The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim preview

Regardless of which city they play in, they are always one of the best teams around. Last year was down for them, and this year doesn’t look quite as good, and even the new additions are older. They’ll be hard pressed to catch Texas, but still have some young talent and some good pitchers. They have the ability to make it close, and the ability to make a run. It will be interesting.

Catcher:

Jeff Mathis. Gets the starting job with the trade of Mike Napoli, mostly because he’s better defensively. Except he wasn’t as good last year. He can’t hit, has no power, and doesn’t walk. So he better be good with the glove. He’s got a good staff to work with, so he needs to be a help to them. Hank Conger looks to go to AAA, but could get a call sooner than later, if Mathis doesn’t get the job done. They can hide his bat, but not his glove.

Upside:  does well enough to giver Conger one more year in the minors

Downside:  takes the rotation down with him

Score:  - 1

First base:

Kendry Morales. Actually had a good year in just 1/3^rd of a season. Hoping the injuries are healed and he can get back on track. Has the power, gets on base, and has the glove to go with it all. As he goes, so go the Angels. They need him in the line up to get another left handed bat to help Abreu. Plenty of help and he can be a part of the machine, and not the engine. They need his power and ability to get on base. If he can't go, it will mess up the outfield alignment, as someone will have to play first. Maybe Callaspo, but Borjous is out.

Upside:  healed up with no issues

Downside:  no back up if he’s not healthy

Score:  + 1

Second base:

Howie Kendrick. Because they don’t have anyone else. He hits for average, but not much power. Doesn’t walk or steal. Defense is okay, and the right side will help the pitching staff. He’s not going to hurt the team, but he’s not going to be a star either. A solid guy to have and the Angels can afford to have him out there as long as everyone else is healthy and hitting.

Upside:  learns to walk a little more

Downside:  gets hurt and one can replace him

Score:   0

Third base:

Macier Izturis. The only question here is, do they want Izturis’ glove, or Callaspo’s bat? And since Callaspo learned to play third, and played it well, it doesn’t make sense for Izturis to start over Callaspo. Izturis is better suited to be the infield back up with Callaspo starting, and I’m betting that’s how it will work out. But I’m going with the depth chart, and that says Izturis.

Upside:  can play the other positions if one them can’t get it done

Downside:  hits just well enough to keep Callaspo on the bench

Score:  0

Short stop:

Erik Ayabar. A barely average year in 2009 that looked better because he’s a short stop doesn’t mean he can hit this year. His defense is off also, but he can switch hit and can steal bases. He’s not really a threat to anyone, and he needs to get his defense back to what he can do. He or Kendrick will be on the bench by mid season, but Ayabar is better suited to play all the positions.

Upside:  gets moved to the utility role and helps the team

Downside:  no one can knock him of the position

Score:  - 1

Left field:

Peter Borjous. Again, the depth chart. That’s a lot of faith in giving the job to a guy who showed absolutely nothing in 1/3^rd of the season. But he can run and play excellent defense. If he can get near his numbers from the minors (walks, steals, triples), he should be okay. They can afford to hide his bat on this team as long as he does all of the other things.

Upside:  reminds us all of Willie Wilson

Downside:  reminds us of Hack Wilson --- after the drinking

Score:  - 1

Centerfield:

Vernon Wells. A man on a mission. They hope. Great bounce back year, and the incentive to do well with a new team could prove to be a big motivating factor. He won’t hit as many homeruns as last year, and his defense isn’t the best. You would think Hunter would get the nod here, but not for the money Wells is being paid. He has help defensively, and help in the line up. Less than last year will be okay as long it isn’t too much less.

Upside:  plays with the hunger he did last year

Downside:  doesn’t realize he’s on a team that usually competes

Score:  + 1

Right field:

Torii Hunter. Losing his speed, and probably his range as well, I’d still have him in center field over Wells. But I’m not Sciocia. He can still get the job done at the plate, and he’ll be okay in right, and provide some help to Wells. Should drop in the order, which might actually help. He doesn’t have to do any one thing really well, just everything good. He still gets on base and moves around them, so he’s going to help.

Upside:  settles into right field and produces as always, plus defense

Downside:  the hole in his swing gets bigger

Score:  + 1

Designated hitter:

Bobby Abreu. Comes to play every day, and does it pretty well. His career numbers say Hall of Fame, at least in my book. Not having to play the field will actually help him, as all he has to do is hit. And he can do that every game instead of getting a day off. If Bourjos fails, he might go to left field, but I wouldn’t see that happening. His power is down, but he gets on base and scores runs. He’s the best hitter on the team.

Upside:  still hasn’t played in the World Series and wants to

Downside:  stops walking

Score:  + 1

Backup catcher:

Bobby Wilson. Holding the back up job until Conger is ready to go, then the question is whether or not Mathis will be the back up. Wilson is better with the bat and with the glove, and cheaper. He’ll probably stay. He’ll still get plenty of playing time either way, and could eventually get the starting job this year. It’s a draw on that. Doesn’t matter. Conger starts next year.

