2011 MLB Preview: A Position By Position Look at the Best in the AL Central
As the 2010 season approached, it was expected that the American League Central division race would come down to the final games. The division had been decided by a tie breaking 163rd game in 2008 and 2009, so there was no reason to believe that 2010 would be any different.
The unpredictability of the division continued in 2010, as The Minnesota Twins came out of the gates hot, holding an early lead in the division after the first month. The Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers would close the gap, and as the All Star break came the White Sox found themselves in the drivers seat for the division crown.
The Twins would ultimately have the last laugh, playing determined baseball down the stretch and clinching the division well before many others in baseball had been decided.
The 2011 season promises to be another close one in the AL Central, with the Twins determined to defend their crown, and the White Sox and Tigers stocking up with talent this offseason. As we prepare to turn the calendar and look towards spring training, let's look at the AL Central's best players at each position.
Catcher
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The Best: Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Despite having a down season (by his standards), Twins catcher Joe Mauer still put up rather impressive numbers. Mauer finished the season with a .327 batting average, while scoring 88 runs and compiling 75 RBIs.
Mauer did have a rough stretch during the season when his average dropped below .300, a statistic almost unheard of with regards to Mauer.
Still, Mauer managed to garner an effective .402 on-base percentage and earned another gold glove, solidifying his spot as the top defensive catcher in the American League.
Honorable Mention: Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers' acquisition of Victor Martinez will provide much needed depth at the position. Martinez batted .302 with the Boston Red Sox last season, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 79 runs. Having Martinez at catcher will be a far better option than the sketchy at best Alex Avila, who never caught on as an effective every day catcher.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/OBP/SLG):
AJ Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox (.270/56/.300/.388)
Jason Kendall, Kansas City Royals (.256/37/.318/.297)
Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians (.260/22/.401/.467)
First Base
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The Best: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball, boasting power that is virtually unmatched. What makes Cabrera even more dangerous is his ability to get on base at any time.
Most power hitters sacrifice their average for power, but not Cabrera. Cabrera batted .328 in 2010, finishing near the top of the American League batting race, and earning votes for Most Valuable Player. In a division with outstanding depth at first base, Cabrera stands out.
Honorable Mention(s): Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox
Paul Konerko had a career year in 2010, as the White Sox first baseman hit 39 home runs and drove in 111 runs, while still managing to maintain a .312 batting average.
It's unlikely that Konerko will be able to maintain such statistics in 2011, but he's still one of the most prolific hitters in the White Sox lineup and will surely cause problems for pitchers all season long.
Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
Justin Morneau definitely belongs in the discussion for the best first baseman in the division, if not the league. The biggest question mark for Morneau however, is his health. Halfway through the 2010 season, Morneau was in discussions for the American League MVP crown.
Unfortunately, concussion problems cut Morneau's season short. If Morneau can remain healthy in 2011, look for him to cause fits for opposing teams as the season progresses.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP):
Kila Ka'aihue, Kansas City Royals (.217/25/.394/.307)
Matt LaPorta, Cleveland Indians (.221/41/.362/.306)
Second Base
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The Best: Carlos Guillen, Detroit Tigers
Carlos Guillen is an effective hitter, having compiled a career .286 batting average. His defensive skills make him an asset in the field, and his knowledge on the bases make him a valuable part of the Tigers' offensive plans.
Look for Guillen to continue to provide value for the Tigers as they look to take the AL Central crown away from the Minnesota Twins in 2011.
Honorable Mention: Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Minnesota Twins
Given the fact that Tsuyoshi Nishioka has yet to step to the plate in Major League Baseball, it's hard to gauge how effective he'll be as a hitter. Still, in a division where the second baseman aren't known for producing massive numbers, his hitting prowess in Japan will likely translate to a certain amount of success with the Minnesota Twins as soon as he's able to adjust to Major League pitching.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP):
Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox (.252/49/.378/.317)
Luis Valbuena, Cleveland Indians (.193/24/.258/.273)
Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals (.304/32/.413/.335)
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Third Base
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The Best: Danny Valencia, Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins third baseman Danny Valencia started the 2010 season in the Minor Leagues after failing to earn a spot on the Twins 25 man roster in spring training. Valencia wouldn't be deterred though, working hard in the Twins farm system, and ultimately earning a trip to Target Field in early June.
Valencia didn't disappoint, as he batted an impressive .311 in 2010, earning himself a permanent place in the Twins starting lineup.
Only time will tell if Valencia is able to keep up his 2010 numbers, but if he is able to produce as well as he has in the past, Valencia will quickly rise towards the top of the ranks of Major League third basemen.
Honorable Mention: Wilson Benemit, Kansas City Royals
Playing for a team that has had little hope for success in recent years, Benemit was able to provide a bright spot in the Kansas City Royals lineup. Benemit batted .297 in 2010, while hitting 13 home runs and driving in 43 runs. As the Royals continue to retool their lineup, the Royals can only hope that Benemit provides some much needed stability.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP):
Brandon Inge, Detroit Tigers (.247/70/.397/.321)
Brent Morel, Chicago White Sox (.231/7/.415/.271)
Jayson Nix, Cleveland Indians (.224/34/.422/.283)
Shortstop
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The Best: Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
In three seasons with the Chicago White Sox, shortstop Alexei Ramirez has been an important part of the team's lineup, compiling a career .283 batting average. 2010 was no different, as Ramirez batted .282, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 70 runs.
