Post by Rockies GM (Alex) on Oct 29, 2011 22:46:37 GMT -5
Minnesota Twins
GM: Kyle
2011: 4-9
Much like the MLB Minnesota Twins, the Twins were a disappointment last year with a 4-9 record and finished 4th in the AL Central. Lacking key production from players like Mauer, Morneau, Heyward, and Pavano, the team failed to produce runs or shut down opposing team’s hitters. The GM made a big move by dealing highly touted prospect Miguel Sano in a deal for star third baseman Pablo Sandoval. While things aren’t looking that great for the Twins, they have a great young core of players. Brett Jackson, Derek Holland, Kyle Gibson, and Brad Peacock should make the lineup a winner in a few years. However, for the team to take the next step to becoming a contender, big moves will have to be made and money will need to be spent in the off-season for Minnesota to get back in the race.
Grade: C
Detroit Tigers
GM: Jacob
2011: 10-3
It seemed that a World Series title was inevitable last year for Detroit before a shocking upset in the first round by the Las Angeles Angels knocked them out of the playoffs. Not much has to change for this team to make a run at a championship again. The team has consistently dealt key prospects, draft picks, young players to show that the team is in “win now” mode. Carried by a star rotation headed by Roy Halladay and Justin Verlander, the team has the chance to beat anybody. Their lineup boasts big bats like Ryan Howard, Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Beltre, and Hunter Pence who produce big points on a daily basis. The only questions are the back-end starters, who will step up behind the big two? With a stacked squad, there’s no doubt that Tigers of Detroit will be the favorite to win the American league this year. The question is, can they bring home the championship?
Grade: A
Chicago White Sox
GM: None
2011: 5-8
The White Sox seemed stuck between rebuilding and a middle of the road team. There’s enough talent on the team to challenge for the division, but not enough to make a legitimate run into the post-season. We will likely know which direction the GM has the team heading by the time free agency swings around. Key starters Michael Bourn, Grady Sizemore, and John Danks are all heading to big paydays this off-season. If the GM does decide that rebuilding is the best option for his club, he won’t have a long ways to go. Young talented players like Derek Norris, Christian Marrero, Christian Colon, Miguel Sano, Chad James, and Casey Crosby have the future looking bright for Sox. However, if the GM decides that now is the time to win, the prospects can be valuable trading pieces in acquiring a star player. Whatever he decides, opportunities abound in Chicago.
Grade: C+
Kansas City Royals
GM: Bill
2011: 7-6
Wow, taking the annual rebuilding team of baseball and turning it into a contender takes work. The GM has greatly improved the Royals since taking over. Top bats Joey Votto, Jose Reyes, and Brett Gardner fill the stat sheets. On the downside, not resembling the offense is an awful pitching rotation. The team lacks even a qualified number two starter. Unless a top pitcher is signed or dealt for in the off-season, the Royals will struggle greatly to challenge the Tigers for the AL Central crown. However, with Jose Reyes in for an inevitable franchise tag and a huge payday, can the Royals afford to pay big bucks for another player? Whatever happens, the Royals still remain one of the youngest teams in the league and can only get better.
Grade: B –
Cleveland Indians
GM: Michael
2011: 1-12
Well, you can only go up from here. Problems are littered all over the rotation and lineup of this team. The Indians lack a point-producing bat and suffer from an overpaid, aging outfield. Adding to the troubles, the GM has to deal with a ridiculous amount of money heading to Adam Dunn who is a liability more than an asset to the team. The team has only begun the process of collecting prospects to create a top farm system, but young, talented pitchers Ivan Nova and Chris Sale hope to be the backbone of the rotation and bullpen for years to come. Rebuilding is the only option and with the second overall pick in the International and Amateur Draft in this upcoming year, an influx of young talent should begin to infiltrate this decimated team.
Grade: D-
Projected 2011 AL Central finish:
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Kansas City Royals
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Minnesota Twins
5. Cleveland Indians