Upside:  gets to keep his job when Conger is called up

Downside:  plays worse than Mathis and doesn’t

Score:  0

Backup first baseman:

Brandon Wood. I don’t get it really. He’s had too many chances to prove he can’t hit, but the club just doesn’t want to let it go. He’s not going to be Paul Konerko. Just won’t happen. He can fill in around the infield and will do okay with the glove, but just won’t hit. Backups don’t have to hit a lot, but they do have to hit some. With Callaspo, Wood will be the last guy off the bench, so nothing much is expected. And nothing much is exactly what they’ll get.

Upside: everyone finally realizes his true ability and they stop pretending

Downside:  a hot streak fools everyone

Score:  - 2

Back-up infielder:

Alberto Callaspo. Although he’ll probably be starting at third, with Izturis at short stop, or off the bench. His defense is better at third than anyone could have hoped for, and he’s a hitter. He can hit anywhere from second to seventh, get on base, and has limited power. I would still take a look at him in left field if Bourjos doesn’t pan out, but that’s just me. If he doesn’t start the season, he’ll be there by mid-May.

Upside:  starts the year at third and makes the infield better all around

Downside:  they keep him on the bench while others don’t hit

Score:   + 1

Back-up outfielder:

Reggie Willets. Had his best season in awhile, and is settling into the back up role. He can play all three positions. Not great, but well enough. He can get on base, and still has some speed. Still hasn’t had a home run in almost 1000 career plate appearance. Might get some extra playing time if Bourjos is struggling against right handers. He’s not really the one to start, but he can fill in okay.

Upside:  doesn’t have to start and gets to help out all the positions

Downside:  Bourjos can’t get it done and Willets is the best option

Score:   - 1

Rotation (front 3):

Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana. A good front two that got better with the addition of Haren. He had a down year, but that’s not going to happen again. Santana was good, and Weaver is the best of the bunch. Adequate defense will help, as will the high strikeout, low walk rates. Barring injuries, this is the best front three in the division. As they go, so goes the team.

Upside:  the all get Cy Young votes

Downside:  none. Even average, they’re still good

Score:  + 2

Rotation (back end):

Scott Kazmir and Joel Pineiro. A lot of teams wish they could have a back end like this. Both were down last year, but should come back. If Kazmir starts striking guys out again, and Pineiro gets the ground balls, they should both go 150 plus innings. The need to go closer to 200, keep the games close, and not lose. One of them could step up if needed, but shouldn’t have to.

Upside:  both or one return to previous form

Downside:  get relied on to become a bigger part of the rotation than they should

Score:  + 1

Bullpen:

Hisanori Takahashi, Scott Downs, Kevin Jespon, Rich Thompson, and Francisco Rodriguez. Good, but not spectacular. They should be able to get the job done, but shouldn’t have a lot to do. The starters should go deep and keep the bullpen effective. A few too many walks, so that is a concern. Not the best closer in the world, so they really need to bridge the gap.

Upside:  starters go deep and they offense gives them working room

Downside:  one of them has to become the closer

Score:  0

Closer:

Fernando Rodney. Getting the chance to close again. He wasn’t the best around when he did, and has to prove that he can do the job. Way too many walks for a closer, but there really isn’t anyone else who has the experience. He has to hope that offense provides enough runs that save opportunities don’t come very often. Strike outs are dropping also.

Upside:  isn’t called on to be a super closer

Downside:  proves he really isn’t a closer

Score:  0

Team speed (which includes base running):

Good. All of the outfield can run, the infield can move around, and Abreu led the team in steals. They won’t ht as many home runs, but should have lots of doubles and triples. Bourjos and Willets will get some steals, as well as Ayabar, if they get on base. This will help the defense also, as it will help with the range. The lack of power will require that they run the bases well.

Upside:  hit lots of doubles and triples

Downside:  the guys who can run don’t hit

Score:  + 1

Team defense:

Will be okay. Up the middle should be fine, and the corners are okay. There are no really terrible fielders, but there are also no really great fielders. No Gold Gloves for this bunch. They’ll get the job done, and not give away too many free outs. Lack of hitting could get gloves out of position in the infield, and Abreu in the field would hurt the most, but that doesn’t figure to happen.

Upside:  don’t have to be great, just good

Downside:  the guys with the gloves don’t hit

Score:  0

Team batting:

Not as good as you would think, but some reorganization should help. As will Wells. They don’t get on base nearly enough, hit doubles and triples, but not enough home runs. The offense will struggle, which will hurt the team. They need to give large leads to the bullpen, not try to win late. The pitching will have to carry them, and they can’t afford to hide too many bats.

Upside:  the infield gets straightened out and hits

Downside:  not enough spare parts to replace the guys who don’t

Score:  - 1

Team pitching:

Good and bad. Good starting pitching, with depth, but the bullpen is not a strength for the team. Nothing bad, but they just don’t impress. The closer could be a problem, but he’s what they got. There wont be a lot of offense, so they rotation has to go deep, and gives the bullpen a lead. The more help the defense can give them, the more the team will succeed.

