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AL Central Preview

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Posted by: min0 lee

By BILL MADDEN

After a 99 wins and a division title, capped off with the their first World championship in 88 years, it would have been easy for the White Sox to rest on their laurels, keep the payroll in check and trust in their superior talent to take them on another postseason ride. But GM Kenny Williams didn't see it that way.

"We are not standing pat," he said. "We will be aggressive in adding to what to what we've got because we understand to truly become No. 1 in this town we have to win it again."
Say this for Williams: He was a man of his word. There was no more active team this winter than the defending champs, who after re-signing franchise first baseman and team captain Paul Konerko to a five-year, $60 million contract, acquired Jim Thome to back him up and assume the DH duties, and traded for righthanded starter Javier Vazquez, handyman Rob Mackowiak and infielder Alex Cintron, all of whom represent significant upgrades at their respective positions. The White Sox's five-strong starting rotation - Mark Buerhle, Jose Contreras, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia and Vazquez - is potentially the deepest of any rotation in baseball. At the same time, the lineup of Konerko, second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, shortstop Juan Uribe, third baseman Joe Crede, catcher A.J. Pierzynski, DH Thome and outfielders Jermaine Dye, Scott Podsednik and rookie Brian Anderson is solid.
If there are any questions about the White Sox, they are in the bullpen, where closer Bobby Jenks is still inexperienced and backup Dustin Hermanson continues to be plagued by chronic back problems.
If you didn't know better, you'd have thought Williams lost the division by six games last year, especially when compared to the curious offseason moves of runner-up Cleveland. The Indians failed to re-sign starting pitchers Kevin Millwood and Scott Elarton (replacing them with junkballer Paul Byrd and journeyman Jason Johnson) and traded up-and-coming outfielder Coco Crisp to the Red Sox for hot prospect third baseman Andy Marte, who is ticketed to spend much of the season at Triple-A. That's because of the presence of .243-hitting veteran Aaron Boone, to whom the Indians are committed for one more year at $3.75 million. Still, the Indians are loaded with enough young talent - catcher Victor Martinez (.305 average), first baseman/DH Travis Hafner (33 HRs, 108 RBI), second baseman Ronnie Belliard (78 RBI), shortstop Jhonny Peralta (24 HRs), center fielder Grady Sizemore (22 HRs), 18-game winner Cliff Lee and 15-game winners C.C. Sabathia and Jake Westbrook - to be a significant presence in the Central, although, creaky 37-year-old Bob Wickman is a concern at closer.
Prior to last year, the Twins had managed to win three straight Central Division titles despite a limited budget, a tribute to the resourcefulness of GM Terry Ryan. But the financial pinch under which the Twins always have to operate appears to be catching up to them. Last year, they could not recover from Torii Hunter's broken ankle, which limited the franchise center fielder to 98 games, or the subpar (9-12) season from No. 2 starter Brad Radke, or the lack of production at third base. Ryan has sought to remedy the latter with the signing of veteran Tony Batista, who hit 27 homers in Japan last year, and it is hoped that Hunter, who has a $12 million option for 2007, will put together the kind of career season to warrant picking up that option.
Otherwise, the Twins need too many big things to happen - a breakthough by highly touted starter Francisco Liriano, a vintage top-of-the-order catalyst season from fading Luis Castillo (obtained in a trade with Florida) and a significant year from first baseman Justin Morneau - to have any chance of competing with the White Sox.
One team in the Central that almost certainly will be better is the Tigers, under new manager Jim Leyland. Leyland, a 61-year-old taskmaster who knows how to win, is precisely what the young Tigers need. He'll have the benefit of veteran Kenny Rogers providing some stability to a rotation headed by 23-year-old Jeremy Bonderman, and dependable, if unspectacular, Todd Jones (40 saves with Florida) filling a major void at closer. At the bottom of the division, the Royals, who tried to make do with a cast of mostly Double-A caliber kids last year, can't help but improve on 106 losses, although it remains to be seen if it will be acceptable enough to save GM Allard Baird's job.
PREDICTED FINISH
White Sox 102-60
Indians 90-72
Twins 88-74
Tigers 80-82
Royals 66-96
Jesse Spector's Capsule Preview
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
