American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Cleveland Guardians

It starts with their pitching depth and what they can dispatch from the minor leagues. Their lineup is well balanced and Jose Ramirez is a yearly MVP candidate.

2. Minnesota Twins

The trade to acquire Pablo Lopez cost them Luis Arraez, but with them resigning Carlos Correa it isn’t that large of a loss.

3. Chicago White Sox

They are on the cusp of either being a legitimate contender or falling flat on their faces in the cellar.

4. Detroit Tigers

The only thing to watch about them this year is Miguel Cabrera who is playing in his final season.

5. Kansas City Royals

There are a few bright spots with the likes of Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino taking hold of their respective positions. Outside of that it’s another rough year.

Player to Watch: 3B Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Guardians

Best Acquisition: P Pablo Lopez – Minnesota Twins

New Kid on the Block: P Jackson Jobe – Detroit Tigers

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2022 MLB All-Star Teams

For the 92nd year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball goes to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The last time the mid-summer classic was played in LA was in 1980. Now every year there is always a lot of discussion and some of it a little dated about how the teams are put together. No system will ever be perfect. Fans don’t always get it right and managers won’t either, nor the commissioner’s office. The fact that the players are able to vote for participants was a great choice and they know who is deserving. Regardless of who should or shouldn’t be in the game lets just accept that the best players will always be involved one way or another. Here are my all-stars keeping with the rules that every team be represented and a total of 32 players for each league.

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American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Chicago White Sox

The division is theirs for the taking, but can they get to the ALCS and beyond?

2. Detroit Tigers

The prospects are arriving and the pitching staff is beginning to take shape. It’ll be an interesting team to watch.

3. Minnesota Twins

They had an interesting offseason in that they could be a contender for a Wild Card spot, but that remains to be seen.

4. Cleveland Guardians

With a new nickname now comes the same old question of who will be the next big name player to be dealt?

5. Kansas City Royals

They are in a weird transition where they brought back Zack Greinke, but are expecting big things from their prospects as well.

Player to Watch: OF Byron Buxton – Minnesota Twins

Best Acquisition: SS Carlos Correa – Minnesota Twins

New Kid on the Block: SS/3B Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals

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American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Chicago White Sox

Hiring Tony LaRussa to be the manager means they want and expect to be playing well into October.

2. Minnesota Twins

They are expected to be in the Postseason once again, but will they actually win a series?

3. Kansas City Royals

This is a perfect time for them to sneak under the radar and become a thorn in opponents sides this season.

4. Cleveland Indians

The restart button has been pressed again with the trade of Francisco Lindor.

5. Detroit Tigers

Look for more growing pains, but their new manager A.J. Hinch has been through it before in Houston.

Player to Watch: 1B Jose Abreu – Chicago White Sox

Best Acquisition: P Liam Hendriks – Chicago White Sox

New Kid on the Block: OF Alex Kirilloff – Minnesota Twins Continue reading →

American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Minnesota Twins

A high powered lineup with a slightly better pitching staff should keep them in the conversation.

2. Chicago White Sox

They’ve put together an interesting blend of top tier talent with veterans that bring a winning attitude.

3. Cleveland Indians

The window is closing fast and would they be tempted to trade Lindor in a 60-game season?

4. Kansas City Royals

With a new owner at the helm they will begin a methodical rebuild, but look to remain competitive with Mike Matheny in the dugout.

5. Detroit Tigers

It will be another painful year and it could be worse with only 60 games to play.

Player to Watch: SS Francisco Lindor – Cleveland Indians

Best Acquisition: 3B Josh Donaldson – Minnesota Twins

New Kid on the Block: OF Luis Robert – Chicago White Sox Continue reading →