Post by Rockies GM (Harris) on Dec 22, 2010 15:18:33 GMT -5
Christmas Power Rankings #1- AL CENTRAL
1.) Detroit Tigers
Grade: B
Key Additions: Nick Swisher, Cliff Lee, John Buck, Jaime Garcia
Key Subractions: Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello
Analysis: This team did very well in Free Agency, signing Lee for a reasonable amount, and bringing in John Buck, as well as Grant Balfour. Although they may have sold short on the main 2 pitchers, Verlander, and Scherzer, they were able to bring back some nice pieces, and sign players for nothing through free agency. This team should be the best in a rather weak AL Central.
2.) Chicago White Sox
Grade: A-
Key Additions: Matt Kemp, Elvis Andrus, Chris B. Young
Key Loses: Gordon Beckham, John Danks
Analysis: Overall, I like the direction this team is headed. The team is full of players in their prime with locked up contracts. This team does not have any major weaknesses, and should have a chance in every category week in and week out. Overall, very nice job.
3.) Minnesota Twins
Grade: B
Key Additions: Hanley Ramirez, Johan Santana, Hunter Pence
Key Loses: Joe Mauer, Delmon Young, Francisco Liriano
Analysis: Overall, this team stayed talented, but did not get much better than what they started with. Hanley is a stud, hands down, and him alone should allow the Twins to contend for a title for years to come. The pitching staff here is a little old, and expensive, and there is room for growth at nearly every position. Overall, decent job, but there is room to grow.
4.) Kansas City Royals
Grade: A+
Key Additions: Carlos Santana, Jurrickson Profar, Shelby Miller, Martin Perez
Key Loses: Zack Greinke, Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas
Analysis: Lots to love about what this team is doing. They have maintained and even added to what was already a NASTY farm system, and they signed key free agents that will allow them to be a fringe playoff contender this season. The future of this team looks really nice.
5.) Cleveland Indians
Grade: C+
Key Additions: Brett Lawrie, Mike Moustakas, Michael Pineda
Key Loses: Carlos Santana, Shin Soo Choo, Grady Sizemore, Chris Perez
Analysis: This team has maintained that they are trying to get younger. I think a proper strategy for this team would have been to do what the Royals did-- Add to the farm by trading 1 or 2 key pieces, and sign players to 1 year deals to try to contend in 2011. Instead, the Indians sold short on some players, and traded away all of their most valuable pieces for less than maximum value. The team decided to save it's money for future uses. Positives of this team include building with very good prospects. Building around Pineda, Lawrie, and Moustakas should have this team contending within a few years.