Upside:  the bullpen pitches better than anyone will expect

Downside:  Rodney just can’t close

Score:  + 1

Total score:    2

The Kansas City Royals preview

Right from the start, I’ll say I’m a Royals fan, so I’m not very objective here. And I’ll be honest, they suck. Badly. There is hope, but not with the current management. They can’t get worse, so maybe they can finally get better, but I don’t see it happening, because all of the wrong moves are being made. They just need to be happy that they play in the same division as the Indians.

Catcher:

Jason Kendall, Bryan Pena, and Luke May. Adequate before Kendall comes back, terrible afterwards. Yost will insist he be the starter, and it just won’t work. They need to get Pena’s bat in the line up, and his defense won’t hurt any more than anyone else’s. Let him and May platoon and take your chances.

Upside:  it takes awhile for Kendall to come back from the injury

Downside:  Kendall is ready for the start of the season

Score:  - 2

First base:

Kila Ka’aihue. And it’s about damn time. Nothing against Butler, but just to get his bat in the line up. This guy has been left sitting behind dead asses that shouldn’t be playing in the majors. He might tank, but I’ll be he doesn’t. I’m looking at 25 homeruns, 85 walks, and better defense. He’s holding the job for Hosmer, so maybe a good year gets him traded for help. Let’s hope.

Upside:  shows the world that Dayton Moore doesn’t know what he’s doing

Downside:  Moore continues to think that he does

Score:  + 1

Second base:

Chris Getz. He’ll get another chance at the job, if he can only stay healthy. Has a lot of upside, but isn’t really showing it yet. Will bring some needed speed to the team, and his defense will help. But Moustakas is waiting in the wings, and Aviles is a slump away from being the starter here. Getz could keep Moustakas in the minors, which the team would like. But there is no reason for it. Someone will get traded. Soon.

Upside:  gets to play the full year and show what he can do

Downside:  odd man out when Moustakas makes his debut

Score:   - 1

Third base:

Mike Avilies. The man with the bat, but without a position. He’s in a holding pattern, but only to find out where he’ll actually play. He’ll stay in the line up when Moustakas takes over, but where is the question. He gets it done everywhere he goes, and will continue to do so. No respect for this guy, but that’s what you get when you replace Dayton Moore’s favorite player.

Upside:  gets to settle into one position and shine

Downside:  he’s the one who gets traded

Score:  + 1

Short stop:

Alcides Escobar. “Where have you gone, Freddie Patek? Royals Nations turns its lonely eyes to you, woo hoo hoo.” All the upside in the world, all the makings of another Tony Pena, Jr. Doesn’t hit, doesn’t steal, defense is nothing special. The sad thing is, people will be begging to have Betancourt back. Escobar got traded for the franchise, and he better do something. Royals fans are good, but they are about to turn. Don’t be Peter Boyle to Kenneth Mars.

Upside:  if Aviles can’t make the throws from short, maybe Getz can

Downside:  Moore tries to prove he can really evaluate shortstops

Score:  - 1

Left field:

Alex Gordon. I really want him to succeed. I really do. But it’s not happening. This is his last chance in a Royals uniform, and he’s not really trade bait. There are some prospects that will push him, and his job security is the worst of anyone in the outfield. Maybe it would be good if he were cut loose. I think a trip to the National League would better suit his game, and he still might hit.

Upside:  shows why he was a first round pick

Downside:  DFA

Score:  - 1

Centerfield:

Melky Cabrera. Not Lorenzo Cain, they guy they traded Grienke for. No, that’s not good enough. Another retread is a better option than letting the young guy play. Because already proving you can’t be a starter is much better than proving you might be. He’s not even a good center fielder. But he was a Brave, so he meets all the requirements. The only change will be that he goes to left field when Gordon goes out.

Upside:  has a decent start and gets traded at the break

Downside:  plays just well enough to keep Cain down

Score:  - 1

Right field:

Jeff Francoeur. I’m going to leave it at this. Signing Francoeur is proof that Dayton Moore is the worst GM in the major leagues. The incompetence is astounding. The Royals will never get to .500 while he is in charge. It just won’t happen.

Upside:  none

Downside:  Rowland Office wants to make a come back

Score:  0

Designated hitter:

Billy Butler. Finally a bright spot. The guy is a hitter, and not playing defense this year should help even more. He could use some more power, but people seem to forget that Kaufman is not a hitter’s park, and home runs aren’t easy. He might finally have some help in the line up with Ka’aihue, and maybe Moustakas. He might not hit 20 home runs, but he might get 60 doubles.

Upside:  develops more power

Downside:  has to play in the field

Score:  + 2

Backup catcher:

Pena and May, because Kendall will get to start. Only Pena’s bat keeps this respectable. May doesn’t hit and isn’t a great fielder. Pena doesn’t field well either, but he’s better than Kendall and can hit. So guess who starts and who sits. Ned Yost was a catcher. Why can’t he figure this out? The Royals don’t have enough offense to hide gloves. Or lack of production. Especially for a guy who hits second.

