2010 Preview: AL Central

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

Last season, it took 163 games to decide the winner of the American League Central. The Detroit Tigers had a three game lead with four games left, but were unable to hold it as the Minnesota Twins forced a tiebreaker. In a game for the ages, the Twins defeated the Tigers, 6-5. Alexi Casilla's 12th inning walk-off single dramatically sent the Twins into the postseason. Unfortunately, the Twins were unable to make it past the first round of the postseason.

Minnesota Twins

The Metrodome would give a slight advantage to the home team, but this April, Target Field will become the new home of the Minnesota Twins. Last year, the Twins ranked fifth in runs scored (817); it'll be interesting to see if their new ballpark will benefit pitchers or hitters. Either way, the Twins have a scary lineup that includes the American League MVP and batting champion, Joe Mauer.

Along with Mauer, the Twins have several players who are capable of hitting 20 or more home runs: Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, and their newest addition, Jim Thome. In addition, the Twins acquired a new double play combination: J.J Hardy and Orlando Hudson.

Pitching is the Twins biggest question mark. Joe Nathan, a top-notch closer, has been sidelined with an elbow tear. Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey will anchor the rotation, but the Twins would like a comeback from Francisco Liriano, who had a phenomenal rookie season. Liriano has been plagued with injuries and struggles since 2006.

2009: 87-76, 1st in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 88-74, 1st place

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers made headlines when they traded Edwin Jackson and Curtis Granderson for Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Austin Jackson, and Phil Coke. While they got some key players in return, losing a player of Granderson's caliber is huge. They also lost Placido Polanco to free agency.

Among other off-season moves, the Tigers signed Johnny Damon to a one-year, $8 million contract. With the health problems of flame-throwing Joel Zumaya, the Tigers also signed closer Jose Valverde to a two-year, $14 million deal.

Since his trade to Detroit, Miguel Cabrera hasn't been in the spotlight, but he always has an All Star type season. Additionally, the Tigers have a solid 1-2 punch with Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello.

2009: 86-77, 2nd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 82-80, 3rd place

Chicago White Sox

In 2009, the Chicago White Sox made a couple trades that didn't impact the team at the time. However, Jake Peavy and Alex Rios could make big impacts on the team in 2010. With Mark Buehrle and a healthy Peavy, the White Sox could have an impressive front of the rotation.

The health of Peavy is important, but so is the health of Carlos Quentin, who has been bothered with injuries over the last few years.

2009: 79-83, 3rd in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 86-76, 2nd place

Cleveland Indains

Over the course of the last two years, the Cleveland Indians traded most of their team to get younger. They have plenty of prospects (Carlos Santana to name one), but aren't likely to contend in 2010.

The only "big name player" left is Grady Sizemore. While Sizemore is an All Star caliber player, the Indians have other established players, such as Travis Hafner and Shin-Soo Choo. Most of their club consists of up and coming players like Matt LaPorta and Justin Masterson.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010: 70-92, last place

Kansas City Royals

The Royals didn't have too many bright spots last year, but one of them was Zach Greinke. The American League Cy Young winner dominated, despite being on one of the worst teams in basbeall.

Besides Greinke, the Royals have a few players they can count on. They've added Rick Ankiel to the outfield and have gotten some production out of first baseman Billy Butler. Joakim Soria doesn't get too many save opportunities as a Royal, but when he does, he gets the job done.

The Royals seem to be high on their third baseman, Alex Gordon. He has been bothered with injuries and so far has yet to live up to his potential.

2009: 65-97, Tied for last in AL Central
2010 Prediction: 71-91, 4th place

Kendrick Making His Case

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Kyle Kendrick is on a mission. He's been picking Roy Halladay's brain. Some days, he beats Halladay to the ballpark -- which is usually as early as 5:00 a.m! By his current work ethic, it's easy to tell that Kendrick wants to be the Phillies' fifth starter.

The New York Yankees defeated the Phillies 7-5 on Monday, but the Phillies received an impressive outing from Kendrick, who continues to make his case for the final spot in the rotation. Kendrick tossed three scoreless innings. In the process, he struck out one. He allowed just one hit and did not walk a batter.

On the other hand, Jose Contreras pitch terribly. In 1.2 innings, he surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks. There was a very slight chance that Contreras would be the fifth starter, but it's more realistic for him to fill Chan Ho Park's spot in the bullpen, with Kendrick and Jamie Moyer dishing it out for the fifth slot.

