In this second installment touches to turn to the Central Division of the American League, where five teams made their respective movements, highlighting Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox, who took out their checkbooks and got the players wanted to get your ticket to the World Series.
Minnesota Twins payroll is a relatively cheap "$ 110 million, full of talent that each year continues to give surprises. Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians continue his way of training where they hope to soon make a team work.
Detroit Tigers (81-81, 3 rd place in the division in 2010)
major additions: Victor Martinez, Joaquin Benoit and Brad Penny
Major losses: Armando Galarraga, Johnny Damon, Gerald Laird and Jeremy Bonderman
Venezuela: Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen
Mike Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers, did not hesitate to hit the market and buy the parts necessary to Detroit will enhance further their aspirations of reaching the World Series again.
The clear objective is to obtain the title or heads will roll in November.
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| Ordonez, Cabrera and Martinez offensive heart |
The first major acquisition was winning the bid for Victor Martinez to Baltimore and Boston, the Venezuelan accept $ 50 million over four years in Detroit will be alternating between catcher, and designated the initial. Incorporation makes the Bengalis have for the first time a Venezuelan total offense, something that no team can afford.
Magglio Ordonez returns after the team dispensed with his previous contract and is ready to prove he still has the conditions for success, the same situation facing Carlos Guillen expects to leave behind the injuries that have plagued his career and return to one year full time. Miguel Cabrera for his part hoped to leave behind their personal problems and continue its rapid ascent.
Others are returning to the Tigers Brandon Inge and Johnny Peralta to give greater strength to the left side of the field.
As for the pitching of Brad Penny's arrival strengthens a rotation where Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer offer guarantees. Joaquin Benoit will fill a void in the bullpen, as long as the numbers repeat left in 2010.
The incorporation of the Dominican Republic to give him back the strength to relay Bengali, which has no past three years, since Jose Valverde will join and Joel Zumaya in the final episodes.
Figure: Miguel Cabrera is the anchor of the offensive of the Detroit Tigers, is the cornerstone in the rebuilding of Detroit to advance to World Series again. Last year was a plus to win the MVP of the young circuit. As always each year their numbers continue to increase and insurance at retirement will be the Venezuelan who has the most offensive records.
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| Cabrera is the club regarding |
But if this pace continues, it is necessary that the native left behind his problems with alcoholic beverages, which has not yet admitted their consumption and remain with his promising career, however if it falls again runs the risk of ruining their future.
The manager: In his debut as manager of the Detroit Tigers in 2006, Jim Leyland led Detroit to its first World Series since 1984, unfortunately falling cats to St. Louis in five games. Since 2006, Detroit 424-387 mark exhibits with the Leyland control, with the 2008 the only negative year in his long career.
Leyland has taken advantage of each player and was able to give it a winning attitude, so the making of a winning team, Leyland gives the possibility to reach World Series long as the pitching - the only Achilles heel - an answer.
Sox White Chicago (88-74, 2 nd place in the division in 2010)
major additions: Adam Dunn, Jesse Crain, Lastings Milledge and Will Ohman
Major losses: Bobby Jenks, JJ Putz, Mark Kotsay, Manny Ramirez and Andruw Jones
Venezuelan Omar Vizquel and Gregory Infante
Undoubtedly White Sox made some interesting moves to strengthen weak areas, thus had to deal last year. The Chicago hitters ranked ninth in the AL in Slugging (396) with 18 homers and 65 RBIs. The acquisition of Adam Dunn added some power to a position where they have not found a real player since the departure of Frank Thomas, in fact since 2004, Dunn is second in homers behind Albert Pujols with 282.
Best of Dunn is still young (31 years), and has participated in 150 or more games over the past nine seasons, and although it has fired 38 home runs in the last two harvests , harvested 40 or more between 2004 2008. All this went for $ 56 million for four years.
who will benefit is Paul Konerko, who is entering the final part of his career and despite being re-signed for three years, will maximize the support of Dunn. Carlos Quentin, Alex Rios and Mark Teahen will be the remaining elements of an offense that expects better results this year, especially the addition of Lastings Milledge, who is expected to show that he hardened his game with the Tigers Aragua.
In the pitching exits and JJ Putz Bobby Jenks will be felt without a doubt, Matt Thornton will have to be exempted as last year, when limited to the rights to 203 on average, being a lefty. Jesse Crain, who joins the White Sox, is a valuable piece from Minnesota, a direct rival for the White Sox. Gregory Infante rookie to take this opportunity to consolidate in the relay.
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| Dunn to give the White Sox offense |
Figure: Adam Dunn's credentials are without doubt gratifying for a team that needs more offense to generate runs, no doubt about that captain Paul Konerko of the White Sox will have to order that protects the slugger in the lineup.
Twelve of his fourteen seasons were with the White Sox uniform since his arrival the player has hit for 282 with 358 homers and 1,127 RBIs. Last year finished fifth in the MVP and was a priority to keep it, because of their consistency and leadership within the clubhouse. No doubt that Konerko is one of the most underrated players in the big leagues, due to the presence of other starters, but still has managed to get noticed, and this year with 35 homers, will join the club of 400 homers, not bad for a player who began his career as one of the leaflets A-1 of the Dodgers Angeles and then step to the Cincinnati Reds.
