This is a really tough division to handicap, as there are so many overriding factors in health and "sophomore slumps" on various teams. This is my disclaimer for when I revisit this in October. :)
1. Cleveland Indians- How can you not like their pitching depth? A solid 7 starters, including CC Sabathia (above) and Fausto Carmona? A young and healthy lineup as well, led by Grady Sizemore. A force to be reckoned with.
2. Detroit Tigers- The best collection of hitters in baseball. But what did the '01 Mariners, '04-07 Yankees, and so many more teach us? 1000 runs does not make your crappy pitchers any better. Justin Verlander and pray for rain. They will most likely still make the playoffs as a wild card, but it will be a quick exit for the Motown Bombers.
3. KC Royals- If Alex Gordon and Billy Butler continue to hit, and Gi Meche earns his $11 mill a year, the Royals will have their second winning season in 16 years.
4. Minnesota Twins- Letting Johan Santan go may pay off in the long run (2011 anyone?), but banking all of your hopes on Francisco Liriano's injury-prone body may be too much. Livan Hernandez will help, but not enough.
5. Chicago White Sox- Is this really the team that won the Series 2+ years ago? Not really. Their pitching stinks. Their hitters stink. They actually got worse over the winter, not an easy accomplishment. Ozzie will be out by July 4th.
3 comments:
I'm not worried about the Central teams... Blue Jays all the way.
This is certainly a two team race. I might differ with the order. The question that will decide this division is which is better: the Tigers pitching or Indians offense? If Rodney, Zumaya, and Bonderman get back to where they were two years ago, this staff could be formidable. Their lineup is the best in baseball. Regarding the Indians, can they outscore the Tigers? This lineup lacks a lot of pop, it is a collection of guys who hit 20 homeruns and drive in 75 runs. Their pitching is probably the best in the league. Both of these teams have the same problem-closer. Todd Jones and Joe Borowski are not top-of-the-line closers. This will not be an issue until the playoffs.
Zumaya is out till at least June, and Rodney looks like crap so far. You're right about the closers- Borowski and his 5+ ERA gives people fits, but at least he has guys in 7th & 8th to keep it close-
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