Denard Span stretches for the catch

The American League Central every year is up for grabs. Last year, Detroit Tigers rookie pitcher Rick Porcello excelled enough that he pitched the play-in game (which the Minnesota Twins won) and came in third in the Rookie of the Year voting. The Cleveland Indians have traded top players (like CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Victor Martinez, and Casey Blake) to strengthen their farm system and to make room for their young stars. The Twins will rely on young sluggers Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau for years to come. The Chicago White Sox are trying to shed their label of an old, aging team and have seen the likes of Alexei Ramirez, Bobby Jenks, Gavin Floyd, John Danks, and Gordon Beckham graduate to the big leagues and provide immediate impact. The Kansas City Royals were home to young ace Zack Greinke, who won the CY Young Award, and young power hitter Billy Butler. If a team is to succeed in the AL Central, a young player will need to be an important part of the team. Here’s a look at some 2010 AL Central breakout players:

Denard Span, Minnesota Twins (OF): Span should be the Twins leadoff hitter for years to come as last year’s .392 on-base percentage attests. For the Twins to succeed, Span will need to get on base and wreak havoc so that the M&M boys can bat in RBI situations. Last year, Span played in 145 games while hitting .311. He had 16 doubles, 10 triples, 8 homeruns, and 68 RBIs. Span scored 70 runs and could score more because he is a patient hitter (70 walks to 89 strikeouts). He also stole 23 bases though he was caught 10 times so that is something he needs to work on. Span is a great defensive outfielder as he can play all three positions, though centerfield will be his home for now.

Ryan Perry

Ryan Perry, Detroit Tigers (RP): Both Perry and Rick Porcello made their Major League debuts in 2009 as they made the Opening Day roster after spending 2008 in High-A Lakeland. Perry was a first-round pick in 2008 mainly because of his 100 mph fastball. He is considered the Tigers closer of the future, but with the signing of Jose Valverde this offseason, Perry as the closer will have to wait. “I’m definitely looking forward to playing with him,” Perry said of Valverde. “…I’ll just try to help the team do what I am asked to do.” Perry should be stronger than ever since his Evel Knievel type motorcycle accident while at the University of Arizona kept him from doing weight work with his lower body. Now he can lift and is more ready to compete.

Pitching coach Rick Knapp said Perry will get a chance as the eighth inning setup man. In his rookie year, Perry pitched in meaningful games down the stretch that many others do not. In 53 games, he had a 3.79 ERA with 38BB/690K while opponents hit .246 against him. Control has been his biggest issue though he struck out about a hitter an inning in 2009. Catcher Gerald Laird said “…it’s fun to be behind the plate because he can just make hitters look silly.” If Perry can control his pitches and team with fellow fireballer Joel Zumaya (who needs to stay healthy) to setup Valverde, the Tigers could have the best back end of the bullpen in baseball.

Tags:

AL Central, Denard Span, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Ryan Perry

Jarrod Washburn with Seattle

There are quite a few veteran starting pitchers on the free agent market. One, Mark Mulder, has decided to retire instead of trying to make it back to the majors on a minor league deal. Injuries had derailed Mulder’s career since he was one of the Big 3 dominating with the Oakland A’s. Left-hander Jarrod Washburn had had a dominant career with the Seattle Mariners. He went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts in 2009 before being traded to the Detroit Tigers to help their playoff run. However Washburn completely fell apart with the Tigers, partly due to a gimpy knee, posting a 7.33 ERA in 8 starts. At 35 years old, Washburn has had few teams interested and his horrendous second half may be the reason why. Many wonder which Washburn will show up in 2010 and many are not offering long-term deals. He reportedly turned down a 1 year, $5 million offer from the Minnesota Twins. Washburn has stated that he would return to Seattle in a heartbeat and negotiations have been underway. He has made a point to say that he is in no hurry to sign because he does not like spring training anyway. Washburn believes that retirement is an option because he does not need the money to play. The team must be a perfect fit for him and his family and since he still has a home in Seattle and loved his time there, the Mariners may be the fit.

Pedro Martinez in Lehigh Valley

Pedro Martinez is in an interesting position. Last year, he was dazzling in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic, yet he still did not receive any serious offers until midseason. After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in July and going through the minor leagues for seasoning, Pedro dominated until he seemed to run out of gas in the World Series. Pedro went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 9 starts (44.2 innings) with the Phillies. He walked just eight while striking out 37. He was also dominant against the LA Dodgers in the NLCS. Many believe that Pedro no longer has the stamina to complete a full Major League season so he most likely will be a hot commodity at midseason. He proved in 2009 that he still can pitch competitively without the blazing fastball. The Phillies remain interested in bringing Pedro back, especially if the fifth starter falters.

