2010 Preview: AL Central

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

Last season, it took 163 games to decide the winner of the American League Central. The Detroit Tigers had a three game lead with four games left, but were unable to hold it as the Minnesota Twins forced a tiebreaker. In a game for the ages, the Twins defeated the Tigers, 6-5. Alexi Casilla's 12th inning walk-off single dramatically sent the Twins into the postseason. Unfortunately, the Twins were unable to make it past the first round of the postseason.

Minnesota Twins

The Metrodome would give a slight advantage to the home team, but this April, Target Field will become the new home of the Minnesota Twins. Last year, the Twins ranked fifth in runs scored (817); it'll be interesting to see if their new ballpark will benefit pitchers or hitters. Either way, the Twins have a scary lineup that includes the American League MVP and batting champion, Joe Mauer.

Along with Mauer, the Twins have several players who are capable of hitting 20 or more home runs: Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, and their newest addition, Jim Thome. In addition, the Twins acquired a new double play combination: J.J Hardy and Orlando Hudson.

Pitching is the Twins biggest question mark. Joe Nathan, a top-notch closer, has been sidelined with an elbow tear. Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey will anchor the rotation, but the Twins would like a comeback from Francisco Liriano, who had a phenomenal rookie season. Liriano has been plagued with injuries and struggles since 2006.

2009: 87-76, 1st in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 88-74, 1st place

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers made headlines when they traded Edwin Jackson and Curtis Granderson for Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Austin Jackson, and Phil Coke. While they got some key players in return, losing a player of Granderson's caliber is huge. They also lost Placido Polanco to free agency.

Among other off-season moves, the Tigers signed Johnny Damon to a one-year, $8 million contract. With the health problems of flame-throwing Joel Zumaya, the Tigers also signed closer Jose Valverde to a two-year, $14 million deal.

Since his trade to Detroit, Miguel Cabrera hasn't been in the spotlight, but he always has an All Star type season. Additionally, the Tigers have a solid 1-2 punch with Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello.

2009: 86-77, 2nd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 82-80, 3rd place

Chicago White Sox

In 2009, the Chicago White Sox made a couple trades that didn't impact the team at the time. However, Jake Peavy and Alex Rios could make big impacts on the team in 2010. With Mark Buehrle and a healthy Peavy, the White Sox could have an impressive front of the rotation.

The health of Peavy is important, but so is the health of Carlos Quentin, who has been bothered with injuries over the last few years.

2009: 79-83, 3rd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 86-76, 2nd place

Cleveland Indains

Over the course of the last two years, the Cleveland Indians traded most of their team to get younger. They have plenty of prospects (Carlos Santana to name one), but aren't likely to contend in 2010.

The only "big name player" left is Grady Sizemore. While Sizemore is an All Star caliber player, the Indians have other established players, such as Travis Hafner and Shin-Soo Choo. Most of their club consists of up and coming players like Matt LaPorta and Justin Masterson.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010: 70-92, last place

Kansas City Royals

The Royals didn't have too many bright spots last year, but one of them was Zach Greinke. The American League Cy Young winner dominated, despite being on one of the worst teams in basbeall.

Besides Greinke, the Royals have a few players they can count on. They've added Rick Ankiel to the outfield and have gotten some production out of first baseman Billy Butler. Joakim Soria doesn't get too many save opportunities as a Royal, but when he does, he gets the job done.

The Royals seem to be high on their third baseman, Alex Gordon. He has been bothered with injuries and so far has yet to live up to his potential.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 71-91, 4th place

Tigers, D'Backs, Yankees Make Blockbuster Deal

It's day two of the Winter Meetings, and we have a blockbuster deal. The New York Yankees acquired Curtis Granderson; the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy; the Detroit Tigers acquired Max Scherzer, Phil Coke, and two other young prospects.

Granderson has a healthy mix of speed and power. He batted just .249 last year, but hit 30 home runs. He has a career .828 OPS. For Granderson, the Yankees surrender Ian Kennedy, one of their top prospects. However, Kennedy has yet to live up to his expectations. A change of scenary may help him; there won't be as much pressure to succeed in Detroit than in New York.

