Post by Commissioner Erick on Dec 27, 2020 11:57:30 GMT -5
The AL Central was the best division in baseball last season with four clubs, including the 2023 champion, fighting for the postseason until the final weeks of the year. The division should continue to be ferocious in 2025, though arguably, each team took a step back over the offseason.
1) Detroit Tigers
2024: 101-61, 2nd Place AL Central. Lost to Texas in AL Wild Card Game
Who They Were: After acquiring Carlos Martinez and Anthony Rizzo last offseason, the Tigers clawed and mauled opponents in 2024. Martinez was every bit the superstar he was in Chicago, posting a league-leading 2.22 ERA and going 15-3. Rizzo had a rejuvenated season and smashed 42 home runs with 132 RBIs. Some bad injury luck down the stretch relegated them to the Wild Card Game where they ran into Rougned Odor and the Rangers, but with veteran stars overseeing a maturing young core, Detroit grew into one of the best teams in baseball.
Offseason Review: After a busy 2024 offseason, Detroit had a pretty quiet offseason this year, replacing Tyler Stephenson and Garrett Stubbs with Yasmani Grandal, adding Luis Cessa and Tony Watson to the bullpen, and only losing bit pieces like Matt Carpenter. Detroit has to decide who will be their ninth starter in their lineup, and have Dirty Tarin, Drew Mendoza, and DeMario Pacheco as their leading candidates.
On the Farm: Dog Morales and DeMario Pacheco are the headliners who can debut this season. Morales is developing nicely and could be a mid-rotation arm, while Pacheco could be a terrific two-way Center Fielder. Roderick Dalton has a bright future, but is still developing as a hitter. He’ll turn 21-years-old this season and has plenty of time.
Best Case Scenario: The team is healthy heading into the playoffs and has the pitching to make a deep run.
Worst Case Scenario: Detroit isn’t a particularly deep team. If Anthony Rizzo falls off, the offense may not be good enough to make the playoffs.
Key Questions: Who will be the ninth starter? It appears Mendoza will begin the year as your Third Baseman with Matthew Annunziata at DH, but is that locked in stone?
Will DeMario Pacheco have a role on your team?
2) Kansas City Royals
2024 105-57, AL Central Champion. Defeated Texas 4-1 in ALDS, lost to Toronto 4-3 in ALCS.
Who They Were: The Royals had a deep pitching staff as seven pitchers produced at least 2.4 WAR, including three relievers. With a reliable front four, a stout bullpen, a fantastic defense, and two big sluggers in Gary Sanchez and Jim Sattler, the Royals were able to roll to the ALCS. A quicker hook or a desire to have right-handed pitchers face right-handed hitters, and Kansas City may have been World Champions.
Offseason Review: After making it a game away from the World Series, Kansas City lost their best hitter with Gary Sanchez leaving in Free Agency. Alex Colome and Brent Honeywell were replaced with Juan Betancourt and Andrew Suarez, so the staff should be at a similar level as last year's club. Xavier Edwards will help the bench and Blake Hunt will provide stellar defense behind the plate, but they didn’t replace Sanchez externally.
On the Farm: Kansas City has a number of good pitchers in the mid-minors that can restock the rotation in another year or two. It’s a good system, especially for pitching, but it won’t provide much depth this year.
Best Case Scenario: The team pulls Tyler Lyons against key righties in the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: With Gary Sanchez in Toronto, the Royals may lack offensive juice and star power this season.
Key Questions: Pavin Smith didn’t hit for much power last year. Is he still a good enough hitter to be a full-time Designated Hitter?
Without a slugger like Sanchez, do you feel like you have a masher that can drive in runs against even the best pitchers?
3) Chicago White Sox
2024: 88-74, 4th Place AL Central
Who They Were: With Carlos Martinez in Detroit, the White Sox fell to sixth in ERA. With several weak spots in their lineup, they fell to seventh in runs scored. The result was a good season with 88-wins, but short of the lofty expectations Chicago's talent has warranted in years past. Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers were sensational again, combining for 90 home runs, but Blake Snell and Aaron Nola combined for 1.8 WAR, a number too low for a division with such great arms.
Offseason Review: Chicago lost Carlos Martinez last year, and won only 88 games, their worst record since 2017. Chicago continued to lose arms this offseason, saying goodbye to starters Andrew Suarez and Aaron Nola, plus young defensive standouts Shane Shifflett and Joe White. They added Ronald Acuna to the outfield as a righty bench bat to replace the ineffective Aristedes Aquino, but no longer have the deep rotation that made them such a dominant force for a half-decade.