Upside:  Pena gets lots of playing time

Downside:  Kendall plays all year

Score:  - 1

Backup first baseman:

Butler. Or Gordon. If Butler goes to first, that will hurt the DH, but not first. Some, defensively, but not that bad. Gordon can fill in on occasion, if needed. Hosmer could get the call if it’s a long term issue. Either way, there won’t be a huge drop off. Butler and Ka’aihue will probably rotate in and out anyhow.

Upside: don’t need one

Downside:  Butler has to play the field too much

Score:  + 1

Back-up infielder:

Wilson Betemit. Credit where credit is due, he had a good year last year. He’s not the best defensively, but he’s been shuttled around a lot of positions and a lot of teams. He does hit, and could get the nod at third if Aviles has to move somewhere else. Or even at short, but that might be a stretch. He gives the team flexibility and will get decent playing time.

Upside:  gets to be a utility guy all year as everyone else does the job

Downside:  can’t repeat last year

Score:  + 1

Back-up outfielder:

Mitch Maier. Because Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur are much better in the starting line up. Maier gets no respect, but he can play all three positions. Nothing fantastic and he shouldn’t start. But when you’re better than everyone else out there, you should get the opportunity. Movement around the outfield won’t affect him, unless it is Gordon. He’ll stay the back up if anyone else comes up.

Upside:  fills his role and does it well

Downside:  isn’t any better than the others when he has to start

Score:   0

Rotation (front 3):

Jeff Francis, Luke Hochevar, and Kyle Davies. Because all the good pitchers are in the minors, so Moore doesn’t understand that they exist. To be fair, I think Hochevar is going to be good (on a better team) and Davies just over achieves. Getting out of Coors might help Francis, but he’s too far gone from his glory days. The staff isn’t going to intimidate anyone, and they all have to prove they can win on a consistent basis.

Upside:  Francis can get it back

Downside:  Davies tanks before the break

Score:  - 1

Rotation (back end):

Vin Mazzaro and Sean O’Sullivan. Yeah, exactly. Because in Kansas City, all the good starters are in the minors. And get to stay there. For a long time. While these guys set a record for how few innings they’ll get per start. Seriously, why isn’t Soria starting? It’s not like he’s going to get any save opportunities. The season is already looking grim.

Upside:  roster moves before opening day

Downside:  they get 15 starts each

Score:  - 2

Bullpen:

Blake Wood, Jesse Chavez, Kanekoa Texeira, Greg Holland, and Robinson Tejeda. Two guys – Wood and Tejeda – who should be starting, but for some reason, this team is content to go with what they have. They probably won’t be as bad as it looks, because they’ll have to pitch way more innings than any bullpen should. It doesn’t matter if they blow saves, because there won’t be many opportunities to do it.

Upside:  Wood and Tejeda move into the rotation

Downside:  they’re overworked by May 15^th

Score:  - 1

Closer:

Joakim Soria. But why? Why do you need a guy who can save 45 games when your team will have a hard time winning 60? When you suck this bad, there is no room for false respectability. Soria’s a great closer, but he isn’t needed on this team. The only question about Soria is whether the Red Sox out bid the Yankees for him, and what the team gets in return.

Upside:  gets traded to a team that can actually use him

Downside:  only pitches once a week while waiting for save opportunities that never come

Score:  + 2

Team speed (which includes base running):

Average with the guys they have, better when the young guns finally get a chance. Lots of stupid base running mistakes last year, but they should be better. Some speed with Getz, and good on the bases with some of the others. And then some who need a traffic cop to know when to move. It won’t be of any use this year, but maybe next year. We hope.

Upside:  the young guys use it when they get called up

Downside:  the young guys don’t get called up

Score:  0

Team defense:

Again, it depends on who is out there. This could be a good defensive team, if all the right parts are in place. But they aren’t and won’t be. Decent up the middle, but not good. When Franceour’s defense is a positive, you have problems. They won’t cost the pitchers, but they won’t help them. The big outfield should help, and the infield won’t disappoint.

Upside:  they are all better than we think

Downside:  the guys with the gloves don’t hit

Score:  0

Team batting:

Might possibly have more power this year, but will also have the strikeouts to go with it. Depends on the line up construction. If you have guys at the top of the order who don’t get on, you don’t score a lot. Getz and Gordon have to show they can do it. Ka’aihue needs to hit. More walks would help, and they might do it this year. At least everywhere but the right field position.

Upside:  the guys who need to hit actually do

Downside:  Francoeur and Cabrera are the team leaders

Score:  - 1

Team pitching:

The pitching will be good. When all the pitcher in the minors are on the big club. Until then, it doesn’t really matter. The guys who could be good are not being utilized properly, except for Hochevar, and he’s being crucified for not being Zack Greinke. Soria is wasted and won’t finish the season with the team. When they get good enough to use him, he’ll be closing out World Series games.

