The Observer, February 29, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 19
Pro Sports Roundup
AL Central
Detroit Tigers –
Hitting: 1
Fielding: 1 Starting Pitching: 2 Bullpen: 2 Coaching: 1
Last Year: 2nd (88-74) 2008 Prediction: 1st – The Tigers made the trade of the off-season, getting two all-stars in one swing. The acquisitions of 3B Miguel Cabrera and SP Dontrelle Willis put the Tigers into the upper echelon of the league with teams like the BoSox and Yankees. Though there have been worries that Cabrera will have to change positions because of increasing weight problems, rumor has it that the new third basemen showed up at camp 25 lbs. lighter. The line-up is by far the best in the Central, possibly all of MLB. Questions still linger about their pitching, including skepticism of the effectiveness of an aging Kenny Rogers and Willis coming off a rough season.
Cleveland Indians – Hitting: 2
Fielding: 2 Starting Pitching: 1 Bullpen: 1 Coaching: 2
Last Year: 1st (96-66) 2008 Prediction: 2nd – I have gotten some threats about my well-being, but I have to predict the Indians coming in second this year behind the Tigers. Though the team does not look much different from the group that went to the ALCS last fall, there are holes that the Tigers just do not have. Led by Sabathia and Carmona, the Indian's starting pitching situation looks pretty good, given that Byrd can double and triple clutch his way to 15 wins again. Left field is again going to be a weak spot for the Indians, but hopefully whoever gets the start there, most likely either Dellucci or Michaels, will provide some timely hitting. I can see the Indians possibly vying for a wild card spot but not a division title this year.
Chicago White Sox – Hitting: 3
Fielding: 3 Starting Pitching: 3 Bullpen: 4 Coaching: 4
Last Year: 4th (72-90) 2008 Prediction: 3rd – After the Indians, the rest of the Central does not have the caliber of players that are needed to make a run. Though they might be able to convince their fan base of the "pool of talent" they have acquired, an outsider's view can easily make a contrary assessment. This White Sox team has a much different look than last year. Saying adios to Jon Garland, 46 wins over the past three seasons, the club's opening day line up will sport newcomers SS Orlando Cabrera, CF Nick Swisher, and RF Carlos Quentin. Much of the Sox's success will be dictated on the ability of Swisher to patrol center field, Quentin's ability to return to his stellar end to the 2006 season, and the production from the still undecided 2B.
Kansas City Royals – Hitting: 5 Fielding: 4 Starting Pitching: 4 Bullpen: 5 Coaching: 5
Last Year: 5th (69-93) 2008 Prediction: 4th – You heard it here first. The Royals will be in the cellar of the central no more! Royals management has spent some money this offseason with the addition of Jose Guillens, and along with a weakened Twins team, the Royals have a strong shot to shoot for fourth in the central. Led by 2B Mark Grudzielanek, the Royals showed a real burst at the end of last season that I see carrying over to this year. I think SP Zach Greinke has yet to seize his full potential. He has some of the nastiest "stuff" in the league.
Minnesota Twins – Hitting: 4
Fielding: 5 Starting Pitching: 5 Bullpen: 3 Coaching: 3
Last Year: 3rd (79-83) 2008 Prediction: 5th – The trades the Twins made this offseason, including the blockbuster Johan Santana to the Mets, took a strength of the Twins and made it a weakness without strengthening many other areas. Not only trading away one of the best pitchers in the league, the Twins also gave up the young SP Matt Garza, who was ready to become a mainstay in the organizations starting rotation. In return for the pitchers, the club received youthful bats that they will have to hope will pan out in the long run. As for this upcoming season, the Twins can only hope that everyone plays to the peak of their potential.
Next week: NL East
