Post by New Orleans GM on Mar 13, 2012 20:50:18 GMT -6
AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers had a great 2011 season that came up just short in the postseason, and it appears they got even better for this season. Adding Prince Fielder makes probably the best 3-4 in any lineup. They will score plenty of runs, and the pitching staff anchored by Justin Verlander will continue to be solid. The Tigers are in store for a great 2012 season.
Plus Verlander got to star in a commercial with Kate Upton so that’s a plus.
Key Additions: 1B Prince Fielder, RP Octavio Dotel
Key Losses: SP Brad Penny, OF/DH Magglio Ordonez
Strength: Lineup
It goes beyond just Cabrera and Fielder. Alex Avila, Jhonny Peralta, Delmon Young, and Brennan Boesch will give the Tigers one of the best lineups in the game. If Austin Jackson and Ryan Rayburn find their way on base frequently, the Tigers will score tons of runs.
Weakness: Infield Defense
Miguel Cabrera playing third will make for some interesting highlights but he isn’t the only subpar fielder on the team. Jhonny Peralta is losing range at short, Ryan Rayburn is shaky at best and Prince is just Prince.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Miguel Cabrera
It is hard not to pick Verlander, but you cannot argue with what Miguel Cabrera brings to the plate. Last year he hit .344 with 30 bombs and 105 batted in and they may not even be his best season of his career. It is extremely hard to find a guy who can consistently hit with that kind of power and win a batting title. As long as he has been around it is easy to forget he will only be 29 years old this season. Plus he has an awesome mug shot.
Player To Watch: SP Doug Fister
Fister had a fantastic 2011 season, and was maybe the best deadline move last year. If he continues his upswing when combined with Verlander, they have a solid 1-2 punch. With Scherzer and Porcello, and with Valverde closing, if Fister performs the Tigers win the Central easily.
Report Card:
Offense: A
Defense: C-
Pitching: B
Intangibles: A
Farm System: C-
Best Case Scenario: Cabrera remembers how to play third, Scherzer and Porcello keep developing, Fister stays strong, Valverde repeats his 2011, Fielder tears up the AL on the way to the World Series
Worst Case: Infield defense destroys pitchers ERA, Scherzer and Porcello can’t harness potential, Jackson Avila Dirks and Boesch all struggle
Final Prediction: The Tigers get good enough pitching and the offense delivers as promised as the Tigers cruise into the postseason unchallenged in the Central.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Austin Jackson
2. SS Jhonny Peralta
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. C Alex Avila
6. DH Delmon Young
7. RF Brennan Boesch
8. LF Andy Dirks
9. 2B Ryan Raburn
Starting Rotation:
1. Justin Verlander
2. Doug Fister
3. Max Scherzer
4. Rick Porcello
5. Jacob Turner
Key Relievers:
Octavio Dotel
Daniel Schlereth
David Pauley
Joaquin Benoit
Closer:
Jose Valverde
Pictures:
2. Kansas City Royals
The time has finally come for the Royals. The Indians, White Sox and Twins are all rebuilding and the Royals top prospects have arrived. Hosmer, Moustakas, Gordon and Butler will give KC plenty of offense, and the pitching staff is rapidly improving. I think they are still at least a year from competing with the Tigers but they are on the way.
Key Additions: SP Jonathan Sanchez, RP Jonathan Broxton
Key Losses: OF Melky Cabrera
Strength: Home Grown Talent
When you look at the Royals at almost every position the players have been drafted and developed in their own system. Hosmer, Gordon, Hochevar, Soria, Crow, Moustakas, Butler, and Duffy; All over the diamond are promising young players brought up within the Kansas City system.
Weakness: Youth
The downside of all the young talent is that none of them have ever won consistently at this level. The Royals need to keep the race with the Tigers close so they can learn and grow for the future. Outside of Jonathan Broxton, Yuniesky Betancourt, Jonathan Sanchez and Jeff Francoeur none of the Royals have been to the postseason.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Eric Hosmer
Billy Butler is a solid all-around hitter, but Eric Hosmer is a star in the making. In only 128 games last year Hosmer hit 19 bombs, and he doesn’t turn 23 until after the 2012 season. Before his career is over he may be the best Royal since George Brett.
Player To Watch: SP Jonathan Sanchez
Sanchez was buried deep in the Giants rotation, now he gets the chance to be an ace. There is no question he has great stuff, but he has consistently been inconsistent. If Sanchez can figure out some control, a top three with Hochevar, and Duffy could be formidable for years to come.