On the Farm: The French Cannon, Pat French, should be able to contribute next season and looks like a big time starter. Alex Tietz should also be up in a year or so to provide depth to the rotation. There’s not much in the way of position players though.
Best Case Scenario: Sharky Acevedo steps in and takes a bite out of the American League, the back of the rotation holds up, and the White Sox slug their way to a division crown.
Worst Case Scenario: The staff is one of the worst in baseball, the superstars take a step back from the MVP conversation, and Chicago wins 84 games.
Key Questions: Livan Soto didn’t hit at all last season. Do you feel comfortable with him as your starting Shortstop?
Are you confident in Bo Takahashi and Kenny Saenz holding down the back of the rotation over a full season?
4) Minnesota Twins
2024: 93-69, 3rd Place AL Central
Who They Were: Despite a loss of several players who helped bring Minnesota its 2023 championship, the Twins were still a terrific team in 2024. They made up for the loss of several offseason contributors with a near-MVP performance from Wessel Russchen, who led the league with a .326 average, 133 runs, and 52 doubles and 7.9 WAR in an awe-inspiring rookie season as a 21-year old. A young pitching staff continued to do fine work, and Alex Kiriloff and Luis Robert teamed up to drive in 100 runs.
Offseason Review: The Twins lost two starters and the closer off last year’s team, with Osiris German, Felix Jorge, and Jake Reed elsewhere. Also, Luis Robert, who mashed when healthy, is no longer with the club. Jomar Reyes and Miguel Sano were brought on to add some slugging, but will hurt the team’s stellar contact rate. Sonny Gray will make up for the loss of one of the rotation members with rookie Daddy Long Legs Pat Cypert looking to take over the other open rotation spot.
On the Farm: The Twins have graduated some talent the last few years, but still have some top prospects in their system. Left-handed hurler Jeff Burton could make his debut as early as this year and could be a frontline arm in time. Ignacio Tonche is another top prospect who can play the infield or the outfield, steal bases, and show a good approach with a live bat. He’s likely a year away, but could be rushed for his defensive versatility. Nate Sprague is likely the best Catcher on the team already, and Jeff Payton is likely a season away from stepping in and being a solid starter. There’s not as much depth in the low minors, but that’s solid depth in the upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: Sano and Reyes provide some slugging to complement Wessell Russchen’s MVP talents, and the pitching holds together enough for the team to win 96 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Cypert isn’t ready for the majors, Hunter Green isn’t ready for a starting role, and the team wins 84 games.
Key Questions: Who of Pat Cypert, Hunter Green, or Grayson Rodriguez won’t make the rotation?
Dalton Rone has a career OPS of .633. Does he have competition for the starting Shortstop role?
5) Cleveland Indians
2024: 55-107, Last Place in AL Central
Who They Were: A rebuilding team, Cleveland was near the bottom of virtually every statistical category as they try to accumulate talent for their future. Carlos Vargas was allowed 453 at bats where he produced a .181 average as a First Baseman and racked up -2.2 WAR. Only three pitchers put up over 0.4 WAR, including Ricardo Sanchez who went 7-18 with a 5.61 ERA. On the positive side, Devin Ortiz looks like a good pitcher, and Kevin Maitan showed that he belongs in the league.
Offseason Review: Still rebuilding, Cleveland continued to churn through their roster, losing Mason House and a bunch of bit pieces from last year, while adding a number of Rule V additions. The team should continue to be young and under-talented as they see develop assets and see if lottery tickets hit, all while biding time until their disastrous financial situation eases up.
On the Farm: Cleveland’s farm is stacked and the team has the best system in baseball. Cleveland has the number four prospect in baseball, as well as five pitchers in the Top 50. The best prospects are still a couple of seasons from really developing, but Cleveland should be ready to explode in a half decade when all the prospects mature, the bad money disappears, and the team is ready to contend.
Best Case Scenario: Kevin Podolak looks like a keeper and Luis Esperza has a strong year, giving Cleveland the first two young players to serve as ambassadors for the club’s future.
Worst Case Scenario: The Indians lost 115 games and are a laughingstock on the field.
Key Questions: Obviously you’re still collecting and developing talent, but does any of your future core exist on the major league roster right now?
