Chicago White Sox
I predicted them to win the division because they have a
very strong 1-2 hitter, and then the Big Hurt in the clean-up spot. However,
they do not have the strongest hitting in the division. Their pitching is
fairly good as well, but nothing really stands out either good or bad from the
top of the rotation straight through their bullpen. To be honest I think they
may end up second if Cleveland hits the way they do, or they are able to make
improvements to their pitching. What Chicago needs to make sure they can stay
ahead of Cleveland, is a catcher of some sort, or another big power hitter in
their lineup in RF, 3B or DH.
Cleveland Indians
I predicted them to finish 2nd, but I really see
them possibly finishing first in this division. I would say from 1-5 in their
lineup there is no better team in the AL in hitting. Their 6-9 is fairly weak
though, and that is why I picked them to finish second. Their pitching is not
particularly strong either, with no real ace, and a couple of guys past their
prime. They did add another reliever to their pen, which may help them, but
once again their pen is decent, but not noteworthy player in there. I think if
they want to win the division, they need to get a starter than is either an ace
or a good 2-3, and possibly a first baseman or DH to back up Thome.
Kansas City Royals
I did pick them to finish 3rd, but if their
pitching can carry them, they could move up. It will be interesting to see in
this division whether it is hitting or pitching that can reign supreme.
Incognito has a team where they the top of the rotation is very strong, and has
a fairly good closer as well. Really this team has three aces on their team,
and if she plays her cards right, and is able to add some hitting to this team,
she may have one of the strongest teams out there. The hitting, however, is
really bad, and what this team needs to find is some power, and some speedy
leadoff hitters. LF, RF, 2B, SS seem to be the weakest areas, and it may be
harder to find a solution, but in order to win the division, I think those
improvements need to be made. It should be interesting if Randa will end up
starting so that McGuinness could DH or something, but time will tell how this pitching
heavy team will fare.
Milwaukee Brewers
I pick them to finish last in this division, because they
are in an attempt to rebuild, and overall their major league team is fairly
weak. They have a lot of young players playing, and really only have one very
solid pitcher on their team in Cal Eldred, who I feel could move before the
season is done for those teams who need another pitcher. Their pen overall is
also weak, and their strongest player there is likely Graeme Lloyd who will not
be able to win games on his own. As for hitting they have a great leadoff in
Hamilton, and Giambi will be in his rookie season as a DH, and his time is in a
few years not right now, so do not expect their team to end up moving out of 5th
this season. Luckily for them, they have a lot of young talent, and with picks
this year and what should be high picks next year, they will build a very good
competitive team in the future.
Minnesota Twins
I pick them to finish 4th, not because they have
a bad team, just due to the fact that their team is not as good as the other
three ahead of them. They have one of the best leadoff hitters in the league in
Kirby Puckett, and they have a few other players who have good contact, but
really no one stands out as a power hitter. Hrbek, and Brito are good power
hitters, but are not a Frank Thomas or Jim Thome. Their starting pitcher is
fairly decent, but like the Chicago and Cleveland no one really stands out as
an ace. Their bullpen looks very solid as well, but no major standout either,
and for this reason I rank them behind the other three. If they can get an ace
or a power hitter, this could make the Central very close in terms of who makes
the playoffs.
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