Report Card:
Offense: B
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: C+
Farm System: A
Best Case Scenario: New pitching additions solidify the rotation and bullpen, young talent develops quicker than expected, challenge Tigers in 2012.
Worst Case Scenario: Pitching doesn’t come together, young hitters are overwhelmed by full seasons at the big league level, injuries to prized possessions Moustakas or Hosmer.
Final Prediction: The young Royals take another step forward in 2012, and position themselves for a playoff push in 2013.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Lorenzo Cain
2. LF Alex Gordon
3. 1B Eric Hosmer
4. DH Bill Butler
5. RF Jeff Francoeur
6. 3B Mike Moustakas
7. C Salvador Perez
8. 2B Johnny Giavotella
9. SS Alcides Escobar
Starting Rotation:
1. Jonathan Sanchez
2. Luke Hochevar
3. Danny Duffy
4. Aaron Crow
5. Mike Montgomery
Key Relievers:
Jonathan Broxton
Blake Wood
Jose Mijares
Closer:
Joakim Soria
Pictures:
3. Cleveland Indians
Last year the Indians performed way above expectations, and they remained in the race for a large part of the season. I think they will come back the earth this year, but they still have some nice pieces. Carlos Santana and Lonnie Chisenhall will provide some excitement, and Grady Sizemore has tons of ability when he is healthy. But I don’t expect Asdrubal Cabrera or the pitching staff to have years as good as they did last year. Getting Shin-Soo Choo back healthy for a whole year helps but I think the Royals have a better chance of competing with the Tigers.
Key Additions: SP Derek Lowe, 1B Casey Kotchman
Key Losses: DH Jim Thome
Strength: Power Bats
The Tribe have some quality bats in the middle of the lineup that will win them some games. Sizemore, Choo, Hafner, Cabrera and Santana all have the ability to provide some excitement in Cleveland this year.
Weakness: Rotation
The bullpen is actually pretty solid with Tony Sipp, Rafael Perez leading up to closer Chris Perez, but it will be hard for the pen to nail down games when they are behind in most of them. Justin Masterson came back to Earth in the second half of the season, and Derek Lowe is getting old. Ubaldo Jimenez has lost the magic he had a few years ago and the rest of the rotation is mediocre at best. If ever a team needed a parolee from the California Penal League it is these guys.
Fantasy MVP: C Carlos Santana
If Sizemore could stay healthy he is the most talented player on this team, but Santana provides offense is a thin position. He turns only turns 26 during the season so he still has not reached his full potential. I expect to find his way on base more this season while keeping his power numbers.
Player To Watch: CF Grady Sizmore
We aren’t too far removed from Grady Sizemore being one of the best young players in the game. He still has all the tools to be a great, if he can stay on the field. If Sizemore plays a full season the Tribe could have an outside shot at contending.
Report Card:
Offense: B
Defense: B-
Pitching: C-
Something like this
Intangibles: B
Farm System: C
Best Case Scenario: Derek Lowe returns to old form, Grady Sizemore comes back healthy, Cabrera and Masterson repeat 2011 performances
Worst Case: Sizemore never gets back on the field, pitching staff pitches like their names say they will, more injuries than in 2011
Final Prediction: The pitching staff disappoints as the Indians fail to hang around with the Royals and Tigers.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Michael Brantley
2. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
3. RF Shin-Soo Choo
4. C Carlos Santana
5. DH Travis Hafner
6. 2B Jason Kipnis
7. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall
8. 1B Casey Kotchman
9. LF Matt LaPorta/Shelly Duncan
Starting Roation:
1. Ubaldo Jimenez
2. Derek Lowe
3. Justin Masterson
4. Josh Tomlin
5. Kevin Slowey
Key Relievers:
Tony Sipp
Vinnie Pestano
Joe Smith
Closer:
Chris Perez
Pictures:
4. Minnesota Twins
The Twins had a rough 2011, and I don’t think it will be a much better 2012. A whole season with Mauer and Morneau will help, but losing Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel will hurt. With Ron Gardenhire managing, anything is possible, but I don’t think the Twins will be much of a factor this year.
Key Additions: RF Josh Willingham, C/DH Ryan Doumit
Key Losses: RF Michael Cuddyer, LF Jason Kubel
Strength: Intangibles
The Twins had no business going to the postseason all those years being matched up against much more talented teams. Something about this franchise that cannot be measured allows them to compete year in and out. They do all the little things it takes to win, but no one aspect of their teams stands out as the strength.