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| Guillen looking for a new World Series |
The manager: Oswaldo "Ozzie" Guillen is definitely the referent of this team, playing a man who commits himself this franchise, so much so that his appointment in 2004, the White Sox have only played for less than 500 twice. In seven seasons, Chicago is positioned in the first division on two occasions, two second, two in third and only once in the fourth box, in fact after 88 years, the White Sox knew what was to win World Series.
was In Guillen, the White Sox picked 600-535 mark with a World Series (2005) and another appearance in the Division Series where they lost in 2008. And "overcome" their conflicts with club owner Jerry Reindsfor and general manager. Guillen looks forward to the fans of the Windy City, another big title.
Of course, Guillen will remain controversial when direct result of their valiant that has cost clashes with other players, by their mode of expression, but still proved to be a winner .
Minnesota Twins (94-68, 1st place in the division in 2010)
additions Important: Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Jim Hoey
Major losses: Orlando Hudson, JJ Hardy, Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Jon Rauch and Brian Fuentes
Venezuela: José Mijares
One team that has proven to win without having the resources is Minnesota, has shown since Ron Gardenhire is leading, in fact in the last two years has won the division without having known stars.
This does not mean that Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer and Francisco Liriano are no stars of this team who have shown a crop of young talent ready to prove their conditions in the majors.
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| Box and Nishioka, the new combination of dobleplays |
If you start with the assumption that the Twins have the most of talent in the division, had less work then do this winter went well, as they bring back to Carl Pavano for two years guaranteed and $ 16.5 million. Also re-signed Jim Thome who is appreciated by the organization and prevented him from obtaining Texas certainly is eleven Thome's 600 homers.
Despite the departures of Orlando Hudson and JJ Hardy, Minnesota has a new combination of double plays he expects good results with Alexi Casilla and Tsuyoshi Nishioka, both players can perform successfully in both in the second as shortstop him, so Gardenhire diluted in the final spring training positions.
Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel and Jim Thome, forming a heart offensive that promises, as long as all appear in the line up and not alternative. The Twins expect Morneau is fully recovered from the concussion suffered last year and it was hard to lose that beat Minnesota.
pitching in return for Joe Nathan will be the positive note, forming with Matt Capps and Jose Mijares a trio of pitchers for the final episodes, in fact this trio with the rest of the relay Minnesota should emulate 3.49 ERA, left last year with the presence of Guerrier, Crain, Rauch and Fuentes, who no longer are.
Francisco Liriano is still the ace of the rotation, rumors of his departure to the Yankees are certainly a distraction, but where there's smoke ... Carl Pavano, Scott Baker, Brian Duensing, Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey, are proven pitchers capable of winning ten games each.
Figure: Joe Mauer is the greatest figure of this team, perhaps the piece more palatable to the other teams, but Minnesota played well and bound him a lot years at a considerable price.
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| Joe Mauer |
In seven seasons as a professional, Mauer has three batting titles (2006, 2008 and 2009), four All-Star (2006 , 2008-2010), an MVP (2009), three Gold Gloves (2008-2010) and four Silver Slugger (2006, 2008-2010). Credentials of course that will increase in subsequent years and is best who is 27 years.
is not a proven slugger (he has one season with more than fifteen home runs and was 28 in 2009); but it was a threat every time he steps into the batters box, thanks to its base percentage 407 of a lifetime accumulating. The sky is the limit for this insurance player in the next five years set new marks for players at his position, and of course bound for Cooperstown.
The manager: When Tom Kelly left the Minnesota Twins in 2001, after fifteen years at the helm, nobody thought that Ron Gardenhire emulate in such a short time of its predecessor.
In nine seasons in front of the Twins, Gardenhire exhibits 803-656 mark with six playoff appearances to five of them divisional, falling in all areas, while in his only NLCS, gave way to some inspired Anaheim Angels in 2002 .
Gardenhire has taken advantage of a team without stars popularity has managed to sneak between the qualifiers to the next phase. As shown by the last three years, where no favoritism have taken over first place in the Central Division of the American League this year will not count as others with glittering figures, but are able to surprise more than one but remember to Detroit and Chicago, This division rivals who have given in the last two seasons, with the push of a Twins, who have a deadly duo as Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer.
The showcases rests a Manager of the Year, achieved last year, although late, but confirms the momentum that has this veteran strategist at 52, which are expected over the glittering campaigns front of the team, as until now has been the best strategist in his 50 years as the Minnesota Twins before remembering that this franchise was the Washington Senators.
