AL Central offseason grades
By Brett Pnazek
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