In trying to fill out a competent roster, you signed Matt Duffy to be your First Baseman. Why did you settle on him?
1) Detroit Tigers
2024: 101-61, 2nd Place AL Central. Lost to Texas in AL Wild Card Game
Who They Were: After acquiring Carlos Martinez and Anthony Rizzo last offseason, the Tigers clawed and mauled opponents in 2024. Martinez was every bit the superstar he was in Chicago, posting a league-leading 2.22 ERA and going 15-3. Rizzo had a rejuvenated season and smashed 42 home runs with 132 RBIs. Some bad injury luck down the stretch relegated them to the Wild Card Game where they ran into Rougned Odor and the Rangers, but with veteran stars overseeing a maturing young core, Detroit grew into one of the best teams in baseball.
Offseason Review: After a busy 2024 offseason, Detroit had a pretty quiet offseason this year, replacing Tyler Stephenson and Garrett Stubbs with Yasmani Grandal, adding Luis Cessa and Tony Watson to the bullpen, and only losing bit pieces like Matt Carpenter. Detroit has to decide who will be their ninth starter in their lineup, and have Dirty Tarin, Drew Mendoza, and DeMario Pacheco as their leading candidates.
On the Farm: Dog Morales and DeMario Pacheco are the headliners who can debut this season. Morales is developing nicely and could be a mid-rotation arm, while Pacheco could be a terrific two-way Center Fielder. Roderick Dalton has a bright future, but is still developing as a hitter. He’ll turn 21-years-old this season and has plenty of time.
Best Case Scenario: The team is healthy heading into the playoffs and has the pitching to make a deep run.
Worst Case Scenario: Detroit isn’t a particularly deep team. If Anthony Rizzo falls off, the offense may not be good enough to make the playoffs.
Key Questions: Who will be the ninth starter? It appears Mendoza will begin the year as your Third Baseman with Matthew Annunziata at DH, but is that locked in stone?
Will DeMario Pacheco have a role on your team?
2) Kansas City Royals
2024 105-57, AL Central Champion. Defeated Texas 4-1 in ALDS, lost to Toronto 4-3 in ALCS.
Who They Were: The Royals had a deep pitching staff as seven pitchers produced at least 2.4 WAR, including three relievers. With a reliable front four, a stout bullpen, a fantastic defense, and two big sluggers in Gary Sanchez and Jim Sattler, the Royals were able to roll to the ALCS. A quicker hook or a desire to have right-handed pitchers face right-handed hitters, and Kansas City may have been World Champions.
Offseason Review: After making it a game away from the World Series, Kansas City lost their best hitter with Gary Sanchez leaving in Free Agency. Alex Colome and Brent Honeywell were replaced with Juan Betancourt and Andrew Suarez, so the staff should be at a similar level as last year's club. Xavier Edwards will help the bench and Blake Hunt will provide stellar defense behind the plate, but they didn’t replace Sanchez externally.
On the Farm: Kansas City has a number of good pitchers in the mid-minors that can restock the rotation in another year or two. It’s a good system, especially for pitching, but it won’t provide much depth this year.
Best Case Scenario: The team pulls Tyler Lyons against key righties in the playoffs.
Worst Case Scenario: With Gary Sanchez in Toronto, the Royals may lack offensive juice and star power this season.
Key Questions: Pavin Smith didn’t hit for much power last year. Is he still a good enough hitter to be a full-time Designated Hitter?
Without a slugger like Sanchez, do you feel like you have a masher that can drive in runs against even the best pitchers?
3) Chicago White Sox
2024: 88-74, 4th Place AL Central
Who They Were: With Carlos Martinez in Detroit, the White Sox fell to sixth in ERA. With several weak spots in their lineup, they fell to seventh in runs scored. The result was a good season with 88-wins, but short of the lofty expectations Chicago's talent has warranted in years past. Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers were sensational again, combining for 90 home runs, but Blake Snell and Aaron Nola combined for 1.8 WAR, a number too low for a division with such great arms.
Offseason Review: Chicago lost Carlos Martinez last year, and won only 88 games, their worst record since 2017. Chicago continued to lose arms this offseason, saying goodbye to starters Andrew Suarez and Aaron Nola, plus young defensive standouts Shane Shifflett and Joe White. They added Ronald Acuna to the outfield as a righty bench bat to replace the ineffective Aristedes Aquino, but no longer have the deep rotation that made them such a dominant force for a half-decade.
