Jeremy Bonderman struggled much of last season, and was eventually hampered by an elbow injury late in the season that made matters worse. Nate Robertson tired out in mid-season, and never returned to form. And Kenny Rogers missed a good chunk of 2007 with injuries. Add in newcomber Willis, who hasn't looked anything like the 22-game winner he once the last season and a half, and you can see why the rotation looks iffy. The bullpen is a little better than the rotation, however, some questions linger here, as well. Todd Jones resumes his roles as the closer, but with Joel Zumaya out until at least mid-season, and no clear-cut set-up man in the bullpen, the workload and roles of others will be rigorous. That means the Tigers must avoid overusing Fernando Rodney early, or he'll wear out later.
The Tigers could score 1,000 runs with this offense, but the pitching must overcome health issues and inconsistencies. If they do, the sky is the limit.
3. KANSAS CITY ROYALS
"The new team on the rise." The Royals finally made some strides last year after adding some veteran leadership in the mix with their promising young kids. Now they might actually be strong enough to not only avoid losing 90 games, but maybe even finishing above .500. The offense is still a little on the soft side, meaning runs could be at a premium again, as could the power. There is a lot of potential in the middle of the lineup with Mark Teahan, newly signed veteran Jose Guillen, Billy Butler and Alex Gordon. But the lineup is built to new manager Trey Hillman's style, as he will stress fundamentals and some small-ball play. The top and bottom of the order should help in that area with David DeJesus and veteran Mark Grudzielanek at the top, and Tony Pena, Jr. at the bottom.
The rotation actually looks pretty solid for a change, particularly at the top. Gil Meche was signed before last season to anchor the rotation and didn't disappoint. Second-year starter Brian Bannister was solid in 2007 and should only get better, along with young veteran Zack Greinke. Prospect Luke Hochevar will push both Kyle Davies and Jorge de la Rosa hard, as neither have very good control, and he could bump one of them out of a rotation spot. The bullpen emerged last year as a vital part of an improving team, and looks to be only getting better. Joakim Soria emerged as an effective closer, and veteran Ron Mahay, and veteran Japanese import Yasuhiko Yabuta should be solid set-up guys. Leo Nunez and Joel Peralta should add some depth to a solid pen.
The Royals are still a few years away from being serious contenders, but if they keep heading in the direction they are, then there's no reason to think they can't win 81 games now.
4. MINNESOTA TWINS
The Twins made a couple of deals in the off-season, none bigger than shipping Johan Santana to the Mets, to reshape the look of the team. The offense took a shot when Torii Hunter opted for free agency and eventually signed in L.A. with the Angels. While the Twins didn't replace his offense with any big bats, they did get a handful of front line prospects who could make an impact right away. Delmon Young gets the nod to replace Hunter's spot in the lineup and on the field, although he'll likely play in left field, while newcomer Craig Monroe, acquired straight up for Jacque Jones, takes over in center. Young, along with Brendan Harris, bring some speed into the lineup, while Michael Cuddyer, Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel are solid middle-of-the-order RBI guys. Joe Mauer is a solid all-around hitter, and Monroe and newcomber Mike Lamb could provide some additional power. Newly acquired shortstop Adam Everett should help improve the defense up the middle of the infield.
Even with Santana gone, the Twins still have a solid rotation, if Francisco Liriano rebounds from TJ surgery. If he does, he'll eventually be the ace of the staff. Boof Bonser, Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey are all solid middle-of-the-rotation pitchers, and all boast very good command of their pitches. The bullpen is the Twins biggest strengths, with veteran closer Joe Nathan anchoring the staff for at least one more season. Pat Neshek and Matt Guerrier emerged as solid set-up guys last season, and a plethora of solid young relievers will provide the Twins with some added depth.
The Twins could be a surprise if the new-look offense comes together quickly, and the rotation can withstand the loss of Santana.
5. CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The White Sox struggled immensely to hit and score runs in 2007, and a lot needs to happen for them to rebound in 2008. Manager Ozzie Guillen is stressing more fundamentally sound baseball, which means they won't be trying to rely on the long-ball anymore. But with the guys they have in the lineup, Guillen will have his hands full. The additions of Orlando Cabrera, acquired for Jon Garland, and Nick Swisher, will give them some flexibility at the top of the order, but Guillen wants the middle of the lineup that features power hitters Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye to help manufacture runs, as well, which won't be easy. Josh Fields is likely to push Joe Crede hard for the third baseman's job, with newly acquired Carlos Quentin expected to play a big role in left field.
The rotation isn't as good as it used to be, with Javier Vazquez being the real lone strikeout threat. Mark Buehrle and John Danks figure to give up their share of hits, as well. Other than Jose Contreras, all of the five starters, Gavin Floyd being the fifth, included, pitch with pretty good command. The bullpen was an albatross in 2007 behind closer Bobby Jenks, and if all goes as planned, that could change. Newcomer Scott Linebrink brings some experience as the set-up guy, but the Sox need Matt Thornton and Mike MacDougal to rebound from atrocious 2007s, and Ehren Wasserman to prove 2007 wasn't a fluke.
The White Sox will struggle to stay consistent as the offense tries to acclimate to a new approach even though it's not built for it. The rotation is average at best and the bullpen has to be better. The Sox could finish in third, or they could finish last again.
Last but not least, the A.L. West, coming soon!
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