AL Central offseason grades
Aug 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago White Sox logo behind home plate before a game between the Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
The 2015 MLB season is almost upon us. With pitchers and catchers reporting this week, it is now the perfect time to take a look back and recap the offseason in the AL Central.
Chicago White Sox
Key Additions
Sep 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) reacts after giving up a two run homer to Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos (background) during a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
- Adam LaRoche(1B)
- David Robertson(RP)
- Jeff Samardzija(SP)
- Melky Cabrera(OF)
- Zach Duke(RP)
Key Losses
- None
Recap
The White Sox won the offseason. They improved via free agency as well as through the trade market. They didn’t have to give up any significant prospects in the deal for Samardzija. They’ve improved enough on paper to be a threat in the division.
Grade
A
Cleveland Indians
Key Additions
Jun 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Gavin Floyd (32) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
- Brandon Moss(1B/OF)
- Gavin Floyd(SP)
Key Losses
- None
Recap
The Indians did not make any moves that will wow you, but they added depth in their rotation with Floyd (former White Sox starting pitcher), and pop to their lineup with Moss. If both can stay healthy this team can go from just missing the playoffs to the division champs.
Grade
B
Next: More AL Central Grades
Detroit Tigers
Key Additions
Sep 12, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) at bat against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
- Alfredo Simon(SP)
- Anthony Gose(OF)
- Shane Greene(SP)
- Yoenis Cespedes(OF)
Key Losses
- Max Scherzer(SP)
- Joba Chamberlain(RP)
- Phil Coke(RP)
- Rick Porcello(SP)
- Torii Hunter(OF)
Recap
The Tigers offseason could have been worse had Victor Martinez left the team, though currently he is injured. Their starting pitching has taken a turn for the worse, and the bullpen of Detroit is still a major question mark as is the health of their two best players. Cespedes adds great offensive potential, but whether he can take his game to the next level is still debatable.
Grade
C
Kansas City Royals
Key Additions
Aug 17, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales (21) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
- Alex Rios(OF)
- Edinson Volquez(SP)
- Kendrys Morales (1B/DH)
- Kris Medlen(SP)
- Ryan Madson(RP)
Key Losses
- Billy Butler(1B/DH)
- James Shields(SP)
- Nori Aoki(OF)
Recap
Your American League champions have been busy in terms of making deals and signings, but they are hoping to replace the stability they lost with high risk, high reward players.
Losing Shields hurts the most as they do not have a viable option to replace him. Morales could be a bounce back candidate but his age is a factor working against him. Medlen and Madson are both coming off injuries, but have the potential to be good to even great value.
Grade
B-
Minnesota Twins
Key Additions
Sep 21, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
- Ervin Santana(SP)
- Torii Hunter(OF)
- Paul Molitor (Manager)
Key Losses
- None
Recap
The Twins are pegged for another last place finish. They paid a hefty sum for Santana and Hunter will provide leadership to a team going young. It’s going to be one to two more years before this will compete.
Grade
D