LAST YEAR: 99-63, first place, won World Series
GOING, GOING, GONE: Jon Adkins (Padres), Geoff Blum, Joe Borchard (Mariners), Jamie Burke (Rangers), Raul Casanova (Athletics), Carl Everett (Mariners), Dan Haigwood (Phillies), Willie Harris (Red Sox), Orlando Hernandez (D-Backs), Damaso Marte (Pirates), Timo Perez (Reds), Aaron Rowand (Phillies), Frank Thomas (Athletics), Luis Vizcaino (D-Backs), Chris Young (Diamondbacks).
FRESH BLOOD: Rob Mackowiak, Jim Thome, Matt Thornton, Javier Vazquez.
THE BATS: "The White Sox brought back (Paul) Konerko," one GM said. "Everything else is gravy." If Thome can bounce back from injuries, they'll be savoring the gravy on the South Side. It's a textbook lineup with a speedster on top, power in the middle and guys at the bottom who are capable of coming up with big hits. Throw in Mackowiak, who doesn't have a regular spot, but should see plenty of action, and the White Sox have a lineup that's very tough to get through.
THE ARMS: Jon Garland won 18 games, finished sixth in the Cy Young voting and enters the season as Chicago's No. 5 starter. Jose Contreras, who was untouchable down the stretch, is No. 4. That's because of Mark Buehrle, Freddy Garcia and Vazquez. The rotation allows Ozzie Guillen to manage his bullpen more effectively.
UP-AND-COMER: Brandon McCarthy, 22, was 3-2 with a 4.03 ERA in his first major league stint. "Somebody will have to get hurt for him to go out there a lot," said one GM, but the Sox didn't part with McCarthy in the offseason.
HERE'S THE PITCH: As the defending champions, nothing short of another World Series will do. Making only a few changes from last year to this year, the White Sox clearly feel they're in position to return to the playoffs and succeed once they get there.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
LAST YEAR: 93-69, second place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Josh Bard (Red Sox), Coco Crisp (Red Sox), Juan Gonzalez, Bob Howry (Cubs), Scott Elarton (Royals), Jose Hernandez (Pirates), Kevin Millwood (Rangers), David Riske (Red Sox), Arthur Rhodes (Phillies).
FRESH BLOOD: Paul Byrd, Einar Diaz, Danny Graves, Todd Hollandsworth, Jason Johnson, Steve Karsay, Andy Marte, Lou Merloni, Jason Michaels, Guillermo Mota, Eduardo Perez, Kelly Shoppach.
THE BATS: Grady Sizemore is on the verge of stardom, and with Michaels and Casey Blake also in the outfield, GM Mark Shapiro felt comfortable trading Crisp. "It was opportunistic with similar skill guys in Crisp and Sizemore," Shapiro said. "In the long term, it set us up down the road with the Michaels move and other pieces of the Coco trade," including third baseman Andy Marte. Shapiro called Travis Hafner "as dominant as any guy in the entire League." With Hafner sandwiched between Jhonny Peralta and Victor Martinez in the middle of the order, Cleveland has a very dangerous lineup.
THE ARMS: "I think we addressed the needs in our rotation," Shapiro said. That point is debatable - it's hard to say that Byrd will be a suitable replacement for Millwood, but Johnson has been a staff leader in the past and could be an upgrade over Elarton. The Indians will count on Fernando Cabrera to replace Arthur Rhodes in the setup role. Bob Wickman returns for another year as closer. At 37 and never known for his athleticism, there is cause for concern.
UP-AND-COMER: First baseman Ryan Garko played four years at Stanford, so after two-and-a-half seasons in the minors, he's 25. Garko hit .303 with 19 homers at Triple-A.
HERE'S THE PITCH: The Indians were right in the mix for the playoffs until the end. As Shapiro said, "The next step would be getting in.
MINNESOTA TWINS
LAST YEAR: 83-79, third place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Brent Abernathy (Brewers), Grant Balfour (Reds), Travis Bowyer (Marlins), Jacque Jones (Cubs), Joe Mays (Royals), Terry Mulholland (Diamondbacks), J.C. Romero (Angels), Scott Tyler (Marlins).
FRESH BLOOD: Tony Batista, Luis Castillo, Ryan Glynn, Darrell May, Pete Munco, Tim Raines, Dennys Reyes, Ruben Sierra, Gabe White, Rondell White, Shawn Wooten.
THE BATS: The Twins' 688 runs scored last year were the fewest in the American League, which is hard to believe with the talent Minnesota had, and still has, in its lineup. Justin Morneau needs to make a bigger contribution this season, and one GM said, "I think he had a lot of reasons for the poor year he had last year. He's a lot better than that, he's going to be healthy from the start this year. The talent's there." Meanwhile, Batista returns from Japan - "He usually drives in runs, so I'm anxious to see him here," said GM Terry Ryan.