Upside:  the minor leagues gets cleared out and comes up

Downside:  Dayton Moore is still the GM

Score:  - 1

Total score:    - 5

The Minnesota Twins preview

The class of the division, they always seem to win it, or be in the hunt. Yet they never seem to have the team to compete with. Superstars are great, but just as it takes a village to raise an idiot; it takes an entire team to win a title. Gardenhire is the most successful ‘maligned’ manager since Billy Martin. Who oddly managed the Twins. They might or might not win this year, but the will be competitive.

Catcher:

Joe Mauer. The superstar. What can be said about him that hasn’t already been said before? He has a choice to make. Take the damage to his knees and try to become the greatest catcher of all time. Or move to another position and try to become one of the best hitters of all time. Tough choice. I think he should go for health and longevity, but he’ll do fine either way. No matter what happens, he has to learn another position for at least part time at bats to keep him in the line up.

Upside:  stays healthy and just does what he does

Downside:  the knee is a problem

Score:  + 2

First base:

Justin Morneau. No reason to think he can’t come back. If he does, it’s the M&M boys all over again. Even at less effective production, he’s still one of the better ones in the game. DH’ing him full time isn’t an option right now, as the position is blocked. There is enough talent around him that he doesn’t have to do it all. No need to press to prove he’s okay. Just go out and play. And take the day off when needed.

Upside:  no lingering effects from the concussion

Downside:  can’t stay in the line up

Score:  + 1

Second base:

Tsuyoshi Nishioka. A shortstop in Japan, he’s going to try and become a second baseman here. No Japanese infielder has ever really lived up to the billing, so he’s got a long road ahead. Hit okay in Japan, but it’s not a good indication of what he can do. Seemed to be a good fielder, so he should be okay at second, if he can turn the double play. He’ll need to be successful.

Upside:  more Ichiro than Matsui

Downside:  none, as he can’t be any worse than what they’ve had recently

Score:   0

Third base:

Danny Valencia. Not too bad in half a season, he’s got a good glove, and some numbers in the minors to back up his bat. The Twins are heavy with lefty hitters, so they need a right handed bat to help out. He doesn’t have to be a star, just steady. Good defense, a little power and solid production. And the ability to stay out there every day. Looks good so far if he can avoid the sophomore slump (if it really exists, who knows – it’s more likely a lack of adjustment).

Upside:  does what he did last year in a full season

Downside:  doesn’t make the adjustments

Score:  + 1

Short stop:

Alexi Casilla. A switchhitter, he’s not much with the bat or with the glove, but seems to be the default choice. Not bad for the position as a semi-regular two years ago, he’s been a part-timer the rest of his career. Most of those games came at second, so this is the second infield switch for the Twins. I don’t really get this. Leave the guys where they know how to play, even if it’s not well. A new position won’t help anything.

Upside:  gets back to his 2008 success – as it was

Downside:  proves he’s a utility infielder

Score:  - 2

Left field:

Delmon Young. Starting to put it all together. He needs to walk more, but he is cutting down on his strike outs. That bodes well for the future. Not much with the glove, but he doesn’t have to be a Gold Glover, just get the job done. Only 24, he’s still got room to grow, but a strong start this year would be a big benefit to the team. He might have to carry too much of the load if injuries are a factor, so that’s something to watch for.

Upside:  continues to get better

Downside:  he has become what he is

Score:  + 1

Centerfield:

Denard Span. Like Austin Jackson, people need to stop worrying about his lack of power and just let him play his game. He has regressed so far each year, but he’s not been bad either. The man concern is his defense, but he can’t be moved because of the others out there. He gets on base well, and last year was most likely an off season. If he gets back to form, he’ll be one of the better ones out there.

Upside:  plays like Austin Jackson, minus the strikeouts plus the walks

Downside:  continues the slide

Score:  0

Right field:

Michael Cuddyer. Last season wasn’t far off of his career norms, or the previous season, minus the homeruns. He’s not really a power hitter, so that shouldn’t factor in. He’ll get moved around again, and will need to hit to keep a job. If not, he looks to be the super sub this year, getting a lot of starts at several positions. If he gets the full year in right, it’s because everyone else is healthy and they can use him there.

Upside:  stays where he is and doesn’t start to regress

Downside:  has to play everywhere because of injuries and lack of production

Score:  0

Designated hitter:

Jim Thome. The depth chart has Jason Kubel, but no way. Thome is the guy. He’ll get lots of days off, and I don’t think he can continue to produce like he did last year, but what do I, or anyone else for that matter, really know about it? Doesn’t really matter, because even a slow down for Thome is better than what a lot of teams will have. Added value is others can DH and keep him on the bench and even more effective.

Upside:  the run for 600

Downside:  age

Score:  + 1

Backup catcher:

Drew Butera. A disaster with the bat, and that’s a problem. Mauer shouldn’t go more than 120 games, which leaves him too many at bats. He’s good with the glove, but is it enough to validate his hitting when he’s in the line up. If he can’t hit at all, Mauer will spend too much time behind the plate. Nothing in the minors shows he’ll improve with the bat.

