One on one with…Carolyn
March 24, 2008Aaron Fultz, $1.5 Million, Out. Cliff Lee, In.
March 24, 2008The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is flowing with info today. With Johan Santana no longer in the Twin Cities, this team desperately needs Francisco Liriano to bounce back from Tommy John. It’s looking like he’ll start the season off in the minors, which isn’t necessarily terrible for the long-term prospects of the kid.
Speaking of Santana, one of the main players involved on Minnesota’s side was Carlos Gomez, and it looks like he’ll be starting the season as the lead-off hitter. Kid has crazy speed and will provide some excitement in front of Mauer, Cuddyer and Morneau.
The Tigers have finalized a new deal with recent acquisition, and possible AL batting title contender, Miguel Cabrera. Seven years, $152 million. That’s an awful lot of White Castle.
Detroit will need a little extra out of Cabrera, at least in the short-term, as they’ll be without one of last year’s All-Star snubs in Curtis Granderson. Their star center fielder will miss at least the first week of the season with a broken finger.
Continuing with the pattern of speedy lead-off hitters, Chicago’s Jerry Owens has hit safely in nine of 10 contests. Give this guy 500 ABs, and we could be looking at 50 steals. Vic Martinez better prepare for this kid.
It’s looking like Kansas City will sit on former top draft selection Luke Hochevar yet again as the hurler was sent back to Triple-A. A pretty big surprise considering his 2.25 ERA this spring.
He may not be able to play well in the field, but Billy Butler can sure rake. This kid could be one of the best hitters in the league this year and will go under-appreciated since he’s a Royal. A shame really, but he’s one to watch if you’re a fan of the game. And don’t get me started on Alex Gordon.
That about wraps it up for now. Anything I missed? Let’s hear it in the comments, people!
2 Comments
Great recap!! There will be no shame finishing behind the Royals this year. This will be their best year in a long time.
I’m not concerned about the Twins. They may have their moments, but their pitching is questionable at best.
White Sox…next.
That leaves the much improved Tigers. A lot of experts have already picked the Indians to beat the Tigers, but I’m not so sure. Their starters 1-5 are at least as good as ours, and it’s a very strong lineup throughout. I hope our LF/RF situations are more productive than I expect they will be…that will be the difference in the playoff race.
I think I disagree with you about their starters. Verlander Vs Sabathia edge-CLE. Bonderman Vs Carmona edge-CLE (though this one is not an absolute slam dunk) Rogers Vs Westbrook (This one would have gone the Tigers way in ’06, and been a push last year…this year it may be Jake’s) we’ll call it a push, though I believe Westbrook will have the better year. Willis Vs Byrd edge CLE (look, you can’t assume that Dontrelle is going to ‘find it’ again, he hasn’t been real good for a few years now.) Robertson Vs Lee/Sowers edge-DET
3-1 Cleveland as I see it, and quite possibly 4-1, plus we have the depth to sustain an injury or two.