MLB 2nd Half - AL Central

Detroit Tigers
It’s hard to believe the Detroit Tigers, who lost 91 games as recently as 2005, would be competing for the best record in baseball. Magglio Ordonez will not, I repeat, will not win an MVP, but this team is so deep it can stand a fall back to earth by Maggs. While I agree with reader Dave Sharp that San Diego and Oakland (and about 10 other teams) have lower ERA’s than Detroit, but for my money this is the best pitching staff in baseball. The loss of Zumaya is huge, but is it just me or would Brad Lidge be a perfect fit for this team? Maybe Otsuka? The Tigers obviously need to add another reliever but Detroit will hold off the Twins to win this division.

Minnesota Twins
Even though they’re 7 games out of first, this team earns its stripes in the second half. Johan Santana and a solid bullpen are carrying the pitching staff, but it will only be a matter of time before young guys like Boof Bonser and Kevin Slowey put it all together. And the rotation will be even more deadly when young phenom Matt Garza decides to stop throwing nothing but fastballs. Justin Morneau is absolutely crushing the ball and Joe Mauer is going to chase another batting title. And since Torii Hunter is in a contract/option year, he’s inevitably on pace for a career year. Can you imagine what players could do if they played every year like it was their contract year? Fun fact of the day…Did you know that after the 2003 season the Twins traded A.J. Pierzynski to the San Francisco Giants for Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano, and Bonser? I’m guessing Giants GM Brian Sabean doesn’t have this trade listed on his resume. Anyways, Twins make their annual comeback, falling just short of another division title but will make the playoffs via the American League Wild Card.

Cleveland Indians
I agree with Rich here, even though it’s tough to pick against the Indians with that potent offense and with the way the front of the rotation has pitched. But there’s no way C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona (combined 3.71 era) can continue to carry this rotation (combined 5.79 era for other three starters). This is just too much to ask from a guy in Carmona that was 1-10, 5.42 era last year and Sabathia who is on pace for a career high in innings and has the league hitting .270 against him. Combine that with a 21-23 road record and I think it’s only a matter of time before Minnesota catches them.

Kansas City Royals
What does key free agent signings and on the job training for prospects get you? A fourth place finish! Though, the big difference this year is there is real reason for optimism because the Royals have the potential building blocks for a bright future. Though struggling in first full big league season, 3B Alex Gordon is widely considered one of the top prospects in baseball and hard-hitting DH Billy Butler is getting some playing time with Mike Sweeney on the mend. OF Mark Teahan is improving and the farm system has been dramatically upgraded over the years. Combine these position players with a future rotation that could include the likes of Gil Meche, Luke Hochevar, Zack Greinke, and Tyler Lumsden and there is legitimate excitement in KC. Now if they could only sneak their way into the National League like Milwaukee did in 98, they’d actually have a chance to compete.

Chicago White Sox
Estate Sale
U.S. Cellular Field
333 W. 35th St.
Chicago, IL 60616
Now through July 31st. Everything must go!
*Will trade reasonably priced RF for a bag of used baseballs and a rosin bag. Buyer beware: High mileage, Bad Wheels.
*Looking to move antique Cuban SP that was once smuggled into the country. Listed as 35 years old but no documentation to confirm age. New York a preferred destination.
*Also, two really annoying announcers free to a good home – He Gone!
*Gently used left-handed pitcher not for sale. You can look but you can’t touch.
*Will consider any offers for left-overs. Planning to rebuild for the future.

My Pick: Division Winner – Detroit Tigers, Wild Card – Minnesota Twins
Rich’s Pick: Division Winner – Detroit Tigers, Wild Card – Cleveland Indians

Next up…AL West

The People’s Champ