1. Detroit Tigers -
The Tigers made quite a splash this offseason landing possibly the second most coveted free agent on the market. Prince Fielder came with a hefty tag, a 9 year deal worth $214 million. The Tigers felt that this move was necessary due the loss of Victor Martinez, their prized catcher/designated hitter. The Tigers signed Fielder with hopes that he would play first and Miguel Cabrera would transition to play third. Questions linger as to whether or not Cabrera can make this move, but he has already played this position before. He primarily played third base when he was called up with the Marlins in 2003, so Detroit should not worry too much. The more relevant question with the acquisition of Fielder will be whether or not his power is affected by the move to Detroit. His power was aided by the hitter-friendly confines of Miller Park in Milwaulkee. Many say that he will be a glorified ground-ball hitter, but others suggest that he shouldn't have an issue with Comerica Park.
This team is World Series capable even while losing Martinez. The Tigers can get to the postseason on their pitching alone. Justin Verlander started 34 games winning 24 of them, an astounding feat by any means. He posted a 2.40 ERA with 250 strikeouts. Needless to say, he ended up dominating the Cy Young race. He should be able to replicate those numbers this season, and possibly win even more games with the offense that is behind him. Max Scherzer had a career high in wins going 15-9, but won primarily because of run support. Brad Penny and Rick Porcello more than held their own in the rotation combining for 25 wins. Doug Fister came via trade from the Mariners and provided excellent pitching going 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA.
The bullpen will be looking for another excellent year led by electric closer Jose Valverde. Valverde converted 49 saves out of 49 opportunities with a 2.24 ERA, a highly dominant mark. Setting him up was Joaquin Benoit who pitched in 66 games posting a 2.95 ERA. This duo looks really, really good. The rest of the bullpen should be able to hold their own, especially with the rotation handing them easier games.
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Reason to Panic - The main reason to panic would be if Verlander or Cabrera go down with injury. Without these two key guys, the Tigers could struggle as they rely heavily on these guys. The Tigers have already lost Victor Martinez for the season; another injury could be devastating.
All-Stars - Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Jose Valverde
2. Minnesota Twins -
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One can go far as saying that the Twins rotation is the best aspect of the team. Led by Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker, the rotation can hold its own. However, the rotation has not reached its full potential. Baker was highly touted as one of Minnesota's best prospects but has yet to put it all together. Adding Jason Marquis provides a consistent, veteran arm. Joel Zumaya was added during the offseason but recently went down with another arm injury, adding to his already present arm troubles. With the departure of Joe Nathan from the closer position, look for Matt Capps to lead the way. A stud closer previously with Pittsburgh has now settled in with Minnesota. With a few runs behind them, this staff has the potential to win games, something that has been missing with Mauer and Morneau out.
The Twins are poised for a playoff run this year but the question marks could come back to haunt them. Minnesota was picked to finish second for this reason. The second Wild Card is going to come out of the West, forcing Minnesota to miss the playoffs. Minnesota can be a contender in the years to come as long as the young players come to life and provide what they have been missing the last few years.
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Reason to Panic - The same pitching staff will be the reason to panic. As stated before, the runs will be there (pending injury), but it will be up to the pitching staff to get them to the promised land. Scott Baker will be looked at most to lead the way as he comes in as the number 1 starter. Look for the Twins to do remarkably well this year considering the departures of a few key players, including Joe Nathan.
All-Stars - Joe Mauer, Francisco Liriano
3. Cleveland Indians -
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The Indians are close; REAL close. However, Cleveland does not have all the pieces together to make a run in the Central. They won't finish last, but they will surely not finish first for a while, unless disaster strikes Detroit. Cleveland has their young guys stepping up and and could be poised at a playoff run, however, they lack key pieces in their lineup.
Keys to Success - Cleveland's power numbers need to increase in order to complement the rotation with run support. Singles hitters can only get a team so far. Carlos Santana and Travis Hafner need to lead the way in this department or Cleveland will find itself at the bottom of the barrel again.
Reason to Panic - The bullpen looks a little shaky on paper. A few additions were made to help strengthen the unit, but it could still lead to Cleveland's demise. Look for the Indians to be a little rocky in the beginning of the season, but come together late for a push towards the playoffs.
All-Stars - Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera
4. Kansas City Royals -
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The rotation could use some work. Picking up Jonathan Sanchez will surely help but the rest of the crew is too inconsistent to get anywhere. There are no guarantees with this rotation when the best guy coming into this year is Bruce Chen. He had a career year last year going 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA. Decent but not spectacular numbers by any means. The Royals can use some help here, but you never know, they could also surprise people. The bullpen is a bright spot for Kansas City. Adding Jonathan Broxton, the Dodgers' previous closer, will give Joakim Soria protection going into the 9th as Broxton will serve as his setup man. Broxton can be lights out and coupled with Soria, the Royals have quite a combination to close out games. In the case that either goes down with injury, as they both have done before, both are capable of closing duties. Look for this bullpen to make a splash this season. UPDATE: Joakim Soria is exploring the possibilities of Tommy John surgery and if procedure is done, Soria could miss much of the 2012 season.
The future is bright for the Royals, who seem to be building their team in similar fashion to the 2007-2008 Tampa Bay Rays. Adding key veterans, loading up in the draft and plugging in superb prospects along the way. Kansas City fans will have a lot to root for, however, the present still appears to have a bleak outlook.
Keys to Success - The offense will be able to put up runs and the bullpen will be able to close out games. This we know. However, if either of these two dimensions falter, the club will struggle. It is up to the youthful core of the Royals to put runs on the board.
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All-Stars - Joakim Soria, Billy Butler
5. Chicago White Sox -
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The lineup lacks consistency and could spell trouble. Based on the numbers Adam Dunn posted last year, Chicago fans really don't know what to expect out of Dunn. While never really hitting for average, Dunn posts higher power and strikeout numbers. He was in a funk that he was never really able to get out of, and ultimately led to one of the ultimate busts in MLB free agency history. Paul Konerko was resigned and he has been nothing but consistent and is the polar opposite of Dunn. Fans know exactly what to expect out of Konerko: an above .270 average, roughly 25 homers, and around 90-100 RBI's every season. He had one of his better seasons last year. With another season like this, Konerko can lead the offense into the playoffs with some support from role players Gordon Beckham, AJ Pierzynski, and Alexei Ramirez.
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Reason to Panic - As just mentioned, a collapse is highly likely given a new manager, inconsistent offense and an unproven bullpen. The team is relatively young outside of Konerko and Dunn, and this could ultimately lead to the White Sox having their worst year in ages. A team that won a Series in 2005 could likely find itself at the bottom of the barrel for years to come.
All-Stars - Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez
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