Upside:  Mauer will hit somewhere else when he’s playing, so there will be an offset

Downside:  Mauer has to catch 140 games

Score:  - 2

Backup first baseman:

Michael Cuddyer. With Jason Kubel playing right field. Not a bad trade off. Defensively it won’t matter, and it’s a righty/lefty type of situation. Cuddyer put in most of the season here last year, and can play the position when needed. If Cuddyer is here, then another quality bat is in the line up to replace him, so it’s okay minus the fact that Morneau can’t go.

Upside: Kubel plays right field

Downside:  Morneau is out of the line up

Score:  + 1

Back-up infielder:

Matt Tolbert. There are others out there, and they might have to carry a second infielder, due to the issues up the middle, but might not have room either. Tolbert is a switchhitter, and can play all three positions. His defense is no worse than others they have, and his hitting is what a middle infielder does. He won’t to into the starting line up, as Luke Hughes would come up and force position changes.

Upside:  gets better with the glove

Downside:  too many games as a starter

Score:  - 1

Back-up outfielder:

Jason Kubel. But this will be more than a back up role. Cuddyer will actually do a lot of moving around, and Kubel will get a lot of starts out here, and there possibly be a type of platoon arrangement. Doesn’t bring much with the glove, but is good with the bat, and they will need his bat in the line up. He can also play left when needed, and DH when necessary. But it would be better to give some a day off.

Upside:  gets lots of playing time and keeps Jim Thome effective

Downside:  the more he plays, the less some else is

Score:   + 1

Rotation (front 3):

Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, and Carl Pavano. It’s a good staff, but there are some issues. Pavano has had his Steve Stone year, Liriano has nagging injuries, and Baker had a down year. Doesn’t mean they aren’t good, just vulnerable. If everyone pitches to their normal numbers when healthy, this will be a strength for the team. They’ll need the strikeouts. A lot. Not much defense behind them.

Upside:  Pavano can do it again, and everyone else does what they are capable of

Downside:  injuries, age, and expectations

Score:  + 1

Rotation (back end):

Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey. That’s a good back end. One of them will be on the trading block, mostly likely for a short stop, but they can get the job done. Blackburn had a kind of down year, but this staff can afford that. All they have to do is be solid. 150 innings form both of these guys, of average or above pitching, and that’s all they need. If one of them steps up to the front three, there is no discernible loss.

Upside:  they both are on the team all year

Downside:  one or both are traded when they are really needed

Score:  + 1

Bullpen:

Joe Nathan, Jose Mijares, Alex Burnett, Pat Neshek, and Jeff Manship. As Nathan goes, so goes the bullpen. If he can adjust, and be happy, being a set up man, the bullpen will work okay. If there are issues about who should close, there will be problems. The rest are unknowns who have never impressed, but will need to this year. They don’t have to be a great bridge, but they do need to be serviceable.

Upside:  Nathan settles into his role

Downside:  the seventh inning looks like a football score

Score:  0

Closer:

Matt Capps. At least I think so. Nathan is going to want his job back, and if Capps falters, he’ll get it. It’s never good to be looking over your shoulder, so hopefully they play the team thing and everyone just does their job. Dissension is bad, but they do have a quality back up. Most teams don’t even have a good closer, let alone two.

Upside:  they have a back up plan

Downside:  everyone talks about it all year

Score:  + 1

Team speed (which includes base running):

Kind of. Span can run, and Young could. The others move around the bases okay, but they’re not going to be playing a speed game. Doubles, home runs, good base running, and no mistakes is what they’ll be relying on. They’ll need to get it. Nishioka could help once he learns the pitchers and the league. It won’t hurt, it won’t help.

Upside:  don’t really need it

Downside:  they keep getting slower

Score:  - 1

Team defense:

Bad. At least in my opinion. Remember when the Twins were known for their defense. Not now. The best defender can’t hit, but will get into games. Not good up the middle, and the corner outfielders are nothing special. The infield corners could be good, but it remains to be seen. It’s a good thing they have a good pitching staff, because there will be lots of extra runners.

Upside:  they trade a pitcher for a short stop with a glove

Downside:  lead the league in unearned runs

Score:  - 2

Team batting:

Should be better than last year. The new park effect probably had something to do with some down years, and should start to straighten out. That being said, Thome raked and the new guys had nothing to compare it to. Could be rebound years for some of the guys that suffered, but they are also a year older and might not. As Morneau goes, so go the Twins.

Upside:  the new park is a hitter’s park

Downside:  the outdoors expose them

Score:  + 1

Team pitching:

Good. Good starting pitching, with depth, a good set up man, and a good closer. The middle relief is something of a worry, but if the starters go into the sixth or seventh, they will be limited to what they have to do. The closer question could make or break them, but that’s a good problem to have for any team. They’ll have to be good, because the defense will frustrate them.