John Smoltz with St. Louis

John Smoltz found very few takers after his release from the Boston Red Sox as he pitched poorly as a starter with them (2-5 with an 8.33 ERA in 8 starts though he did not walk many: 9BB/33K). The St. Louis Cardinals took a chance and he pitched much better (1-3 with a 4.26 ERA in 7 starts with 9BB/40K). Now with just two days before pitchers must report to spring training, Smoltz sill has not signed. Smoltz is interested in returning to St. Louis but he may be in the same situation as Pedro. At his age (43), he may be best suited to sign at midseason and help with a team’s playoff pitch if he chooses to remain a starter. If he decides to return to the bullpen, teams may be more interested because almost every team needs a veteran reliever. Smoltz will not be the All-Star closer he was with the Atlanta Braves, but I am sure he can help some team in 2010.

Tags:

Detroit Tigers, Jarrod Washburn, John Smoltz, Mark Mulder, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals

Johnny Damon with the Yankees

Rumors have been swirling about outfielder Johnny Damon’s destination since he became a free agent. Many believed Damon would return to the NY Yankees, especially after being a major reason why they won the World Series in 2009. However, the Yankees are suddenly money-conscious and offered him a two-year $14 million contract compared to what he made last year ($13 million for the whole year). There is just no loyalty anymore in sports from both the players and the owners.

So where will Damon end up? Damon has been just as solid in his four years with the Yankees as he was when he was helping the Boston Red Sox win the 2004 World Series. Damon hit .284 with 24 homeruns and a .365 on-base percentage in 2009. Many criticize Damon’s offense as playing at Yankee Stadium with the short porch in right field. They also criticize his defense and throwing arm, along with his age. Despite everything, Damon still produces as evidenced by his clutch hitting and his stats in the World Series: .364 with 2 doubles, 4 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases. As one of the top free agents going into the offseason (and now the top free agent remaining), many believed he would get another lucrative contract. However now that spring training is just a week away, the amount of suitors has dwindled, as has the money being offered.

One potential suitor is the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers have had many positive encounters with Damon’s agent, Scott Boras, and would feel comfortable in working on a deal. Damon would fit perfectly in the second spot in the order now that Placido Polanco is gone. He would also take pressure off of rookies Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore at the top of the order and take the pressure off RBI man Miguel Cabrera to hit homeruns in every at-bat. The downside would be the money issue. The Tigers have been slashing payroll (trading young stars Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson) so adding an older outfielder after trading a fan favorite (Granderson) for more money may not make sense.

Atlanta may be another home for Damon. The Braves just offered Damon a one-year contract offer for around $4 million. After trading for outfielder Melky Cabrera, the Braves have Cabrera, Nate McLouth, Matt Diaz, and Jordan Schafer (along with top prospect Jason Heyward) in the outfield mix. Adding Damon does not make sense unless they can trade an outfielder (or two) that they have (like maybe Schafer or Cabrera but then it would not make sense to have traded for Cabrera). Damon has spent his entire career in the American League so a change to the National League may not help him. He will not be able to DH anymore and he may not get the playing time he is looking for in Atlanta.

Johnny Damon with the A's

Returning to Oakland may be another option. The A’s have an opening in left field that new prospect Michael Taylor (acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies by way of the Toronto Blue Jays) is hoping to take. Signing Damon would provide a veteran presence in a relatively young lineup that would allow the Tigers to give Taylor a little more seasoning. Then when Taylor is ready, Damon can be traded to a possible contender in July. Would Damon want to return to Oakland? Is Damon willing to enter spring training without a job? He has one week left to make that decision but any team that adds him will be gaining a valuable asset.

Tags:

Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Johnny Damon, NY Yankees, Oakland A's

Justin Verlander

Can the SF Giants or Detroit Tigers afford to go to an arbitration hearing with Tim Lincecum and Justin Verlander? If the two teams do, they will break the bank. Then they will have to go through it all over again next year. Why not sign the two aces to extensions to avoid what comes with an arbitration hearing? Verlander, the Tigers ace and American League strikeout leader, has said that the Tigers have not approached him about a long-term deal so he is prepared for an arbitration hearing where he is requesting $9.5 million but the Tigers have only offered $6.9 million. The Tigers are said to want to reach a one-year agreement to avoid arbitration before discussing a long-term deal, which would be a similar strategy they used with first baseman Miguel Cabrera. If the case reaches arbitration, Verlander may win, considering Boston’s closer Jonathon Papelbon signed a one-year deal worth $9.35 million. If no long-term deal is reached, Verlander will become a free agent in two years and he will go to the highest bidder (think Yankees or Red Sox).

