A.L. Central
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Incoming: P Kevin Millwood, 2B Alex Cora, 2B Jose Hernandez, P Arthur Rhodes.
Outgoing: OF Matt Lawton, SS Omar Vizquel, 1B Josh Phelps.
411: Cleveland opened last season as the youngest team in baseball and went on to produce nine hitters with at least 50 RBIs, a catching star in Victor Martinez and, arguably, the best designated hitter in the league, Travis Hafner.
911: The bullpen blew 28 saves last season and the Indians responded by re-signing closer Bob Wickman, who has had more than 20 saves just once in the last five seasons.
Operator: In his first full major-league season, Martinez blossomed, becoming an All-Star and winning a Silver Slugger award while hitting 23 homers and driving in 108 RBI.
Hotline: Gone is the stalwart of the infield (shortstop Omar Vizquel), yielding the spot to Jhonny Peralta, who will fit right in with this up-and-slugging club.
2004 finish: 80-82
MINNESOTA TWINS
Incoming: 3B Juan Castro, P C.J. Nitkowski, C Mike Redmond.
Outgoing: 3B Corey Koskie, SS Cristian Guzman, C Henry Blanco.
411: Several of the faces that made the Twins three-time division champs have moved on, yet the Twins seem better for it. Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer headline a march of Minnesota prospects capable of continuing the success.
911: No real cause for concern, except that several division rivals are copying Minnesota’s blueprint to become more competent.
Operator: Reigning Cy Young winner Johan Santana was 13-0 after the All-Star Break with a 1.21 ERA.
Hotline: If Mauer stays healthy and Morneau and Michael Cuddyer produce as they’ve hinted they’re capable, the pitching is in place for a heck of a duel with Cleveland.
2004 finish: 92-70, division title
DETROIT TIGERS
Incoming: P Troy Percival, OF Magglio Ordonez, P Kyle Farnsworth, SS Ramon Martinez.
Outgoing: 3B Eric Munson, P Esteban Yan.
411: Magglio Ordonez was the only free agent offensive threat that came to Detroit; the Tigers courted many others as a remake is under way.
911: Shortstop Carlos Guillen is coming off of knee surgery and Carlos Pena remains a perplexing talent. There’s enough injury history here to be concerned how often the tip-top lineup will be in place.
Operator: Ivan Rodriguez dropped 30 pounds in the off-season — and undoubtedly will have to answer to steroid accusations through the season — but remains the heart of the team.
Hotline: There’s no better example of the Tigers’ rapid surge into respectability than pitcher Jeremy Bonderman. He’s gone from a 6-19 record in the 119-loss 2003 season to being a legit ace in 2005.
2004 finish: 72-90
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Incoming: OF Scott Podsednik, OF Jermaine Dye, 2B Tadahito Iguchi, C A.J. Pierzynski, P Orlando Hernandez.
Outgoing: OF Magglio Ordonez, OF Carlos Lee, 2B Roberto Alomar, C Sandy Alomar Jr.
411: A complete shift in philosophy as the once homer-happy Sox put the emphasis on speed, defense and pitching. The top of the order is primed for that pursuit—with Scott Podsednik and Aaron Rowand ready to run.
911: That puts quite a burden on a pitching staff that features two Yankees castoffs in Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez and will be led by Mark Buehrle, who has averaged 16 wins over past four seasons.
Operator: Paul Konerko hit 41 homers and drove in 117 runs for the White Sox, a feat he’ll need to duplicate to power the offense.
Hotline: Chicago set a franchise record with six players with 20-plus homers and 242 home runs as a team last season, but let its best player (Magglio Ordonez) walk to try a fresh approach.
2004 finish: 83-79
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Incoming: P Jose Lima, OF Terrence Long, OF Eli Marrero.
Outgoing: OF Juan Gonzalez, UT Desi Relaford, 3B Joe Randa.
411: Perennially in a state of rebuilding, Kansas City has its share of could-be stars. Starting with righthanded Zack Greinke, whose 3.97 ERA couldn’t even make the 15 runs scored in his 11 losses stand up.
911: The Royals have no depth nor girth of talent to compete, relying instead on surprises and breakouts.
Operator: Angel Berroa won the rookie of the year in 2003 and then slid all the way to Double-A in a sophomore slump. Expect a better Berroa this season.
Hotline: The Royals followed their previous 100-loss season with a feel-good 2003 in which they were in late-season contention. A similar rebound this season is unlikely.
2004 finish: 58-104