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

Dodgers Acquire Thome, Garland

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a couple late night moves prior to the waiver deadline. They acquired Jim Thome from the Chicago White Sox and Jon Garland from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The White Sox will receive Justin Fuller. The Diamondbacks will likely receive Tony Abreu.

The Dodgers fell to the D'backs last night in 10 innings. Garland did not need any travel arrangements. All Garland had to do was walk across the hallway to get to the other side of the clubhouse. Adding Garland was a good addition for the Dodgers. He'll fill in as a fifth starter. He was 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA.

The Thome trade is a little strange. With James Loney manning first base, Thome will serve nothing more than a bat off the bench. Thome is batting .252 with 22 home runs and 74 RBI this season as a designated hitter. The Dodgers are not going to take out one of the best defensive first baseman for Thome, who hasn't played first base since his days as a Phillie.

Buehrle Sets Record

Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game in his last outing. Tonight, Buehrle tried to be Johnny Vander Meer and pitch back to back no hitters. Buehrle was on a good pace; he had a perfect game through five innings.

After 5.2 innings, he walked Alexi Casilla to end the perfect game. The next batter, Denard Span singled to end the no-hit bid. He lost the shutout after the next batter, Joe Mauer, hit a ground rule double.

Buehrle set a record for most consecutive batters retired in a row. Previously, the record was set by Buehrle's teammate, Bobby Jenks with 41 in 2007. Buehrle retired 45 in a row.

The Minnesota Twins got to Buehrle, though. He allowed 5 earned runs through 6.1 innings.

Mark Buehrle Throws Perfect Game

Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays. 27 up, 27 down as the Sox won 5-0.

Buehrle got some help from his teammate, Dewayne Wise, who came in for defensive purposes in the ninth inning. He replaced Scott Podsednik in center field, (Podsednik moved to left field) for defensive purposes. Wise made a leaping catch, robbing Gabe Kapler of a home run, and saving perfection.

Aaron Rowand, a former White Sox, saved teammate Jonathan Sanchez by robbing a home run, saving a no hitter a few weeks ago.

The last out came on a ground ball to Alexei Ramirez. Yes! Buehrle struck out six.

Buehrle threw a no-hitter on April 18. 2007. Before Buehrle, the last pitcher to throw a perfect game was Randy Johnson in 2004. It is the 18th perfect game in baseball history.

Peavy To ChiSox?

The San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox have agreed to a deal in which Jake Peavy will be sent to the White Sox. However, Peavy has a no trade clause and the deal is up to him.

During the offseason, there were rumors Peavy would be in Chicago for the 2009 season, but with the Cubs. The deal didn't fall, and now he has to chose to wave or not to wave.

The players believed to be sent to San Diego are pitchers Clayton Richard and Aaron Poreda and two other players.

Mat Latos and Will Inman, two prized prospects, were promoted by the Padres which indicated a potential move of Peavy.

Peavy is 3-5 with a 3.89 ERA and this season. In his career, the 2007 Cy Young winner is 89-67 with a 3.27 ERA and 1325 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP.

A move the Padres did make was trading Jody Gerut to the Brewers in exchange for Tony Gwynn Jr.

UPDATE (8:13 PM): Peavy turns down deal to White Sox.

Thursday Trades

Everyday during the offseason inches a few steps closer to the regular season. Each day is unpredictable as trades, unexpected or not, are made. Free agents will be signed.



Today, a few trades were made.

The New York Yankees acquired Nick Swisher from the Chicago White Sox for Wilson Betemit, and prospects Johnny Nunez and Jeff Marquez. Swisher is a career .244 hitter. He hit 24 homeruns last year, but had an average of just .219.

The Yankees weren't the only ones wheeling and dealing. The Cubs acquired Kevin Gregg from the Marlins in exchange for Jose Ceda, a minor league pitcher. Kerry Wood, the Cubs closer in 2008, likely will not return to Chicago, therfore the Cubs acquired Gregg.

Gregg was 7-8 with a 3.41 ERA in 2008. He had 58 strikeouts in 68.2 IP. He was 29/38 in save oppurtunities.