Ramirez is a solid defender, and will be an important part of the White Sox line up as they set their sights on the AL Central crown.
Honorable Mention: Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers
After joining the Tigers as a part of a trade with the Cleveland Indians in 2010, Peralta provided consistent value for the Detroit Tigers. A career .263 hitter, Peralta has shown signs that he's capable of being a great all around player.
The team hopes that as 2011 approaches, a full season in Detroit will allow Peralta to have an effective season in the Tigers' lineup.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP):
Alexi Casilla, Minnesota Twins (.276/20/.395/.331)
Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians (.276/29/.346/.326)
Alcides Escobar, Kansas City Royals (.235/41/.326/.288)
Left Field
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The Best: Delmon Young, Minnesota Twins
After dropping some excess weight this past offseason, Twins left fielder Delmon Young had a breakout season in 2010. Young batted .298 in 2010, while hitting 21 home runs and driving in 112 runs (all career highs).
Young endured his fair share of struggles in left field, but still remains a key part of the Twins outfield, and will surely further adjust to Target Field in 2011.
The Twins hope that Young can continue to produce, and his bat will become even more important to the lineup if Justin Morneau is unable to return to the team, and designated hitter Jim Thome ends up signing elsewhere during the current free agency period.
Honorable Mention: Juan Pierre, Chicago White Sox
Juan Pierre has given opposing teams problems since his MLB debut in 2000. A career .298 hitter, Pierre's speed on the basepaths has been a valuable asset for the White Sox. The White Sox will need Pierre to continue to produce from the leadoff spot to provide opportunities for the rest of the lineup to drive in runs.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP)
Shelly Duncan, Cleveland Indians (.231/36/.419/.317)
Don Kelly, Detroit Tigers (.244/27/.374/.272)
Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals (.215/20/.355/.315)
Center Field
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The Best: Alex Rios, Chicago White Sox
Alex Rios was one of the most productive hitters in the White Sox lineup in 2010. Rios batted .284, hitting 21 home runs and drove in 88 runs. His bat complemented teammates like Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin nicely, making the White Sox one of the most consistent offenses in the American League.
With the addition of Adam Dunn to the lineup, Rios will likely see more opportunities for production in 2011, as teams will need to decide who they'll pitch to and who they'll put on base. Either way, Rios' consistent career lends hope to his chances at another successful season in 2011.
Honorable Mention: Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers
Center fielder Austin Jackson was a welcomed surprise to the Detroit Tigers as the 2010 season played out. The Tigers knew they had a heralded prospect in Jackson, but were unsure of how the rookie would produce during his first season in the Major Leagues.
Jackson may fall victim to the sophomore slump in 2011. But if he's able to maintain his numbers from 2010 and build on his experiences, the Tigers will benefit from his ability to change games.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP):
Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians* (.248/64/.343/.445)
Denard Span, Minnesota Twins (.264/58/.331/.348)
Gregor Blanco, Kansas City Royals (.283/14/.369/.348)
*2009 season statistics
Right Field
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The Best: Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians didn't have much to be happy about during the 2010 season, as they found themselves holding down the basement of the American League Central most of the year.
Indians fans did however, have the opportunity to watch one of the best Indians outfielders since Manny Ramirez and Kenny Lofton called Jacobs Field home.
Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo batted .300 in 2010, boasting a .401 on base percentage and .440 slugging percentage. His 22 home runs provided some needed pop, and his 90 RBIs were almost twice as many as the next best run producer in the Indians lineup.
Honorable Mention: Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
Carlos Quentin has been a powerful option for the Chicago White Sox in recent years, hitting 36 home runs in the 2008 season. His numbers were less impressive in 2010, but Quentin still managed to hit 26 home runs and drive in 87 runs.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP):
Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins (.271/81/.417/.336)
Brennan Boesch, Detroit Tigers (.256/67/.416/320)
Mitch Maier, Kansas City Royals (.263/39/.375/.333)
Designated Hitter
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The Best: Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox
Much to the dismay of everyone outside of Chicago's south side, Adam Dunn will be calling U.S. Cellular Field home in 2011. Dunn hit .260 with the Washington Nationals in 2010, going deep 38 times and driving in 103 runs.
Having the opportunity to hold down the designated hitter spot will allow Dunn to produce offensively, while not wearing down physically as he may have had he played in the outfield as he did last season.
Honorable Mention: Magglio Ordenez, Detroit Tigers
Magglio Ordonez's 2010 season was cut down to 84 games due to injury, but before he went down Ordonez was a very effective part of the Tigers' lineup. Ordonez hit .303 while hitting 12 home runs and drove in 59 runs.
The emergence of Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch in the Tigers' outfield should allow Ordenez to remain effective at the plate while affording him the opportunity to rest longer to prevent further physical wear and tear.
The Rest (2010 AVG/RBI/SLG/OBP):
Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals (.318/78/.469/.388)
Travis Hafner, Cleveland Indians (.278/50/.449/.374)
Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins (.249/92/.427/.323)
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