MLB Offseason: Ranking American League Central Teams so Far
Even with no action between the white lines, the baseball world is a pretty interesting place. Offseason dealings, as well as ever-present rumors and speculation, are keeping fans glued to the latest developments.
As for teams in the American League Central, some have been busier than others.
To be fair, most of the transactions have been teams tinkering with their 40-man rosters and protecting players from poachers in the Rule 5 draft. The majority of signings have been of minor league players with a sprinkling of options being picked up.
There have been a couple of big splashes, too.
The inking of Victor Martinez and Adam LaRoche for Detroit and Chicago, respectively, are the two biggest purchases to date.
Inevitably, free agency will subtract from a team’s personnel as well. Royals veteran Billy Butler has already flown the nest to Oakland. Kansas City also has James Shields and Nori Aoki off contract, while Detroit faces the probable departure of Max Scherzer.
As for Minnesota and Cleveland, life this offseason has remained mostly dormant. In saying that, these two teams, as well as every other team for that matter, have plenty of time to do their winter business. The Twins and Indians also don’t face the burden of losing key players to free agency.
Granted, there is much water to go under the bridge between now and March. But as things stand, let’s see how the offseason of each AL Central team ranks so far.
Rankings are based on how effectively each club has dealt with addressing their needs, not who has acquired the most players. This is because some of the teams have been forced into higher activity through more of their players coming off contract.
5. Kansas City Royals
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The Royals have not yet backed up their incredible playoff run with a productive offseason.
Pitching ace Shields will likely demand too much money to be re-signed. His departure would be a huge body blow to KC, as they will lose a front-line starter.
With a modest payroll, the Royals will probably try to land a middle-of-the road free-agent starter. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports puts them in the mix for both Ervin Santana and Francisco Liriano. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has also reported their interest in Ian Kennedy of the Padres.
Regarding the void created by Butler, Dick Kaegel of MLB.com feels that the Royals can absorb it by using the designated hitter position as a “revolving role for several players.” However, Butler’s productivity—.295, 18 HR, 87 RBI per 162-game season (according to Baseball-Reference.com)—will need replacing. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com has reported that KC has expressed interest in veteran outfielder Torii Hunter, who could plug the gap nicely.
As for Aoki, according to Heyman, the Royals are in competition with others—especially the Reds—for the outfielder's signature.
With no notable additions and at least one big subtraction, the Royals’ offseason ranks bottom at this stage.
4. Cleveland Indians
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Most of the action in Cleveland thus far has been merely rumors and speculation. Its biggest piece of business has been picking up the option of utility man Mike Aviles.
With an 85-77 record last season, the Indians posted their second consecutive winning season. A couple of key additions could elevate the team into genuine contention. However, as a middle-market team, payroll will continue to be a barrier for them.
Supporting Cy Young Award-winner Cory Kluber with another top-of-the rotation starter would be ideal. Cole Hamels is one name that has popped up in trade talks. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com believes that the Indians have the prospects to tempt the Phillies into trading their ace. Cleveland is also interested in re-acquiring Justin Masterson, but Bastian predicts them making a one-year offer, which probably wouldn’t be enough.
The hot corner is another area that the Tribe could look to upgrade. Lonnie Chisenhall provided good offense, but let the team down with his glove this year (-1.5 dWAR). According to Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com, a source has stated that the Indians are interested in signing free agent Chase Headley.
Time is still on their side, but the Indians will need to put their hands in their pocket at some point. Any of the above additions would be welcome.
3. Minnesota Twins
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In addition to new players pacing AL Central dugouts next spring, new managers and coaches will, too. Paul Molitor brings his steady demeanor and coaching experience to Minnesota and will attempt to steer them in a new direction after four straight losing seasons.
On the player front, things have been pretty uneventful. The Twins are even more desperate than Cleveland to boost their rotation after their starters finished dead last in ERA in MLB last season.
Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com recently tweeted about the team’s interest in acquiring Masterson. The Twins also made a bid for Korean pitcher Hyeon-jong Yang. However, this was to no avail as his club (Kia Tigers) has turned down the offer, according to MLBTradeRumors.com.
Former Twin Torii Hunter is another player on the team’s radar. Speaking to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, the 16-year veteran intimated that he favored a return to the Twins:
"(Twins general manager) Terry Ryan and I have talked several times, and there's definitely a common interest there, for sure."
The signings of Molitor and new pitching coach Neil Allen welcomes a new dawn for the Twins. But, new players will need to follow soon. With no significant departures, and the acquisition of some new brains, Minnesota just edges out the Indians for third place.
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2. Detroit Tigers
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The Tigers have been the busiest Central Division team this offseason. In just over seven weeks they have re-signed Victor Martinez and Joel Hanrahan; traded for Anthony Gose; and picked up the options of Joakim Soria and Alex Avila.
Before the Red Sox splurged on Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez this week, Martinez was the biggest signing of the offseason.
Speaking to MLB.com, Tigers outfielder Rajai Davis summed up what Martinez means to the team: "He’s huge. That’s one of the hardest working, most focused players that I’ve ever been around in Major League Baseball. He’s a great influence on the team on the players, coaching—all of us."
Detroit’s winter business is still far from done. Although team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski indicated he is content with the bullpen, expect the Tigers to pursue relievers, especially lefties.
It could be argued that Detroit has consolidated rather than upgraded. But inking Martinez was a vital move as he provides protection for their best player, Miguel Cabrera. The re-signing of Soria was also big for a bullpen that needs all the help it can get.
Even with the probable loss of Scherzer, the Tigers have re-signed all of their other important free agents. Gose is a nice addition, too. This helps them beat out the others who haven’t yet made any substantial signings.
1. Chicago White Sox
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The White Sox haven’t made the biggest splash, but with a couple of good signings and no major losses, they are the most improved team in the division so far.
Zach Duke and Adam LaRoche were both excellent free-agent signings. Duke was outstanding this year with the Brewers (2.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP), and LaRoche’s sweet left-handed swing should be nicely aided by the friendly confines of U.S. Cellular Field. Chicago has also picked up J.B. Shuck on waivers to increase its outfield depth.
In terms of adding more talent—acquiring one of the Dodgers’ oufielders, including Matt Kemp, is a possibility. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Los Angeles is interested in trading for White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez. To get Kemp in return, Chicago would need to absorb some of Kemp’s remaining salary (five years, $107 million), but that would be manageable.
If Chicago can pull of a deal like this, and add a starter like Brian Anderson, its offseason may turn from a good one into a great one. It may also catapult the White Sox into contention next season.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats are courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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