2009 Baseball Preview – American League – Central

American League – Central

Chicago White Sox                   A powerful heart of the order Carlos Quentin, Jermain Dye, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome should keep President Obama’s favorite team in games, but there have been a lot of personnel changes.

The youth movement includes rookie sensation Alexei Ramirez who will play shortstop with Orlando Cabrera going to Oakland. There will be competition between two youngsters at the hot corner- John Fields and Cuban import Dayan Viciedo.

This mix of young and old extends to the pitching staff as well. Bartolo Colon, a free agent pick up joins fellow vets Mark Buehrle and Jose Contreras on the mound along with twentysomethings, John Danks and Gavin Floyd. This could be the last hurrah for the few vets from the 2005 champion squad.

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Rotation

Cleveland Indians                        The Tribe bullpen bolstered itself quite well with the acquisition of former Cub Kerry Wood. The starters are led by the brilliant southpaw Cliff Lee, still there will be a sizable hole with the departure of CC Sabathia to the Yankees. 

The future looks promising with youngsters like switch hitting catcher Carlos Santana and outfielders Michael Brantley and Matt La Porta, but Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner are going to have to carry the offensive load for now.

Lineup

Rotation

Detroit Tigers                        Paying $14million to let DH Gary Sheffield go could be trouble as Brandon Inge and Adam Everett will never pick up the slack though they are nifty with the glove on the left side of the infield. Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez will need big stats at the plate this year.

The personnel shift to defense will put a bigger burden on the pitching staff.

Lineup

Rotation

Kansas City Royals                                    Winners of 75 games last year, the most in five years, the Royals strength this year will be pitching. Starter Gil Meche and reliever Joakim Soria in particular are poised to have stellar seasons.

Not a lot of offensive firepower, Kansas City will need more than the clutch hitting of David DeJesus who led the majors last year with a .419 average with runners in scoring position.

Lineup

Rotation

Minnesota Twins                          This will be the last year at the Metrodome with the open-air Target Field ready for 2010.

Twins revolve around catcher Joe Mauer. Winner of the batting title, second in on-base percentage and a gold glover, Minnesota needs this Everyday Joe….er Joe Everyday.

Hopeful a young squad has matured enough to make up for the departures of leader Torii Hunter and ace Johan Santana, manager Ron Gardenhire looks to sparkplug Denard Span to lead things off on a regular basis.

Lineup

Rotation

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