The biggest loss in the trade goes to the Diamondbacks. They get 25-year old Edwin Jackson, who had a 3.62 ERA in 214 innings last year. However, they lose 24-year old Max Scherzer and other young prospects. It's surprising that Scherzer was even in the deal; he's young and has a load of potential, equal or greater than Jackson's. Jackson is a good pickup, but losing Scherzer was a negative.

Before The Deadline

The Detroit Tigers acquired Jarrod Washburn from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Luke French and Mauricio Robles.

Washburn is 8-6 and has a 2.64 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 133 innings. He is a free agent after the season.

The Mariners later rejected six offers for Feliz Hernandez.

The Marlins acquired Nick Johnson from the Washington Nationals for Aaron Thompson.

The Twins aquired Orlando Cabrera for prospect Tyler Ladendorf.

The Boston Red Sox acquired Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians for Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price. Because of the deal, the Sox traded Adam LaRoche to the Braves. LaRoche was just traded to Boston not too long ago. The Red Sox acquired Casey Kotchman in the deal.

The Rockies acquired Joe Biemel. The Yankees acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. for Chase Weems. Also, the Cincinnati Reds will acquired Scott Rolen for Edwin Encarnocion.

The San Diego Padres dealt Jake Peavy to the White Sox for Aaron Poreda, Adam Russell, Dexter Carter, and Clayton Richard. Unlike before, Peavy accepted this trade. Peavy may not even pitch this season because of an injury.

News Around MLB

Ryan Howard has been diagnosed with acute sinusitis. He could return the lineup as early as Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Howard has been taking antibiotics and is improving. His 104-degree fever is gone and he will rest Monday at his home.

The Phillies could add on to their payroll to acquire pitching. The Reds are dealing Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. Could this be an option for the Phillies?

In other news, the Detroit Tigers benched Magglio Ordonez and his agent Scott Boras is not happy about it. Ordonez is hitting .273, however is slugging only .343. Ordonez could return to the lineup, but either way, the Tigers could be looking for a power bat.

Manny Ramirez has started "rehabbing" in Triple-A after being suspended 50 games due to violating the drug policy. Pending rainouts, Ramirez should be back in the lineup on July 3.

Tony LaRussa became the third manager to reach 2,500 wins.

On the injury front, Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the 15 day disabled list. CC Sabathia left his last start with bicep tendinitis. The Mets continue to get injured. Carlos Beltran was placed on the DL.

Hamels Rumor and Pudge Trade

More rumors are floating around. Only this one does not involve a trade.

Rumor has it that Cole Hamels has a fractured elbow on his pitching arm. The Phillies have denied this claim, but with Hamel's history of injuries, and his blow up against the Braves on Saturday, it gives a reason to believe the rumor. Also, instead of a bullpen pitcher to replace Eaton, who was demoted, the Phillies called up J.A Happ, a starter. Hopefully it is just indeed a rumor, and its nothing serious.

Also in the news, the Detroit Tigers trade Ivan Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth. Straight up.

Rodriguez is batting .295 with 5 HR, and 32 RBI. His OBP is .338, .417 SLG, and his OPS is a low .756. However, Pudge is an excellent defender. He has 13 Gold Gloves.

Farnsworth is 1-2 this year with an ERA of 3.65 ERA. He stuck out 43 in 44.1 IP. His WHIP is 1.35.

The Yankees got the best of this deal. With Posada done for the year, they needed an everyday catcher. The Yankees are only 4 games out of their division, and 1.5 games out of the Wild Card. The Tigers are 5.5 games out of their division, and 6 out of the Wild Card.

I don't really get this trade for the Tigers. They can easily make a run. I think with Pudge, the Tigers would have a better chance to make that run. Pudge isn't the same player he was 10 years ago, but he is still a good player. Farnsworth is having a good year, but who is going to catch for the Tigers? Are they going to move Inge back full time? I'm also surprised the Yankees only had to give up Farnsworth for Pudge.