PDA

View Full Version : 2009 Season Preview AL CENTRAL


Zagi-CRO
02-11-2009, 03:24 AM
Chicago White Sox
Prediction: 85 -77 1st place :nod:

In: RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Jeff Marquez, INF Wilson Betemit, INF Jayson Nix, INF Brent Lillibridge, INF Dayan Viciedo.
Out: OF-1B Nick Swisher, RHP Javier Vazquez, OF Ken Griffey Jr., SS Orlando Cabrera, 3B Joe Crede, LHP Boone Logan, INF Juan Uribe.

The White Sox went from awful 2007 season to AL divison champs last year. They sold Vazquez and Swisher and bought pitcher Colon and young INF Viciedo. Crede, Griffey, O.Cabrera and Uribe are still free agents. This isn't good situation for the team. Obviously, the WS want to rebuild team with younger prospects such as G.Beckham, T.Flowers, D.Viciedo,, A.Poreda or give full-time to Danks, Al.Ramirez, Fields, Ch.Getz.
Their advantage is still mighty rotation – Buehrle, Floyd, Danks, Broadway, Contreras. I give them some advantage over others candidates.
Keep an eye on G.Beckham, T.Flowers, D.Viciedo,, A.Poreda, J.Danks.


Minnesota Twins
Prediction: 83-79 2nd place :nod:

In: RHP R.A. Dickey, OF Luis Matos, on minor league contracts.
Out: SS Adam Everett, LHP Dennys Reyes, LHP Eddie Guardado.

The Twins had a very quiet off-season. Their roster kept status quo. Last year, their excellent young rotation was big surprise and this year now when Liriano is back, they could compete for the title.
Keep an eye on B.Revere, A.Hicks, J.Mijares.

Kansas City Royals
Prediction: 81 -81 3rd place :waving

In: 1B Mike Jacobs, OF Coco Crisp, INF Willie Bloomquist, RHP Kyle Farnsworth, RHP Doug Waechter, bench coach John Gibbons, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer.
Out: RHP Leo Nunez, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, RHP Ramon Ramirez.

The Royals are going to have 0.500 mark this season, for a long time. Adding Jacobs and Crisp has bolstered their lineup. Their advantage is very good rotation with Greinke, Meche and Bannister. Also, they anchored the bullpen with Farnsworth, behind All-Star closer Soria.
Finally, this year everythings looks good for Royals fans!!
Keep an eye on M.Moustakas, E.Hosmer.

Detroit Tigers
Prediction: 81 - 81 4th place :debate:

In: RHP Brandon Lyon, RHP Edwin Jackson, SS Adam Everett, C Gerald Laird.
Out: SS Edgar Renteria, RHP Todd Jones, LHP Kenny Rogers.

Although the Tigers were the biggest disappointment of season 2008, they had a quiet off-season. If healthy, Rodney and Zumaya could be the best reinforcement for the team.
The Tigers' rotation is well-known and I don’t think they would struggle again. My prediction is 0.500 at the point but nobody knows what would happen once the season begins.
Keep your eye on Rick Porcello!



Cleveland Indians
Prediction: 79 - 83 5th place :rainy:

In: RHP Kerry Wood, INF Mark DeRosa, RHP Joe Smith, INF Luis Valbuena , RHP Carl Pavano, RHP Kirk Saarloos, RHP Tomo Ohka, RHP Vinnie Chulk.
Out: CC Sabathia, 3B Casey Blake, OF Franklin Gutierrez, OF Jason Michaels, RHP Tom Mastny, RHP Joe Borowski, RHP Brendan Donnelly, C Sal Fasano.

The Indians rebuilt the bullpen starting with new closer and setup man (Kerry Wood and J.Smith). They didn't sign anyone well-known except DeRosa for the infield.
Starting rotation, with exception of phenomenal Cliff Lee and Carmona looks mediocre. The teams in this division are of equal strength
so even the Indians could be strong contender for the title!
Keep an eye on Matt LaPorta and Ch.Lofgren.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please state your opinion! :lightbulb:

philkid3
02-11-2009, 03:26 AM
I will also bet you that the Indians don't finish in last place. Or that 80% of the division has a winning record, or that the worst record is 2 games below .500.

gman5431
02-11-2009, 06:53 AM
I think the initial standings do indicate that this divison is wide open. I saw some other ranking, might have been Phils that had ChiSox in the cellar. Going to be an interesting division for sure. I do agree that the Royals could be this year's Rays, maybe not to that extreme but i think they could suprise some peeps.

G Man

MagsMigs
02-11-2009, 07:07 AM
I may have the order switched a little, but I would have to agree that it's likely no one will win more than 85 games, and all 5 teams could still be in the running come September. That's strictly judging by 08 + offseason, where the (1) Sox lost more than they gained, the (2) Twins kind of stood pat, the (3) Indians and (5) Tigers somewhat improved their pitching and defense, and the (4) Royals... well, their young talent is growing up. I see them either being glorious cellar-dwellars once again, or pulling a Rays. Haven't figured that one out yet. Either way, I don't think I've seen all 5 teams having a realistic shot at their division.

Zagi-CRO
02-12-2009, 02:36 AM
Looks like this division has 5 contenders for the title!?
All of them.

slugger33
02-12-2009, 01:02 PM
I think that the AL Central will be a very bland division. The Indians will have the best offense. I'm not sure who will have the best pitching. At this point, it looks like anyone can win the division.

Zagi-CRO
02-19-2009, 08:26 AM
Right now, the situation is changing...
I must give new projection for the AL Central.