Weakness: Health
About half of the Twins roster is a hard sneeze away from a DL trip. Mauer, Morneau, and Zumaya are three of the most fragile players in the MLB. Francisco Liriano, and Carl Pavano have both missed major time in their careers, and even Denard Span missed some time last year. They have plenty of talent but they can’t seem to stay on the field.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Justin Morneau
Morneau was one of the best in the league a few years ago, and it looks like he is healthy again. With a full season Morneau could return to his 30 homer 100 RBI years, but he is no Lou Collins.
Player To Watch: 3B Danny Valencia
Valencia had a pretty solid rookie year, and if he can improve that would give the Twins a third solid hitter in the middle of the lineup. Combined with Mauer, Morneau, and Josh Willingham, and Span at the top, the Twins could have a serviceable lineup.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: B+
Pitching: C
Intangibles: A-
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Mauer, Morneau, Span all stay healthy, Pavano, Blackburn and Baker all pitch above their level, and Ron Gardenhire works his magic and the Twins compete.
Worst Case: Mauer and Morneau get hurt, pitchers don’t compete, losing becomes an attitude.
Final Prediction: The Twins look more like the teams of the past few years, but the pitching isn’t strong enough to hang around for long.
Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Denard Span
2. C/DH/1B Joe Mauer
3. 1B/DH Justin Morneau
4. 3B Danny Valencia
5. RF Josh Willingham
6. DH/C Ryan Doumit
7. 2B Alexi Casilla
8. SS Jamey Carroll
9. LF Ben Revere
Starting Rotation:
1. Carl Pavano
2. Francisco Liriano
3. Scott Baker
4. Nick Blackburn
5. Jason Marquis
Key Relievers:
Glen Perkins
Brian Duensing
Closer:
Matt Capps
Pictures:
5. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox had high hopes for 2011, only to be a major disappointment. Adam Dunn had one of the worst seasons in major league history, and losing Ozzie Guillen was the last thing that made them interesting to me. I expect Dunn to bounce back at least a little bit, but I don’t see a winning team on the south side this year.
Key Additions: OF Kosuke Fukudome
Key Losses: SP Mark Buehrle, RP Sergio Santos, OF Carlos Quentin
Strength: Starting Rotation
All said the Sox rotation won’t be awful. John Danks is solid, Jake Peavey is good when healthy, and Chris Sale’s move to the rotation brings more left handed power pitching. Even Phil Humber and Gavin Floyd aren’t terrible. Losing Mark Beuhrle hurts, but the rotation should still be good.
Weakness: Corner Outfield
Losing Sergio Santos to the Jays hurts the pen, but losing Carlos Quentin hurts the Sox even more. Without Quentin they are looking at Dayan Viciedo, Alejandro De Aza starting in left in right field. If you have never heard of these guys or never seen them play, you are not alone. The Sox might benefit from looking to add a Johnny Damon or similar veteran outfield presence.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Paul Konerko
There’s no way Adam Dunn has as bad a year this year, and Paul Konerko turns 37 before the season starts, but he has been one of the most consistent hitters of the last decade. He has had only one season since 1999 with less than 20 homeruns. Last year he had 31 homers and 105 batted in, and very few people even noticed.
Player To Watch: CF Alex Rios
Rios is one of the strangest players in the bigs. Some years he is great, and others he is awful. If Rios can put together a solid season the Sox may finish in the middle of the Central.
Report Card:
Offense: C
Defense: B
Pitching: B
Intangibles: C
Farm System: D
Best Case Scenario: Dunn completely rebounds from 2011, Konerko ages well for another season, pitching staff stays healthy
Worst Case: Dunn repeats 2011, Rios has one of his bad seasons, pitchers are uncompetitive in a losing environment
Final Prediction: The White Sox struggle as their young players find their way and their pitchers are susceptible to injury leading to a fifth place finish.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Alejandro De Aza
2. RF Alex Rios
3. 1B Paul Konerko
4. DH Adam Dunn
5. SS Alexi Ramirez
6. LF Dayan Viciedo
7. 2B Gordon Beckham
8. C A.J. Pierzynski
9. 3B Brent Morel
Starting Rotation:
1. John Danks
2. Gavin Floyd
3. Jake Peavy
4. Phil Humber
5. Chris Sale
Key Relievers:
Jesse Crain
Addison Reed
Will Ohman
Closer:
Matt Thornton
Pictures:
And the video for good measure…
1. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers had a great 2011 season that came up just short in the postseason, and it appears they got even better for this season. Adding Prince Fielder makes probably the best 3-4 in any lineup. They will score plenty of runs, and the pitching staff anchored by Justin Verlander will continue to be solid. The Tigers are in store for a great 2012 season.
