With 3 weeks remaining til the season starts, I'm at my halfway point going over the teams in MLB. This week I'll talk about the AL Central division.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The team from the south-side of Chicago traded away relief pitchers Scott Linebrink (went to ATL) and J.J. Putz (joined ARZ), while non-tendering longtime closer Bobby Jenks who is now a member of the Red Sox. Meanwhile, they re-signed 1B Paul Konerko to a 3-year, $37.5M extension & catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a 2-yr/$8M extension. However, their biggest signing was that of outfielder/DH Adam Dunn, who signed a deal to don pinstripes for 4-years worth $56M. Konerko, Pierzynski & Dunn are part of a lineup that also includes OF Alex Rios, shortstop Alexei Ramirez & 3rd baseman Mark Teahan. The rotation remains the same from 2010, with Mark Buehrle, Jake Peavy, Edwin Jackson, John Danks & Gavin Floyd. Finding a closer remains a question with Jenks leaving, so all signs point towards Matt Thornton to fill that spot. Could be an interesting season for Ozzie Guillen's squad.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Manny Acta returns as manager to the Indians who continue to rebuild after struggling all of 2010. A team, featuring young players like Matt LaPorta, Trevor Crowe, Astrubal Cabrera, Michael Brantley, Shelley Duncan and catcher Carlos Santana are joined by newcomer Orlando Cabrera (won a World Series ring with Boston in '04), Travis Hafner & Grady Sizemore. Sizemore & Santana are returning after being plagued with the injury bug in 2010. The pitching line is also young, featuring Justin Masterson & Mitch Talbot, but leading the way is Fausto Carmona. Like I said, it could take a miracle for this team to contend for the playoffs.
DETROIT TIGERS
The Tigers continue to impress, re-signing Jhonny Peralta, Brandon Inge and Magglio Ordonez to new contracts. They also signed Victor Martinez to act as the team's DH. The big issue with the lineup happens to be Miguel Cabrera, who right now is dealing with off-the-field issues relating to his DUI arrest. However, the lineup will be full of hitters including Inge, Ordonez, Cabrera, Carlos Guillen, Ryan Raburn & Austin Jackson. The pitching staff, which can be tough, is led by Justin Verlander, Brad Penny, Rick Porcello, Phil Coke & Max Scherzer. Jim Leyland's team has enough which can earn them a spot for the playoffs.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Royals are one team that continues to struggle, even with their payroll and their talent. With another under .500 season, Ned Yost joined the team halfway through the year as manager and is retained of that position. Yost has to help pitchers Bruce Chen, Jeff Francis, Kyle Davies, Luke Hochevar & Vin Mazzaro strengthen to make the team better. However the Royals have a good, all-star closer in Joakim Soria. The young lineup includes Alex Gordon & Mike Aviles, with veterans such as catcher Jason Kendall & outfielder Jeff Francoeur. This could be a good team if everyone works together to be solid all year.
MINNESOTA TWINS
The defending division-winners are the Twins, a team that has talent and is consistent. The Twins made an agreement with Japan, signing Tsuyoshi Nishioka to a 3-year, $9M deal w/ a 2014-club option to play 2nd base, moving Alexi Casilla to shortstop. The rest of the lineup is solid, including former-MVP catcher Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau (returning after suffering mid-season injury), outfielders Michael Cuddyer & Jason Kubel and designated hitter Jim Thome. The pitching rotation is underrated, which includes Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, Brian Duensing and Francisco Liriano, and all of the numbers in 2010 impressed me. If they have the same performance like last year, they will reign in 2011.
My AL Central division pick: Minnesota
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