Today we’ll take a look at the AL Central. Honestly, this division bores the hell of out of me and provides no pizzazz or oomph. The most fun part about this division is the lack of honor the White Sox have when asking Adam LaRoche to not bring his kid home when he had explained specifically before signing that it was a requirement. So the contract said “Kid A” must be allowed to come to work with me. My motto in life, specifically in any leadership role like coaching is: “Family over everything”. I back LaRoche’s decision and I expect the White Sox organization to fall apart as their players continue to be discontent with management. What was once a promising season ahead with a vastly improved offense, I believe will turn into a huge disappointment comparable to some dumb reality TV show. Good luck to the White Sox. On to the position battles! Snooozee….
Kansas City Royals
5th Starting Pitcher: Danny Duffy vs Kris Medlen – There really isn’t much the Royals are uncertain of this spring training. Duffy vs Medlen is the only battle on the team right now and it’s not much of one either. I’d expect Medlen to get the nod as he has the experience and has been getting deeper looks in games this spring. Edit: Medlen has won the spot outright. Duffy will be in a long relief role most likely.
Minnesota Twins
5th Starting Pitcher: Tyler Duffey vs Ricky Nolasco – They are in the same position as the Royals where not much is up for grabs. I wouldn’t own either of them in a 12 team mixed league. Duffey got a vote of confidence from the manager earlier this month but he has been god awful this spring training. Nolasco has been terrible the last 2 seasons and I would definitely go with Duffey over him.
Cleveland Indians
Outfield: Rajai Davis vs Lonnie Chisenhall vs Tyler Naquin vs Marlon Byrd – This has been a brutal spring for the Indians because of injuries. Nothing is Certain. If everyone was healthy Michael Brantley, Chisenhall would be locks and the 3rd spot would be up for grabs. Brantley will have his spot immediately upon being healthy, Chisenhall will be out as well early on leaving 2 spots available. I would expect the Indians to play the matchups the whole season. To start the season, Brantley, Naquin and Davis would be my guys.
Chicago White sox
Catcher: Dioner Navarro vs Alex Avila – Another team with almost no position battles after some key acquisitions. Navarro is known as a very good catching and defensive catcher while Avila is the opposite. Another platoon is expected here. I’m bored just typing this catcher section up. There could have been an epicly funny Adam Laroche vs Avisail Garcia section for DH if it weren’t for a meddling kid…
Detroit Tigers
Outfield: Anthony Gose vs Cameron Maybin – Maybin was initially going to be the starting CF when he was acquired from the Braves but got hurt mid March leaving the door open for Gose. Once Maybin comes back I expect there to be some sort of platoon the entire season unless one of them really underperforms. I can also see a few extra games for them as the team tries to rest Victor Martinez from time to time at the DH spot.
5th Starting Pitcher: Matt Boyd vs Daniel Norris vs Shane Greene – I wanted to include the 4th starter spot with Mike Pelfrey as he is probably in contention for worst starter in the AL(Greene would be up there too if he wins the spot), but he has been granted the 4th spot which made me cry last night and unable to finish. I wanted Norris to win this battle, as he is the only player who isn’t utter garbage contention, but he got hurt and must wait for his opportunity. Greene will almost assuredly start the season as the 5th starter, but as he and Pelfrey continue be an embarrassment to pitchers, I expect Norris to get a good look. Matt Boyd is only relevant in AL only leagues as a stash.
Well that was a pretty boring division, even the defending champs are snoozers. I think I need to call my friend Jesse or Walter to have some fun…