Plus Verlander got to star in a commercial with Kate Upton so that’s a plus.
Key Additions: 1B Prince Fielder, RP Octavio Dotel
Key Losses: SP Brad Penny, OF/DH Magglio Ordonez
Strength: Lineup
It goes beyond just Cabrera and Fielder. Alex Avila, Jhonny Peralta, Delmon Young, and Brennan Boesch will give the Tigers one of the best lineups in the game. If Austin Jackson and Ryan Rayburn find their way on base frequently, the Tigers will score tons of runs.
Weakness: Infield Defense
Miguel Cabrera playing third will make for some interesting highlights but he isn’t the only subpar fielder on the team. Jhonny Peralta is losing range at short, Ryan Rayburn is shaky at best and Prince is just Prince.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Miguel Cabrera
It is hard not to pick Verlander, but you cannot argue with what Miguel Cabrera brings to the plate. Last year he hit .344 with 30 bombs and 105 batted in and they may not even be his best season of his career. It is extremely hard to find a guy who can consistently hit with that kind of power and win a batting title. As long as he has been around it is easy to forget he will only be 29 years old this season. Plus he has an awesome mug shot.
Player To Watch: SP Doug Fister
Fister had a fantastic 2011 season, and was maybe the best deadline move last year. If he continues his upswing when combined with Verlander, they have a solid 1-2 punch. With Scherzer and Porcello, and with Valverde closing, if Fister performs the Tigers win the Central easily.
Report Card:
Offense: A
Defense: C-
Pitching: B
Intangibles: A
Farm System: C-
Best Case Scenario: Cabrera remembers how to play third, Scherzer and Porcello keep developing, Fister stays strong, Valverde repeats his 2011, Fielder tears up the AL on the way to the World Series
Worst Case: Infield defense destroys pitchers ERA, Scherzer and Porcello can’t harness potential, Jackson Avila Dirks and Boesch all struggle
Final Prediction: The Tigers get good enough pitching and the offense delivers as promised as the Tigers cruise into the postseason unchallenged in the Central.
Projected Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Austin Jackson
2. SS Jhonny Peralta
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. C Alex Avila
6. DH Delmon Young
7. RF Brennan Boesch
8. LF Andy Dirks
9. 2B Ryan Raburn
Starting Rotation:
1. Justin Verlander
2. Doug Fister
3. Max Scherzer
4. Rick Porcello
5. Jacob Turner
Key Relievers:
Octavio Dotel
Daniel Schlereth
David Pauley
Joaquin Benoit
Closer:
Jose Valverde
Pictures:
2. Kansas City Royals
The time has finally come for the Royals. The Indians, White Sox and Twins are all rebuilding and the Royals top prospects have arrived. Hosmer, Moustakas, Gordon and Butler will give KC plenty of offense, and the pitching staff is rapidly improving. I think they are still at least a year from competing with the Tigers but they are on the way.
Key Additions: SP Jonathan Sanchez, RP Jonathan Broxton
Key Losses: OF Melky Cabrera
Strength: Home Grown Talent
When you look at the Royals at almost every position the players have been drafted and developed in their own system. Hosmer, Gordon, Hochevar, Soria, Crow, Moustakas, Butler, and Duffy; All over the diamond are promising young players brought up within the Kansas City system.
Weakness: Youth
The downside of all the young talent is that none of them have ever won consistently at this level. The Royals need to keep the race with the Tigers close so they can learn and grow for the future. Outside of Jonathan Broxton, Yuniesky Betancourt, Jonathan Sanchez and Jeff Francoeur none of the Royals have been to the postseason.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Eric Hosmer
Billy Butler is a solid all-around hitter, but Eric Hosmer is a star in the making. In only 128 games last year Hosmer hit 19 bombs, and he doesn’t turn 23 until after the 2012 season. Before his career is over he may be the best Royal since George Brett.
Player To Watch: SP Jonathan Sanchez
Sanchez was buried deep in the Giants rotation, now he gets the chance to be an ace. There is no question he has great stuff, but he has consistently been inconsistent. If Sanchez can figure out some control, a top three with Hochevar, and Duffy could be formidable for years to come.
Report Card:
Offense: B
Defense: B
Pitching: B-
Intangibles: C+
Farm System: A
Best Case Scenario: New pitching additions solidify the rotation and bullpen, young talent develops quicker than expected, challenge Tigers in 2012.