THE ARMS: Johan Santana is a Cy Young candidate and the Twins know what they'll get from Brad Radke, Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse, while Ryan is happy to fill the fifth spot with a pitcher from the farm system, most likely Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker. "It's a good situation to be able to bring a guy into the majors to pitch in that fifth spot," he said. "They have an idea what they're getting themselves into." In the bullpen, Joe Nathan continues to silence doubters.
UP-AND-COMER: Jason Kubel hit .300 in 23 games with the Twins in 2004, then blew out his knee. "He's a good-looking player when he's right," Ryan said. The Twins will hope he looks right in their outfield this season.
HERE'S THE PITCH: White in the cleanup spot is not a good sign. Nobody's saying the Twins need to hit a lot of homers to win, but from top to bottom, their lineup doesn't match up with Cleveland's or Chicago's. Even with Santana, it will be tough to get back to the top of the division.
DETROIT TIGERS
LAST YEAR: 71-91, fourth place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Chris Booker (Phillies), Vic Darensbourg (Orioles), Bob Higginson, Jason Johnson (Indians), John McDonald (Blue Jays), Matt Roney (Athletics), Fernando Vina (Mariners), Rondell White (Twins).
FRESH BLOOD: Todd Jones, Matt Mantei, Kenny Rogers, Ramon Santiago, Bobby Seay.
THE BATS: The Tigers had higher hopes for last season, but the injury bug bit hard. "Having Magglio Ordonez in our lineup, he had the sports hernia last year, Carlos Guillen healthy like he was in 2004 with his knee, Dmitri Young being back, I think those three are all important injury bounce backs to keep in the lineup and healthy," GM Dave Dombrowski said. "That will really make a big difference." It will have to - only the Royals, Mariners and Twins scored fewer runs than the Tigers last year.
THE ARMS: Jeremy Bonderman might have the talent to be a staff ace now, but the Tigers don't want to throw that much pressure his way yet, which was one of the reasons for signing Rogers. "Signing Kenny, we think is important for a guy to be a leader for our starters, to be in a position to go out there and win ballgames," Dombrowski said. Jones returns as the closer - since the Tigers traded him in 2001, Jones has pitched for six teams, finally regaining his form with the Marlins last season.
UP-AND-COMER: Curtis Granderson had eight homers in 162 at-bats for Detroit as a 24-year-old last year, and now is ready to be the everyday center fielder. "He's a pretty good player," one GM said. "He might have a chance to make a name for himself." Especially if he gets more of a chance to showcase his speed.
HERE'S THE PITCH: After five straight seasons with at least 90 losses, the expectations have to be modest. "We're looking to improve," Dombrowski said. It's a legitimate goal for Detroit.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
LAST YEAR: 56-106, last place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Brian Anderson (Rangers), Jonah Bayliss (Pirates), Shawn Camp (Devil Rays), Jaime Cerda (Rockies), Seth Etherton (Padres), Nate Field (Rockies), Denny Hocking, Jose Lima (Mets), Terrence Long, Scott Sullivan.
FRESH BLOOD: Paul Bako, Elmer Dessens, Scott Elarton, Esteban German, Mark Grudzielanek, Bobby Madritsch, Joe Mays, Doug Mientkiewicz, Mark Redman, Joel Peralta, Reggie Sanders.
THE BATS: The Royals hit 126 homers, 11 fewer than the combined total of Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi and Bernie Williams. The lineup has a few more recognizable names this year - or, at least, longer names with Grudzielanek in town. Sanders comes to the AL for the first time after playing for seven different National League teams in the last eight years. Getting a new uniform, though, that's just Reggie being Reggie. But so is hitting 20 homers, which Sanders has done each of the last five years. His 21 last season were a little more than half of Albert Pujols' total in St. Louis, but would have tied Mike Sweeney for the team lead in K.C.
THE ARMS: Runelvys Hernandez pitched a career-high 159.2 innings, and while he can be excellent when he's on, he hasn't been on his game or on the mound nearly often enough over the past three years. Elarton's 11 wins were his first time in double figures since 2000. Zack Greinke left spring training under mysterious circumstances. Redman is coming off a 5-15 season.
UP-AND-COMER: Between Double-A and Triple-A, Justin Huber hit 23 homers with 97 RBI last season, but had no homers and six RBI in 78 major league at-bats. The 23-year-old Aussie catcher/first baseman deserves a longer look. What do the Royals have to lose but more games? HERE'S THE PITCH: Losing 100-plus games for the fourth time in five years is far from out of the picture. The offseason moves didn't make sense - the staff and lineup remain weak.