Upside:  everyone pitches the same as last year

Downside:  a trade hurts more than helps

Score:  + 2

Total score:    6

The Detroit Tigers preview

They’re up, they’re down, they’re all around. A team that always fails to impress me, or to disappoint me. They just are. They finished .500, but they shouldn’t have. I thought they would finish second and make it close, but not cigar. Hitting is good, but the pitching isn’t getting them anywhere. Except when the pitch well and then don’t hit. Who knows what to expect.

Catcher:

Alex Avila. Not a bad choice. He’s good with the glove, but won’t hit much. His bat isn’t that important, as there is plenty of offense to go around. As long as he can help the pitching staff and at least maintain what he did last year, he’ll be fine. The important thing is to catch and hit well enough to keep Victor Martinez from behind the plate.

Upside:  starts to develop more as a hitter to go with the glove

Downside:  defense drops

Score:  0

First base:

Miguel Cabrera. Albert Pujols is keeping this guy from being the best hitter in the game. A lot of people will think Cabrera will be distracted, but I don’t see it. The guy just hits. I think the only issue is how much time he misses if he goes into rehab. If he goes now, he won’t miss more than a week or two, because this guy at his worst is better than almost anyone else.

Upside:  realizes what he has to lose

Downside:  the distractions play out

Score:  + 2

Second base:

Carlos Guillen. The career this guy could have had, if not for the injuries. A complete shame. Another position switch, and at his age, not an easy one. If he hits like he’s healthy, they’ll live with the lack of defense. If he can’t stay healthy, it won’t matter. He’s more valuable to this line up than people think he is. Too many DH types will make it a difficult year.

Upside:  stays healthy

Downside:  doesn’t

Score:   0

Third base:

Brandon Inge. A ‘scrappy’ player who hits just well enough to avoid the tag, he’s not really a great hitter. All or none power, and no walks, leaves him lacking at the plate. What he does bring is good defense, the ability and desire to play every day, and flexibility if there are any issues. A long-term Tiger, and the face of the franchise right now, he’s getting older. His glove won’t keep him a regular, but it will keep him employed.

Upside:  one last big year --- for him

Downside:  starts his utility career this season

Score:  0

Short stop:

Jhonny Peralta. A durable guy who can play every day, he’s on the down slope with this bat. He’s young enough to return to form, but won’t here. He’s got some power, but it will be wasted in Comerica. He doesn’t walk, and he doesn’t run, so he’ll have to play defense, and he can do that. Inge will help him squeeze second, which should help out Guillen. A return to a few seasons ago would really help the team.

Upside:  loses the power and tries to get on base

Downside:  swings for the fences

Score:  0

Left field:

Ryan Rayburn. A good player for the team, he’ll be a help down in the order. Average defense, but he is versatile. Gets on base, and adequate power, he won’t be the MVP, but he won’t embarrass himself. Could end up at second base if Guillen can’t go. He has a couple of more years as a full time player before he becomes Jim Wohlford.

Upside:  continues to get better.

Downside:  ends up out of position and hurts the defense

Score:  0

Centerfield:

Austin Jackson. Maybe I’m reading this wrong, but I seem to hear lots of comments about Jackson not being good enough. I don’t know why, because he is. He had a good rookie year, and should only get better. A lot of people are too concerned that home runs are the most important part of the game, but I disagree. Jackson does a lot of other things well. Speed, gets on base, some walks (he’ll draw more), and extra base power. The big problem is the strikeouts and less than average defense. He’ll get better.

Upside:  makes people forget about Curtis Granderson

Downside:  a sophomore slump

Score:  0

Right field:

Magglio Ordonez. Still an outstanding hitter regardless of all the injuries. Losing his power, but still gets on base. Doesn’t run well, but he’ll be okay with the other hitters on the team. He’s not there to score runs, he’s there to knock other guys in. He should do a lot of that. Defensively, he should be a designated hitter, but can’t fill that role on this team. He’ll hit, but get a lot of days off.

Upside:  can stay healthy for a full season and hit the way he does

Downside:  his defense keeps him out of the line up

Score:  + 1

Designated hitter:

Victor Martinez. A man without a position, he’ll keep others from getting a rest because he can’t play their positions. Comerica will drop his home run totals, but increase his doubles. A full season without catching could bring some big numbers. If he could learn to play right field, he’d help the team even more. He gets on base and provides versatility at catcher and first base, if needed.

Upside:  not catching turns him into Joe Mauer

Downside:  has to catch and the numbers dropped

Score:  + 1

Backup catcher:

Victor Martinez. Should be okay. He’s not a terrible catcher, and we know he can hit. The only issue is how many games he has to catch, as the offense will suffer. If Avila can go 140 games, it won’t hurt Martinez to catch and give roster flexibility. With Inge on the team, there is good depth on the team for catching.

Upside:  doesn’t get into too many games

Downside:  Avila can’t make it every day

Score:  + 1

Backup first baseman:

Says Don Kelly on the depth chart, but I don’t see this either. It will be Martinez, or maybe even Ordonez on occasion. No reason to carry a guy to only get into 15 games when there are others already available. The only way I see Kelly doing this is if Cabrera isn’t ready to go, and that will only be temporary. When Miggy needs a day off, Martinez will do it.