On the Farm: The French Cannon, Pat French, should be able to contribute next season and looks like a big time starter. Alex Tietz should also be up in a year or so to provide depth to the rotation. There’s not much in the way of position players though.
Best Case Scenario: Sharky Acevedo steps in and takes a bite out of the American League, the back of the rotation holds up, and the White Sox slug their way to a division crown.
Worst Case Scenario: The staff is one of the worst in baseball, the superstars take a step back from the MVP conversation, and Chicago wins 84 games.
Key Questions: Livan Soto didn’t hit at all last season. Do you feel comfortable with him as your starting Shortstop?
Are you confident in Bo Takahashi and Kenny Saenz holding down the back of the rotation over a full season?
4) Minnesota Twins
2024: 93-69, 3rd Place AL Central
Who They Were: Despite a loss of several players who helped bring Minnesota its 2023 championship, the Twins were still a terrific team in 2024. They made up for the loss of several offseason contributors with a near-MVP performance from Wessel Russchen, who led the league with a .326 average, 133 runs, and 52 doubles and 7.9 WAR in an awe-inspiring rookie season as a 21-year old. A young pitching staff continued to do fine work, and Alex Kiriloff and Luis Robert teamed up to drive in 100 runs.
Offseason Review: The Twins lost two starters and the closer off last year’s team, with Osiris German, Felix Jorge, and Jake Reed elsewhere. Also, Luis Robert, who mashed when healthy, is no longer with the club. Jomar Reyes and Miguel Sano were brought on to add some slugging, but will hurt the team’s stellar contact rate. Sonny Gray will make up for the loss of one of the rotation members with rookie Daddy Long Legs Pat Cypert looking to take over the other open rotation spot.
On the Farm: The Twins have graduated some talent the last few years, but still have some top prospects in their system. Left-handed hurler Jeff Burton could make his debut as early as this year and could be a frontline arm in time. Ignacio Tonche is another top prospect who can play the infield or the outfield, steal bases, and show a good approach with a live bat. He’s likely a year away, but could be rushed for his defensive versatility. Nate Sprague is likely the best Catcher on the team already, and Jeff Payton is likely a season away from stepping in and being a solid starter. There’s not as much depth in the low minors, but that’s solid depth in the upper minors.
Best Case Scenario: Sano and Reyes provide some slugging to complement Wessell Russchen’s MVP talents, and the pitching holds together enough for the team to win 96 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Cypert isn’t ready for the majors, Hunter Green isn’t ready for a starting role, and the team wins 84 games.
Key Questions: Who of Pat Cypert, Hunter Green, or Grayson Rodriguez won’t make the rotation?
Dalton Rone has a career OPS of .633. Does he have competition for the starting Shortstop role?
5) Cleveland Indians
2024: 55-107, Last Place in AL Central
Who They Were: A rebuilding team, Cleveland was near the bottom of virtually every statistical category as they try to accumulate talent for their future. Carlos Vargas was allowed 453 at bats where he produced a .181 average as a First Baseman and racked up -2.2 WAR. Only three pitchers put up over 0.4 WAR, including Ricardo Sanchez who went 7-18 with a 5.61 ERA. On the positive side, Devin Ortiz looks like a good pitcher, and Kevin Maitan showed that he belongs in the league.
Offseason Review: Still rebuilding, Cleveland continued to churn through their roster, losing Mason House and a bunch of bit pieces from last year, while adding a number of Rule V additions. The team should continue to be young and under-talented as they see develop assets and see if lottery tickets hit, all while biding time until their disastrous financial situation eases up.
On the Farm: Cleveland’s farm is stacked and the team has the best system in baseball. Cleveland has the number four prospect in baseball, as well as five pitchers in the Top 50. The best prospects are still a couple of seasons from really developing, but Cleveland should be ready to explode in a half decade when all the prospects mature, the bad money disappears, and the team is ready to contend.
Best Case Scenario: Kevin Podolak looks like a keeper and Luis Esperza has a strong year, giving Cleveland the first two young players to serve as ambassadors for the club’s future.
Worst Case Scenario: The Indians lost 115 games and are a laughingstock on the field.
Key Questions: Obviously you’re still collecting and developing talent, but does any of your future core exist on the major league roster right now?
In trying to fill out a competent roster, you signed Matt Duffy to be your First Baseman. Why did you settle on him?