Originally published on March 30, 2006

Paul Konerko hopes the White Sox are still the one this season.

Posted by: soxmuscle

This division used to be one of the weaker ones in baseball, but seems to be rather strong this season.

I personally have the division shaped a little differently with the Indians taking the division crown followed by the White Sox, Twins, Royals, and Tigers.

The Royals added some decent veterans to an already solid young core of players. I can't say I like what they are doing, but the money spent this offseason will keep them out of last place.

The Indians and White Sox will battle and it will be close, but the Indians have one of the best line-ups in the game. Pitching wins Championships, but the division will be one by the youthful Indians, with the White Sox claiming the Wild Card.

The Twins are an intriguing team. They have Santana, they have Radke, they have Francisco Liriano who I think will become a star this year, aswell as other good starting pitchers. The Minnesota bullpen might be the best in the big leagues this year, so don't count them out just yet.

Posted by: P-funk

I would like to see the Indians eek out this division come the end of the season. Last season it came down to the last 5 games at which point the young indians line up just didn't have what it took to ride it out. they burned. i think these guys know what it takes now and they have a lot of skill and determination. I defenitly think Crisp will be misssed in the line up but they still have big bats.

Posted by: busyLivin

REPEAT, but over 100 wins this year.

no explanation necessary.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by busyLivin

REPEAT, but over 100 wins this year.

no explanation necessary.

It wouldn't be a bad thing for me as long as they play against the Cubs, now that would be good.

Posted by: busyLivin

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

It wouldn't be a bad thing for me as long as they play against the Cubs, now that would be good.

that's my hope... scary though: it would be very painful losing to them the Series!

Posted by: IainDaniel

Bump

Who would have thunk it.

Posted by: Double D

I dont believe to many people who have picked the Tigers to be in first at this point in the season. But I am going to have to say that the Tigers are not going to hold on and the Twins and the Sox will end up jumping right over the Tigers and battle for first. The Tigers have very little Offense right now. They are relying on pitching and the long ball. Not to mention the Twins are HOT!

Posted by: boilermaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double D

I dont believe to many people who have picked the Tigers to be in first at this point in the season. But I am going to have to say that the Tigers are not going to hold on and the Twins and the Sox will end up jumping right over the Tigers and battle for first. The Tigers have very little Offense right now. They are relying on pitching and the long ball. Not to mention the Twins are HOT!

Posted by: Double D

Quote:

Originally Posted by boilermaker

Sorry, but I do believe it will happen.

Posted by: boilermaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double D

Sorry, but I do believe it will happen.

The tigers are slumping, but there are some signs of life. They still have the best ERA in baseball. Minnesota vs. Chicago in a three game set the last weekend might actually save their butts.

Posted by: busyLivin

White Sox are done.

Posted by: GForeman

Great thread

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by GForeman

Great thread

That's right punk, learn something from it.

Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:

Originally Posted by busyLivin

White Sox are done.

Damn kid. Earlier this year we were talkin about the Red Sox and White Sox as the best in the AL and a potential playoff matchup. I think we jinxed the shit out of both of them. I'm not makin any predictions next year

Posted by: busyLivin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goodfella9783

Depressing, isn't it?

Yankees are going to win this year. If not the Yanks, the Twinkies.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Go Twinkies!!

I hope the Twins get the Wild Card and the Yanks get the best record, that way it'll be a NYY/Twins first round matchup. I think the Twins have a better shot of beating NYY in a shorter series.

Posted by: boilermaker

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

Go Twinkies!!

I hope the Twins get the Wild Card and the Yanks get the best record, that way it'll be a NYY/Twins first round matchup. I think the Twins have a better shot of beating NYY in a shorter series.

The Twins look like they could beat anybody in a short series right now.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by boilermaker

The Twins look like they could beat anybody in a short series right now.

I agree, and I want to see the Yankees get eliminated, so I want to see a Yankees/Twins 1st round series.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

It just may be the year they finally beat them, Tori Hunter doing the Damage.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

I agree, and I want to see the Yankees get eliminated, so I want to see a Yankees/Twins 1st round series.

Hater.

Posted by: min0 lee

The Yanks look pretty good now, I think the addition of Abrue really makes a difference.
I just hope Sheff doesn't fuck things up with his bad chemistry.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

PREDICTED FINISH (Bill Madden)
White Sox 102-60
Indians 90-72
Twins 88-74
Tigers 80-82
Royals 66-96

Actual
Minnesota 96-66
Detroit 95-67
Chi White Sox 90-72
Cleveland 78-84
Kansas City 62-100

He did better with the AL East.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

I agree with IAB on the last point. Luckily, IAB didn't get his wish.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Threat

Actual
Minnesota 96-66
Detroit 95-67
Chi White Sox 90-72
Cleveland 78-84
Kansas City 62-100

He did better with the AL East.

Like this division matters.

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