Upside: Cabrera gets it worked out and doesn’t miss more than a week or two

Downside:  Kelly becomes the starter here or designated hitter

Score:  + 1

Back-up infielder:

Ramon Santiago. He’ll do exactly what he needs to do. Provide some defense and give the regulars a day off. He won’t hit much, but he never has. He might not get much time at third, but Rayburn can fill in there. If Guillen can’t go full time, Santiago could put in some games at short stop while Peralta moves over. Extra time will help the defense, and shouldn’t be an issue with the offense, as there is plenty of it.

Upside:  fills the role and doesn’t have to bat too many times

Downside:  has to go full time for one of the starters

Score:  0

Back-up outfielder:

Brandon Boesch. Mostly a starter last year, due to injuries, he should take on a fourth outfielder role this year, or possibly a platoon with Rayburn. Hits okay, and plays good defense. It was his first season, so the jury is still out on what he can do. This won’t leave a true center fielder for back up, but they shouldn’t need much. The flexibility at other positions could let them carry an extra player, if wanted. Good shape here, as Boesch could start for a lot of team.

Upside:  gets lots of playing time

Downside:  doesn’t like sitting and doesn’t play as well

Score:   + 1

Rotation (front 3):

Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Rick Porcello. Verlander is the stud, and Scherzer is pretty good, also. Porcello is the weak link, but that was his sophomore slump. If he rebounds back to his rookie year, and there is no reason to think he won’t, then the staff is even better. He’s only 21, so there is a big upside. Good strikeouts and low walks for the first two, Porcello should get better. They need more innings from the young guys.

Upside:  Verlander justifies his Cy Young votes and the others are good

Downside:  they’ve all peaked

Score:  + 1

Rotation (back end):

Brad Penny and Phil Coke. Coke is converting to a starter after three years as a short man, which is unusual at his age. Penny was good last year, when healthy, but he hasn’t been for a full season in a while. No expectations from them, as the front three should do all the work, but anything will be a help. This doesn’t seem like the way to go for a staff that could help the team contend, so let’s hope it works out.

Upside:  Penny stays healthy and Coke can go the innings

Downside:  can’t get any innings out of them

Score:  - 1

Bullpen:

Joaquin Benoit, Joel Zumaya, Ryan Perry, Daniel Schlereth, and Brad Thomas.  If you like strikeouts, this is the bullpen for you. If you don’t like walks, then don’t watch. It won’t be pretty. Nothing to impress here, except how hard they throw. They won’t give up a lot of home runs, but that’s due to the park. The starters are going to have to go a lot of innings. Zumaya being healthy will help, but that’s a big gamble.

Upside:  everyone stops throwing balls and they keep throwing strikes

Downside:  just aren’t good enough to get the job done

Score:  - 2

Closer:

Jose Valverde. A down year, as he walked more than he usually does, and stuck out fewer than normal. It could be the adjustment to a new league, and probably is. He’s still a quality closer, but has to hope the bullpen can hold the lead for him. Closers have a short shelf-life, and Valverde has been going for awhile. The bullpen isn’t going to provide a lot of help, so he’ll have to go back to form.

Upside:  works out his control issues

Downside:  can’t adjust to the league

Score:  + 1

Team speed (which includes base running):

Okay. Jackson can run, but there isn’t a lot of speed with the rest of the team. Lots of doubles and triples, but that’s the size of the outfield, not the players. With a park like Comerica, more speed would help the team. They have a lot of sluggers and won’t have a problem scoring run, so this might not hurt. But it won’t help, either.

Upside:  anything is an improvement

Downside:  its not there when they need it

Score:  - 1

Team defense:

Should be good. A little weak on the right side, but good on the left. Jackson should get better as he learns the park. Ordonez will hurt in right, and Martinez won’t help when he catches, but they’ll have to live with it. The big park and the good gloves should help the staff, and that might help overcome all the walks. Should help with the run differential.

Upside:  none really. Any upgrade to the defense hurts the offense

Downside:  Ordonez can’t get the job done and leaves a hole

Score:  + 1

Team batting:

Should be really good. Lots of power, they all get on base, and they can score runs. The only issue is that they go station to station. They’ll be on base, but might not score as many runs as they should because of the lack of speed. But it won’t be for lack of effort. It will be the best offense in the division, and they’ll be in line for several Silver Slugger awards.

Upside:  more homeruns than expected make the lack of speed irrelevant

Downside:  Cabrera’s issues tear the offense apart

Score:  + 1

Team pitching:

The good, the bad, and nothing really too ugly. Good starting pitching, poor bullpen effort, and a good closer. The starter will have to go a lot of innings, and the bullpen will walk a lot of guys. They’ll strike out a lot, and not give up too many home runs at home. If the bull pen can’t get the job done, it will be a long summer, but they should have their innings reduced.

Upside:  the bullpen learns the strike zone

Downside:  no one improves

Score:  0

Total score:    + 7