Also in the game, Jimmy Rollins (2-for-4) smashed his second home run of the spring. For the first time this spring, Domonic Brown did not get a hit (0-for-2).

Halladay will start tomorrow against the Braves. Andrew Carpenter, Danys Baez, and Ryan Madson are slated to pitch. Billy Wagner is scheduled to pitch for the Braves.

Sunday's Recap and Injury Updates

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies lost in extra innings to the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3, however there were some positive notes from Sunday.

First, Brad Lidge said that he will be able to throw to live hitters during batting practice on Wednesday. He could appear in a minor league game on March 15.

Shane Victorino, who is nursing a sore shoulder, will not make the trip to tomorrow’s game at Tampa. However, Charlie Manuel said that there is a chance that Victorino could play on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.

Now back to the game. Domonic Brown continues to make spring highlights. He went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in. He grounded into a key double play, but since he has seven hits in the last three games, we’ll let it slide — for now. The other run came off the bat of Jimmy Rollins: a solo home run.

J.A Happ pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks. Phillippe Aumont managed to make it through 2.2 innings without surrendering a run, bouncing back from his poor outing against Florida State University. On the other hand, Joe Savery and Yohan Flande each struggled.

Blanton Changes Grip, but Struggles

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies did not win on Saturday. Nor did they lose. After ten innings, the Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates called it a tie, with the game knotted at three.

Joe Blanton made his spring debut, and allowed three first inning runs. In his two innings of work, he surrendered five hits, three for extra bases. Blanton explained that he is working on a new grip for his sinker since he was uncomfortable with the previous grip.

Danys Baez made an impressive Phillies spring debut. He allowed one hit and struck out two in two scoreless innings.

Also, Domonic Brown continues to impress this spring. He went 2-for-3 against the Pirates. On the other hand, Ryan Howard remains hitless. Howard is trying to work on hitting breaking balls, but he has struck out four times in five at-bats.

Hamels & Moyer Have Solid Outings

As seen on Phillies Nation.

In Friday's 14-9 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays, Cole Hamels made his 2010 spring training debut.

Tossing 32 pitches in two innings, Hamels allowed one run (a solo home run), two hits, and walked one. Hamels' fastball topped at 89 mph, but he also showed a cutter and curveball. Hamels was confident in his cutter. In addition, Charlie Manuel acknowledged that Hamels' curveball was good, especially to left-handed hitters.

In a "B" game, Jamie Moyer also made his spring debut. In three shutout innings, he allowed three hits and struck out three. 23 of his 31 pitches were for strikes.

Also on Friday, Tyson Gillies homered and Domonic Brown went 2-for-4. However, pitchers J.C Ramirez, Ryan Vogelsong, and Bill White struggled.

Today's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates is currently being aired on 1210 WPHT.

Aumont Struggles in 13-6 Win

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies cruised to a 13-6 victory in their exhibition game against Florida State University.

In the process, Phillippe Aumont, the team’s number one pitching prospect, struggled. Aumont, who was acquired in the Cliff Lee trade, surrendered five runs in 2/3 of inning. But let’s not call it a career for him just yet. Aumont admitted feeling pressure from the trade, and said he wanted to make a good first impression. He’s only 21 and it was his very first outing. Heck, Tim Lincecum allowed three runs during an inning of work today.

The Phillies did receive stellar performances from J.A Happ (2 IP, 0 R), Drew Naylor (2 IP, 4 SO), and Joe Savery (1 IP, 2 SO). Domonic Brown also drove in a run.

Listen Live to Exhibition vs FSU

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Philadelphia Phillies will face Florida State University in an exhibition game at 7:05 p.m. J.A Happ, Phillipe Aumont, Drew Naylor, Yohan Flande, Joe Savery, Jesus Sanchez, and David Herdon will each pitch in tonight’s game against the Seminoles.

The Phillies last played Florida State in 2007, and roughed them up, 12-4.

This year, Florida State’s baseball team is ranked second in the country. It will be interesting to see how Aumont and other players do, however, keep an eye on college players such as Staurt Tapley and Tyler Holt. Some of these players could potentially be a Major League draft pick in the future.

Click this link to listen to the game on the official athletic site of the Seminoles.