Worst Case Scenario: Pitching doesn’t come together, young hitters are overwhelmed by full seasons at the big league level, injuries to prized possessions Moustakas or Hosmer.
Final Prediction: The young Royals take another step forward in 2012, and position themselves for a playoff push in 2013.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Lorenzo Cain
2. LF Alex Gordon
3. 1B Eric Hosmer
4. DH Bill Butler
5. RF Jeff Francoeur
6. 3B Mike Moustakas
7. C Salvador Perez
8. 2B Johnny Giavotella
9. SS Alcides Escobar
Starting Rotation:
1. Jonathan Sanchez
2. Luke Hochevar
3. Danny Duffy
4. Aaron Crow
5. Mike Montgomery
Key Relievers:
Jonathan Broxton
Blake Wood
Jose Mijares
Closer:
Joakim Soria
Pictures:
3. Cleveland Indians
Last year the Indians performed way above expectations, and they remained in the race for a large part of the season. I think they will come back the earth this year, but they still have some nice pieces. Carlos Santana and Lonnie Chisenhall will provide some excitement, and Grady Sizemore has tons of ability when he is healthy. But I don’t expect Asdrubal Cabrera or the pitching staff to have years as good as they did last year. Getting Shin-Soo Choo back healthy for a whole year helps but I think the Royals have a better chance of competing with the Tigers.
Key Additions: SP Derek Lowe, 1B Casey Kotchman
Key Losses: DH Jim Thome
Strength: Power Bats
The Tribe have some quality bats in the middle of the lineup that will win them some games. Sizemore, Choo, Hafner, Cabrera and Santana all have the ability to provide some excitement in Cleveland this year.
Weakness: Rotation
The bullpen is actually pretty solid with Tony Sipp, Rafael Perez leading up to closer Chris Perez, but it will be hard for the pen to nail down games when they are behind in most of them. Justin Masterson came back to Earth in the second half of the season, and Derek Lowe is getting old. Ubaldo Jimenez has lost the magic he had a few years ago and the rest of the rotation is mediocre at best. If ever a team needed a parolee from the California Penal League it is these guys.
Fantasy MVP: C Carlos Santana
If Sizemore could stay healthy he is the most talented player on this team, but Santana provides offense is a thin position. He turns only turns 26 during the season so he still has not reached his full potential. I expect to find his way on base more this season while keeping his power numbers.
Player To Watch: CF Grady Sizmore
We aren’t too far removed from Grady Sizemore being one of the best young players in the game. He still has all the tools to be a great, if he can stay on the field. If Sizemore plays a full season the Tribe could have an outside shot at contending.
Report Card:
Offense: B
Defense: B-
Pitching: C-
Something like this
Intangibles: B
Farm System: C
Best Case Scenario: Derek Lowe returns to old form, Grady Sizemore comes back healthy, Cabrera and Masterson repeat 2011 performances
Worst Case: Sizemore never gets back on the field, pitching staff pitches like their names say they will, more injuries than in 2011
Final Prediction: The pitching staff disappoints as the Indians fail to hang around with the Royals and Tigers.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Michael Brantley
2. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
3. RF Shin-Soo Choo
4. C Carlos Santana
5. DH Travis Hafner
6. 2B Jason Kipnis
7. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall
8. 1B Casey Kotchman
9. LF Matt LaPorta/Shelly Duncan
Starting Roation:
1. Ubaldo Jimenez
2. Derek Lowe
3. Justin Masterson
4. Josh Tomlin
5. Kevin Slowey
Key Relievers:
Tony Sipp
Vinnie Pestano
Joe Smith
Closer:
Chris Perez
Pictures:
4. Minnesota Twins
The Twins had a rough 2011, and I don’t think it will be a much better 2012. A whole season with Mauer and Morneau will help, but losing Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel will hurt. With Ron Gardenhire managing, anything is possible, but I don’t think the Twins will be much of a factor this year.
Key Additions: RF Josh Willingham, C/DH Ryan Doumit
Key Losses: RF Michael Cuddyer, LF Jason Kubel
Strength: Intangibles
The Twins had no business going to the postseason all those years being matched up against much more talented teams. Something about this franchise that cannot be measured allows them to compete year in and out. They do all the little things it takes to win, but no one aspect of their teams stands out as the strength.