Kansas City Royals (67-95, 5 th place in the division in 2010)
major additions: Jeff Francoeur, Melky Cabrera, Vin Mazzaro, Alcides Escobar, Jeff Francis and Lorenzo Cain
Major losses: Zack Greinke, Gil Meche, Brian Bannister, David DeJesus and Yuniesky Betancourt
Venezuela: Alcides Escobar and Gregor Blanco
Kansas City faces a season where they must avoid reaching the 100 defeats, the last time the Royals were contenders was 26 years ago, when they won the 1985 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. In fact in its 42 years of franchise, the team had their golden years in the late 70's and early 80's, being the World Series title, his last great achievement.
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| regor G Blanco hopes to return to hold this year |
return to the Royals that instance must believe in themselves and take full advantage of weaknesses of their opponents to get wins. Although the word reconstruction is in the air in the last two years, few teams after losing 95 games, responded the following year with a pass to the playoffs.
The lack of talent is evident in this template, which of course do the first candidate to lose a hundred games, but the possibility that their precious jewel in the minors, the third baseman Mike Moustakas make debut this year, may be synonymous with a talent pool that hopes to bring back that winning feeling.
general manager Dayton Moore, no doubt to finish dismantling the team miss several pieces that had yielded positive results in recent years, Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain from Milwaukee Cy Young, 2009, Zack Greinke, will have their first real test as part of this new litter that management wants to operate this year.
They also have three outfielders that can be a pleasant sensation in the offensive and defensive (Alex Gordon, Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur). Jason Kendall will continue to lead from catching the group of pitchers that promises to leave good numbers at this stage of learning. We can not ignore the bat of Billy Butler who was the model of the team last year.
pitching in Kansas City, has his eyes on Jake Odorizzi, who is expected to form part of the rotation soon, but for now Jeff Francis, Bruce Chen, Luke Hochevar, Vin Mazzaro and Kyle Davis, formed a quintet that can give a respectable surprises when combined offensive and pitching.
The relief is unknown, Joakim Soria warranty only and while Gil Meche retired from his elbow problems, the biggest problem with the Royals is if your pitching is able to withstand the attack of rivals pesos.
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| Alcides Escobar |
Figure: Alcides Escobar was the centerpiece of popularity to this day Greinke in Milwaukee, the native must prove it was listed as one of its valuable prospects in the minors, and even though I leave discrete numbers in his first full season in the majors last year (235-4-41 and 10 steals), it is expected that a new league and the ignorance of its rivals, is used by the Venezuelan expected better things in the coming years.
The manager: Ned Yost is a veteran technicians who have the recognition of their opponents, last year took command in mid-campaign dismissed by Trey Hillman, leading them to have mark of 55-72.
Now with full-time position Yost, must prove that winning that catapulted Milwaukee in 2008, when Yost in front of the team led them to the classification via wildcard.
teams Experience "last-place" is for Yost something old, it was in Atlanta, when it began its cycle of victories and helped foster some Milwaukee Brewers than they are today , so the result in Kansas City is expected to take effect soon.
Cleveland Indians (69-93, 4 th place in the division in 2010)
major additions: Austin Kearns, Adam Everett, Orlando Cabrera and Jack Hannahan
Major losses: Andy Marte
Venezuela: Luis Valbuena, Asdrubal Cabrera, Gomez Jeanmar and Carlos Carrasco
Cleveland's magic must wait a little longer while the formation of this team is made up. The Tribe won 69 games, and did nothing during the offseason to improve the team through free agency or trades.
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| Asdrubal Cabrera |
Chris Antonetti, general manager facing his first year, you want to explore the house first and saved the Dolan family, money to some figures, like Austin Kearns returning to Cleveland.
made by Antonetti What is that last year the tribe many players were injured but this year healthy start and a good start can bring good wishes to this franchise has not won a Series World since 1948, but surprised everyone when in 2007 they were one game entering the Fall Classic, but Boston will echo to miss the party.
To accomplish this task bats Grady Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera, Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley Carlos Santana, are recovered from their injuries, pending prospectuses Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis take a coffee in the majors.
Cleveland also has the support of Shin-Soo Choo player who has been a revelation and could be a bargaining chip if the tribe is lost aspirations.
In Fausto Carmona pitching, another piece of value, leads the rotation of the tribe, followed by Justin Masterson, Carlos Carrasco, Jeanmar Gomez and David Huff, with a quintet that can generate some interest, if meet the objectives, especially with the duo and Gomez Carrasco.
The relay has its pros and cons, so it should be exempted to meet the starting pitching.
Figure: his recovery from their discomfort Grady Sizemore will be the reference offensive club again, last year only participated in 33 games, leaving average of 211 with 13 RBIs.
From the start, Sizemore, expected to be that player again to release more than 30 homers and stole over 30 bases in 2008, when he hit 268 and was ranked third in the lineup , where he received protection from the time of Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner.
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| Manny Acta |
The manager, Manny Acta facing his second year at the helm with a winning attitude, partly because several holders will comeback after serious injury.
Act is a proven strategist who has managed to deepen it in his players, discipline and surrender to the game. To do this know they have parts that can generate such an explosion and catapult the team as they did four years ago.
In his debut in the majors last season's 69-93 mark left, records expected to improve in 2011.
@ beisboladentro ; @ Adonisalejandro
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