Tim Lincecum

Lincecum’s case is intriguing and he will most likely win if it goes to a hearing. Lincecum is special, just as Ryan Howard’s case was special when he was awarded the most lucrative arbitration contract ($10 million) because no one has put up the numbers he has so far in his career. Lincecum is special because he has won back-to-back CY Young awards in the National League in just his first three years. Lincecum made just $650,000 in 2009 and is asking for $13 million, while the Giants are offering $8 million. In his two CY Young seasons, Lincecum is 33-12 with a 2.55 ERA overall in those two years. He is 40-17 with a 2.90 ERA overall in his career. Why wouldn’t the Giants want to lock Lincecum up to a long-term deal? Both sides would want to avoid arbitration because the hearing will just be a bashing of both sides (think Lincecum’s drug arrest and how Lincecum is the face of the franchise). Lincecum has three more years of arbitration before he becomes a free agent. By the end of his arbitration years, Lincecum could be making around $20 million a year. It would be beneficial for both sides to sign an extension and then Giants could keep one of the game’s best pitchers in San Francisco.

A few teams have done this with their aces, as the Seattle Mariners locked up Felix Hernandez for five years and the Florida Marlins locked up Josh Johnson for four years. Both young aces are the faces for the future of their respective organizations. The Philadelphia Phillies also locked up two players, starting pitcher Joe Blanton and centerfielder Shane Victorino for three years each. The deal for the Flying’ Hawaiian makes sense because he is an integral part of the Phillies offense and defense. The Blanton extension is a little confusing because he is only a number four starter and really only pitches well in the second half. Blanton is going to be receiving a lot of money when the Phillies could have just kept left-handed starter Cliff Lee.

Tags:

Detroit Tigers, Felix Hernandez, Florida Marlins, Joe Blanton, Josh Johnson, Justin Verlander, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, SF Giants, Shane Victorino, Tim Lincecum

The first blockbuster trade of the offseason was being rumored before the winter meetings began. The rumblings were there that the Detroit Tigers were going to slash payroll and popular players were on the trading block. Unfortunately for Tigers fans, the face of the team (and the city of Detroit) was shipped off to the defending World Champion NY Yankees during the winter meetings. The third team to this deal was the Arizona Diamondbacks. Here’s how the deal went down:

To the NY Yankees: OF Curtis Granderson (from the Tigers)

To the Arizona Diamondbacks: P Edwin Jackson (from the Tigers)

P Ian Kennedy (from the Yankees)

To the Detroit Tigers: OF Austin Jackson (from the Yankees)

LHP Phil Coke (from the Yankees)

LHP Daniel Schlereth (from the Diamondbacks)

P Max Scherzer (from the Diamondbacks)

Edwin Jackson

The Tigers traded away two All-Star players who have their peak years ahead of them. However both struggled in 2009 despite their All-Star selections. Granderson had his lowest average in his career (.249), though he did hit for power (30 homeruns). His power numbers should go up with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. His defense was not great in 2009, but hopefully he can rebound. As a big fan of Granderson’s, I could not imagine why the Tigers, whose attendance declined in 2009 due to the high unemployment rate in Detroit, would trade the fan favorite when big salaries come off after the 2010 season. It should be a special moment when he returns to Comerica Park in 2010. Edwin Jackson struggled in the second half for the Tigers (6-5 with a 5.07 ERA in 15 starts with 17 homeruns allowed and 35 BB/ 64 Ks) and helped in their collapse at the end of the year.

The Diamondbacks received Edwin Jackson and former Yankee top prospect Ian Kennedy. Kennedy missed most of the 2009 season due to an aneurysm (4 starts with a 1.59 ERA). A first round pick out of USC, he has yet to reach his potential, though a change of scenery could be good for him. This trade could turn out a successful one, but they gave up two young electric arms for two question marks when they are rebuilding.

Max Scherzer

Despite giving up two All-Stars, the Tigers may have made out the best. They received four young players, three of which are pitchers. Outfielder Austin Jackson was the top prospect in the Yankees system and could make Tigers fans forget about Granderson. The power has not developed yet for A-Jax but he has always hit (.300 in 132 games with just 4 homeruns and was named the International League’s Rookie of the Year and to the All-Star team). Lefty reliever Phil Coke was the go to left-hander in the young Yankee bullpen in 2009. Despite being a starter his whole career until late in 2008, Coke has thrived in the bullpen (4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 72 games). He should solidify the back end of the Tigers bullpen. Starter Max Scherzer has electric stuff and though his mechanics seem to be all over the place, he can dominate (9-11 with a 4.12 ERA in 30 starts and 174 Ks). Scherzer should fit into the Tigers rotation behind ace Justin Verlander to form a flame-throwing duo. He could also move to the back end of the bullpen and team with Joel Zumaya. Lefty Daniel Schlereth struggled a bit in the big leagues in 2009 (1-4 with a 5.89 ERA in 21 games), but could get more seasoning with Triple-A Toledo. He should figure into the Tigers bullpen plans.

Who do you think the winner(s) of this deal is? To me, it looks like the Tigers because they got younger and cheaper, though they are unproven. It may take a few years to actually be able to name a winner in this deal.

Tags:

Arizona Diamondbacks, Austin Jackson, Curtis Granderson, Daniel Schlereth, Detroit Tigers, Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, Max Scherzer, NY Yankees, Phil Coke