Weakness: Health
About half of the Twins roster is a hard sneeze away from a DL trip. Mauer, Morneau, and Zumaya are three of the most fragile players in the MLB. Francisco Liriano, and Carl Pavano have both missed major time in their careers, and even Denard Span missed some time last year. They have plenty of talent but they can’t seem to stay on the field.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Justin Morneau
Morneau was one of the best in the league a few years ago, and it looks like he is healthy again. With a full season Morneau could return to his 30 homer 100 RBI years, but he is no Lou Collins.
Player To Watch: 3B Danny Valencia
Valencia had a pretty solid rookie year, and if he can improve that would give the Twins a third solid hitter in the middle of the lineup. Combined with Mauer, Morneau, and Josh Willingham, and Span at the top, the Twins could have a serviceable lineup.
Report Card:
Offense: B-
Defense: B+
Pitching: C
Intangibles: A-
Farm System: B
Best Case Scenario: Mauer, Morneau, Span all stay healthy, Pavano, Blackburn and Baker all pitch above their level, and Ron Gardenhire works his magic and the Twins compete.
Worst Case: Mauer and Morneau get hurt, pitchers don’t compete, losing becomes an attitude.
Final Prediction: The Twins look more like the teams of the past few years, but the pitching isn’t strong enough to hang around for long.
Lineup According to Me:
1. CF Denard Span
2. C/DH/1B Joe Mauer
3. 1B/DH Justin Morneau
4. 3B Danny Valencia
5. RF Josh Willingham
6. DH/C Ryan Doumit
7. 2B Alexi Casilla
8. SS Jamey Carroll
9. LF Ben Revere
Starting Rotation:
1. Carl Pavano
2. Francisco Liriano
3. Scott Baker
4. Nick Blackburn
5. Jason Marquis
Key Relievers:
Glen Perkins
Brian Duensing
Closer:
Matt Capps
Pictures:
5. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox had high hopes for 2011, only to be a major disappointment. Adam Dunn had one of the worst seasons in major league history, and losing Ozzie Guillen was the last thing that made them interesting to me. I expect Dunn to bounce back at least a little bit, but I don’t see a winning team on the south side this year.
Key Additions: OF Kosuke Fukudome
Key Losses: SP Mark Buehrle, RP Sergio Santos, OF Carlos Quentin
Strength: Starting Rotation
All said the Sox rotation won’t be awful. John Danks is solid, Jake Peavey is good when healthy, and Chris Sale’s move to the rotation brings more left handed power pitching. Even Phil Humber and Gavin Floyd aren’t terrible. Losing Mark Beuhrle hurts, but the rotation should still be good.
Weakness: Corner Outfield
Losing Sergio Santos to the Jays hurts the pen, but losing Carlos Quentin hurts the Sox even more. Without Quentin they are looking at Dayan Viciedo, Alejandro De Aza starting in left in right field. If you have never heard of these guys or never seen them play, you are not alone. The Sox might benefit from looking to add a Johnny Damon or similar veteran outfield presence.
Fantasy MVP: 1B Paul Konerko
There’s no way Adam Dunn has as bad a year this year, and Paul Konerko turns 37 before the season starts, but he has been one of the most consistent hitters of the last decade. He has had only one season since 1999 with less than 20 homeruns. Last year he had 31 homers and 105 batted in, and very few people even noticed.
Player To Watch: CF Alex Rios
Rios is one of the strangest players in the bigs. Some years he is great, and others he is awful. If Rios can put together a solid season the Sox may finish in the middle of the Central.
Report Card:
Offense: C
Defense: B
Pitching: B
Intangibles: C
Farm System: D
Best Case Scenario: Dunn completely rebounds from 2011, Konerko ages well for another season, pitching staff stays healthy
Worst Case: Dunn repeats 2011, Rios has one of his bad seasons, pitchers are uncompetitive in a losing environment
Final Prediction: The White Sox struggle as their young players find their way and their pitchers are susceptible to injury leading to a fifth place finish.
Lineups According to Me:
1. CF Alejandro De Aza
2. RF Alex Rios
3. 1B Paul Konerko
4. DH Adam Dunn
5. SS Alexi Ramirez
6. LF Dayan Viciedo
7. 2B Gordon Beckham
8. C A.J. Pierzynski
9. 3B Brent Morel
Starting Rotation:
1. John Danks
2. Gavin Floyd
3. Jake Peavy
4. Phil Humber
5. Chris Sale
Key Relievers:
Jesse Crain
Addison Reed
Will Ohman
Closer:
Matt Thornton
Pictures:
And the video for good measure…