CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Robert and Jimenez are the only lifelines heading into another sabbatical for the White Sox. The old guard has in fact collapsed in performance, and Tim Anderson and Grandal have said goodbye to the South Side after Abreu.
On the mountain, however, the decline was downright epic, with a top rotation in Lynn, Giolito and above all Cease going under and therefore being sent elsewhere to replenish the farm system. Kopech was then relegated to closer together with the new Wilson and Brebbia, a sector now also orphaned by Hendrix, no longer convincing after the battle with lymphoma.
Even Clevinger’s dignified season didn’t save him, while Bummer failed after two good rounds and therefore moved to the Braves, from whom they first came with the bet Soroka, devastated by injuries but still twenty-six years old, who will acquire the second spot behind the canterano Crochet, and Nicky Lopez at second base, annual signings worth 7.3M avoiding arbitration. Flexen and Fedde from free agency complete the unit with rookie Nastrini, excellent in spring training and arrived from the Dodgers in the trade for Lynn.
In defense of the infield Vaughn, one of the few certainties, will remain in first, the new guaranteed used will see DeJong (SS) and Maldonado (c) adjacent to Moncada, the same goes for Benintendi in the outfield, near which the favorite is Dominic Fletcher, closed to the D-backs and exchanged with the Mena prospect. A good department that could have its say in the mediocre Central; Unfortunately, the extreme doubts arise from the very uncertain management at the launch.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
The farewell to Terry Francona, replaced by Stephen Vogt, should not yet coincide with the end of divisional dreams for a franchise always capable of surprising, but which today follows the Twins and Tigers in the odds.
At the pitch, the return of the declining Carrasco and the precarious health of Bieber, McKenzie and Williams pose serious doubts about the resistance of a traditionally reliable and home-made department here, still represented by Canterani Allen and Bibee among the starters and in the bullpen by Herrin, Gaddis, Morgan and the Sandlin setup.
The closer Clase, however, retains its superstar aura. The same goes for Josè Ramirez, 3B among the best of his generation who still shares the infield with Gimenez and the Naylor brothers, while the draw from Laurano’s waivers appears to be the former Oakland player on the outside of the impeccable Kwan and Tyler Freeman, he and SS Rocchio at the batting test.
DETROIT TIGERS
Once the reconstruction is finished, AJ Hinch’s boys can propose themselves as the first antagonist of a group already dominated in 2023 (35/17), with a sober payroll (95M) and 7 elements from the farm system in the primary roles, including No. 2 prospect Colt Keith at second base. Setting aside Schoop and the physical and psychological torments of Austin Meadows and Boyd, it is precisely on the mountain that the greatest movements are recorded, with Rodriguez to Arizona for 80M four-year terms and Cisnero and Turnbull not renewed.
From free agency the 28 million committed for the signatures of Maeda (two-year contract) and Flaherty are convincing, the one an expert tradesman and the other profile CY Young looking for revenge, the first starter is instead the left-handed star Skubal. The encouraging 2023 of the rookie Olson closes a reliable platoon, especially if the former predestined Mize recovers from Tommy John.
In the young fielder the essential Greene and Parker Meadows will be joined by the veteran Canha, who came in trade from Milwaukee, the wizard shortstop Baez will direct the operations together with the FA Urshela (3B), a couple that gives maturity and defense to a powerful department in Torkelson and where Rogers will keep the catcher spot in front of the new entry Kelly. All hitters about to explode, especially if Torkelson progresses in contact and DH Carpenter finds remedies on breaking balls. Only doubts from the bullpen, 17th in ERA and supplemented by Chafin and Shelby Miller.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Here too the focus is on young people, now forgetting the floral era of the old beginning of the decade and the failures of the Dayton Moore brand. To help them grow, JJ Picollo joined them from the FA with veteran starters Lugo and Wacha and in the bullpen with Stratton, Will Smith, Schreiber and Nick Anderson.
Important signals also come from the lineup, with the acronyms of Renfroe and the wildcards Frazier and Garrett Hampson, which in our eyes suggest an immediate attempt to make noise, mountain permitting. With Clarke, Greinke, Keller, Duffy and Edward Oliveres lost, the focus was on the obvious extension of Bobby Witt Jr, stuck at almost 300M for at least 7 tournaments.
The return from injury of Pasquantino to first team and the power of Nelson Velazquez and the icon Perez will be additional threats to keep an eye on.
MINNESOTA TWINS
Always careful in managing payroll, well below the MLB average, the Twins have nevertheless made many changes that should not preclude a new divisional scepter, albeit with a record just over 50%. The losses in free agency of Cy Young profile Sonny Gray and Michael A. Taylor in the outfield hurt, as did those of Maeda and Mahle still in the rotation and the power of Gallo at the plate, who went to Washington on a one-year contract with Floro in relief.
Margot, however, is an excellent addition, especially if Buxton will often be in the box, while still from the FA the veteran Santana will be placed in the first base of a lineup that features Wallner (LF), Kepler (RF) and in the infield Lewis and Julien together to the ace Correa. Veterans and grown and matured draft picks: a nice mix that should perform well.
Among the starters, the annual thermometer will be the health of Paddack, fourth spot to date, while the guarantee takes the form of Pablo Lopez, the underrated Ober and Ryan are also convincing and the promotion to starter of Varland, given the injury to DeSclafani: a department under 28 years of age on average which could lead to some breakouts. In the bullpen Jax, Stewart and Alcala are confirmed as closers and setups, the excellent Duran will start in IL, Okert, Staumont and Jay Jackson will be the new middles, Sands the long reliever.
“Sick” of stars and stripes sports since the 80s! Struck by the Bills of Thurman Thomas and Jim Kelly, by Run TMC and Kevin Johnson, by Fernando Valenzuela’s throws and by the “Finnish lightning”. Fan of Yankees, Packers, Ravens, Spurs and Canadian hockey tradition.
Like this:
Like Loading…
2024-03-29 07:32:34
#A.L #Central #Play.it #USA
