Continuing CttP’s look around the MLB landscape takes us to the American League Central. A division that appears to be no less than a three team race providing some things fall the right way.
Again, I will pose just one question in regards to each team within the division. Let’s get to it…
Chicago White Sox: Which Gordan Beckham will we see this season?
You may not think this is a big deal considering the Pale Hose went out and signed Adam Dunn and re-signed Paul Konerko. It is a big deal. A really big deal because it never hurts to have a another productive offensive piece. Just take a look at the #1’s on the White Sox depth chart according to the White Sox website.
C : A.J. Pierzynski
1B: Paul Konerko
2B: Gordon Beckham
SS: Alexei Ramirez
3B: Brent Morel
LF: Juan Pierre
CF: Alex Rios
RF: Carlos Quentin
DH: Adam Dunn
Third is a question that manager Ozzie Guillen is hoping to solve quickly, but the rest is as solid as any in the majors. It’s a pretty scary lineup. You might not think the ’09 version of Beckham is a necessity. It is for the White Sox to contend. Plus, I believe Beckham does return to the form of his rookie year as he’s now used to his “new” position of second.
Cleveland: Can the Tribe avoid 100 losses?
Ever read or hear the phrase “no disrespect intended…”? I would use that phrase here, but I doubt it would resonate correctly. I ask this question because I cannot see enough on this roster to attribute to 63 or more wins, thus avoiding triple digits in the loss column.
I look at the Indians roster and I do see some nice pieces. Shin-Soo Choo, Matt LaPorta, Fausto Carmona and Chris Perez. I also see two oft-injured former All-Stars in Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner. That’s it. I can honestly say that there’s a chance the Indians finish with the most losses in baseball this season.
Detroit: Isn’t it obvious? What to do about Miguel Cabrera?
Tigers manager Jim Leyland doesn’t seem to think the issue involving Cabrera is a big deal. But that’s what he’s paid to think and opine. My team will get pass this. On the other side, everyone realizes there is a severe issue/problem (whatever label you wish to place on this) that must be addressed immediately.
If Cabrera misses any time, it does have an adverse effect on the team. It doesn’t matter if it’s only spring training or not. But we must forget about that. The more pressing matter is for Cabrera to seek and receive the proper help he needs in order to continue his baseball career. We’ve read and/or heard many, many stories of former players regardless of the sport having their careers cut short due to a from of addiction.
And I refuse to pass any form of judgment on the Tigers slugger.
Kansas City: Will we finally see the Alex Gordon we were promised years ago?
Royals.com currently has Gordon listed as the starting left fielder. It also has Melky Cabrera starting in center and Jeff Francoeur starting in right. Not sure about the outfield situation as a whole (By the way, I love Lorenzo Cain), but having Gordon finally fulfill just part of the promise from a handful of years ago can help propel the Royals in a positive direction. Even without that pitcher they traded.
I like that he’s getting yet another shot, but I’m afraid this could be the last one. It most likely is. The last two seasons have been pretty much lost seasons. Add this thought. The Royals really don’t have a lot of time to allot for Gordon. Not much at all. There’s ballgames to win. And there’s those prospects nipping at his heels, too.
Minnesota: Do the Twins have a real backup plan in case Tsuyoshi Nishioka does not pan out?
I know it would be easy to point at the injuries of Joe Nathan, Justin Morneau and Francisco Liriano. That’s why I went this direction. Nishioka is just as big, if not, bigger, question mark. That’s because every team wants to have the next Ichiro Suzuki. Has anyone come close so far in that hunt? I don’t believe so.
If you look at the Twins 40-man, you think there isn’t a significant backup plan in use. Nick Punto was not brought back and is now with St. Louis. Neither was Orlando Hudson, last year’s starter at second, who is now a Padre. That would leave Matt Tolbert or Luke Hughes as Plan B if Nishioka struggles and the Twins front office can’t work a deal.
The alternative to Tolbert and/or Huhges at second: move Alexi Casilla to second and trade for a shortstop. Not a fan of that one either. Maybe the Twins simply don’t have any significant resources if such a thing were to happen. And I don’t believe the Twins will sacrifice the organization for one player. I know there’s still some animosity on that Matt Capps deal.
Hump day will lead us to the AL West.