AL Central Discussion

**mj4cy** · 04-02-2009, 09:43 AM

Just wondering what people think on how the AL Central will shake out. The national media and local media seem to think that the division is the worst in baseball, but I would argue that the NL West is worse top to bottom. Either way, I think Twins or Tigers will take it this year. I will probably be way off, but that's the fun in predictions.

**mj4cy** · 04-02-2009, 09:51 AM

If I had to pick top to bottom I would go with:

1. Twins
2. Tigers
3. Indians.
4. Royals
5. White Sox

Though everytime I count the White Sox out, they have a great year.

**GeronimusClone** · 04-02-2009, 09:52 AM

I really think it's the Twins' to lose if they can get healthy

**mwitt** · 04-02-2009, 09:54 AM

You picked the White Sox to finish 4th the other day. What has changed since then?

I think the Twins or Indians take it. I don't like the Tigers pitching situation at all. I think them putting Porcello in the rotation already is a move of desperation. He's a stud, but he's never pitched higher than A ball. Dontrelle still sucks, Bonderman is hurt, and Verlander depends on the day (though he's by far the most reliable).

**mj4cy** · 04-02-2009, 09:58 AM

I just don't see where the White Sox have improved. They also seem like they're getting older.

**TarHeelHawk** · 04-02-2009, 10:00 AM

If Manny hadn't re-signed with the Dodgers, you could make the argument for the NL West being the worst in the game. It was certainly the case before he got there last year.

I think the AL Central is a toss up between the Twins and Indians. The White Sox should be terrible, and the Royals should be competetive. I have no idea about the Tigers, as they were they odds-on favorite to win the League last season, but tanked it early and never recovered. They did next to nothing in the offseason, and Dontrelle Willis is going to start the season on the DL.

With the moves the Indians made over the winter, I would give them the edge over the Twins.

**mwitt** · 04-02-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by mjones34

I just don't see where the White Sox have improved. They also seem like they're getting older.

Both fair points. But they had gotten older and not improved on March 30th, too, where you picked them to finish 4th. That's what I was asking about.

Theoretically, improvements could be had through young players the team is built around such as Quentin, Danks, Floyd, and Ramirez, while hopefully getting better production out of 3rd this year with Fields. However, I see a team who has no leadoff hitter, no 2 hitter, no CF, maybe no 2B, and way too much reliance on two old starters who are coming off of an injury. The stars would really have to align for the Sox to take this, but the same was also true last year. Has all the makings of a .500 team, in my opinion.

**GeronimusClone** · 04-02-2009, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by mwitt

Both fair points. But they had gotten older and not improved on March 30th, too, where you picked them to finish 4th. That's what I was asking about.

Theoretically, improvements could be had through young players the team is built around such as Quentin, Danks, Floyd, and Ramirez, while hopefully getting better production out of 3rd this year with Fields. However, I see a team who has no leadoff hitter, no 2 hitter, no CF, maybe no 2B, and way too much reliance on two old starters who are coming off of an injury. The stars would really have to align for the Sox to take this, but the same was also true last year. Has all the makings of a .500 team, in my opinion.

I think they'll strive for .500

**ce1** · 04-02-2009, 10:09 AM

I'd have to say that the Cleveland Indians are probably the favorites going into the year. They've got the best offensive team in the division, and they've shored up their weakest spot, relief pitching, well enough to get by.

Also, i think that KC will finish above .500 this year as well. They've made good progress the last two years, and like the Twins in 2001, i think you'll see the young talent start turn some heads with on-the-field success this year.

Here's how i'd handicap the league:

1. Cleveland
2. Minnesota
3. Kansas City
4. White Sox
5. Tigers

**HighOnCy** · 04-02-2009, 10:09 AM

I was in arizona for a few white sox spring training games over spring break and they did not look good at all.

I cant see gavin floyd winning 17 games again, jose contreras winning more than 10 (hes probably 45 by now), and bartolo colon doing anything productive at around 300 lbs.

I also have major question marks at 3rd base with josh fields and in center with dewayne wise/brain anderson. Both have had decent, in fact, good springs. I just dont know if that will carry over although josh has done well in previous stints with the big club. Will konerko hit worth a damn or will he just have a repeat of last year? We also have a rookie at second in chris getz and a designated hitter in thome who looks like he is towing a trailer everytime he runs. As a die-hard sox fan since birth, i feel like there is just too many question marks to have a ton of optimism about the season...

That being said, the twins are definitely the team to beat in the central. Damn piranhas...

**mwitt** · 04-02-2009, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by GeronimusClone

I think they'll strive for .500

They've been .500 or better every year but one in the last 9 years. It's probably a safe bet, but it wouldn't surprise me if 2009 is the second in the last 10.

**GeronimusClone** · 04-02-2009, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by mwitt

They've been .500 or better every year but one in the last 9 years. It's probably a safe bet, but it wouldn't surprise me if 2009 is the second in the last 10.

That's what i'm thinking.

**mwitt** · 04-02-2009, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by HighOnCy

I was in arizona for a few white sox spring training games over spring break and they did not look good at all.

I cant see gavin floyd winning 17 games again, jose contreras winning more than 10 (hes probably 45 by now), and bartolo colon doing anything productive at around 300 lbs.

I also have major question marks at 3rd base with josh fields and in center with dewayne wise/brain anderson. Both have had decent, in fact, good springs. I just dont know if that will carry over although josh has done well in previous stints with the big club. Will konerko hit worth a damn or will he just have a repeat of last year? We also have a rookie at second in chris getz and a designated hitter in thome who looks like he is towing a trailer everytime he runs. As a die-hard sox fan since birth, i feel like there is just too many question marks to have a ton of optimism about the season...

That being said, the twins are definitely the team to beat in the central. Damn piranhas...

As you, I also expect regression out of Floyd. I actually think Fields is posed for a big year (at least offensively), but Dewayne Wise is in no way, shape, or form a leadoff hitter. We knew going in that we wouldn't have any kind of leadoff hitter, but seeing it actually confirmed is a tough one to swallow. It's hard to make a case that Wise is a good candidate to hit 9 everyday for a team, let alone 1. At least it's not Owens, I guess.

I predict by the end of the year, Getz is our best leadoff option.

**GeronimusClone** · 04-02-2009, 10:13 AM

What's the over/under on the number of times Ozzie flips out on and to the media this year?

**MrGreg** · 04-02-2009, 10:17 AM

I want the Twins to take the division, but I dunno...they overachieved last year and still weren't able to win the division. They have a lot of young guys that need to step up again, and they need to solidify their bullpen (besides Nathan), the pen blew way too many games last year.