MINNESOTA
Winners of 7 in their last 10, the Twinkies sit only a half game back of Chicago in the AL Central, entering tonight's action. The addition of Matt Capps has helped solidify the back end of their pen, a hole that had been needing a fill since Joe Nathan went down in spring training. Everyone's favorite All American Boy, Joe Mauer started at Catcher for the first time in August on Sunday, which is good news for the Twins. He had been seeing action at DH with some shoulder soreness. Justin Morneau is close to resuming workouts after his concussion which has landed him on the DL. If they can keep those two sluggers healthy down the home stretch, the AL Central could be a very exciting race to keep an eye on. Twinkie fans have to be optimistic about their position with no Nathan this year, and their two best hitters battling injuries.
DETROIT
I think there has been enough coverage of the Red Sox recent struggles on this site, so I'll turn my attention to another team for my "One Down" segment. I thought about going with Tampa Bay here, but they're still very much in the race, whereas the Tigers have just about removed themselves from it. 3-7 over their last 10 games, they've slipped to under .500 on the year and sit 9 games back of Chi-town as of today. Only the Angels, Indians, Royals and Orioles have a worse team ERA than The Tigers, which may have something to do with their struggles. Miggy Cabrera also has no RBI in his last 7 games. Don't be surprised to see some waiver wire action involving Johnny Damon who has a one year deal and might be able to bring a rebuilding piece or two to Motor City. Damon, has publicly said he would not object to a trade, but would also like a chance at playing in Detroit again next year as a free agent.
AL POWER RANKINGS #1-10, Rank, Team, (Previous Rank)
#1 New York Yankees, (1)
The Yankees still reign supreme over the American League, although I think down the stretch Tampa will give them a run for their money in the AL East. The Yanks are stacked on offense, and got even deeper with the acquisitions of Lance Berkman and added to their 'pen with Kerry Wood. Both of those players came very cheap, which leads me to wonder why teams always seem to give their talent away to the Yankees. A-Rod finally hit #600 and will hopefully settle in at the plate. Jeter is Jeter, and Cano continues to enjoy a very fine season. Did you know? That at this stage in his career Derek Jeter is just about on par with Pete Rose, hits-wise??? Wow.
#2 Chicago White Sox (2)
The White Sox lead their division, for now, with the Twins hot on their trail. Sexy Alexei Ramirez has been on a torrid pace (on my fantasy team, much to DP's chagrin) and the Sox are winners of 6 in their last 10. Gordon Beckham left yesterday's game with a groin injury, only exacerbating his problems this season. If he does land on the DL, I would expect Brent Lillibridge to take over at 2B. Lillibridge is hitting .350 in limited appearances so far this season. Catcher, AJ Pierzynski also rolled his ankle in Saturday's game, got some rest on Sunday, and is expected back in action tonight. Recent acquisition of Edwin Jackson (also on my fantasy team, much to MY chagrin) looked good in his first start, and Freddy Garcia continues to shock people with his good performances on the bump. The Sox have the favorable lineup and rotation in the AL Central, but it remains to be seen if they can put it all together and wrap up this division.
#3 Texas Rangers (3)
The Rangers are 5-5 in their last 10, but still lead Oakland by 7.5 games in the AL West. I think we can just about hang the AL West banner up at Arlington. They begin a home series with the Yanks Tuesday which could be a great litmus test of how good this team really is. I believe this would be a 1st round matchup as things stand right now, but don't quote me on that. Rich Harden is back and has one good start and one shaky one under his belt. The Rangers could use a huge boost if he can prove healthy and effective for the playoffs. They'll likely skip his next start to keep him fresh. Jorge Cantu has been platooning with Mitch Moreland at 1B which has been effective so far. He looks like a nice addition to the roster. This team can mash and they've got some great arms as well. It'll be interesting to see this organization in the playoffs again. I for one am glad that there are some changes in the playoff teams this year.
#4 Minnesota Twins (7)
Basically, just see above. Hot team right now, still getting healthy. Look out.
#5 Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays (4)
I hate that they took the Devil out. Who cares?! Anyway...this team is sta-rugg-a-ling in the words of Joe Namath.
Carl Crawford has been banged up a bit and The Rays have lost 6 of their last 10, 5 in a row. To make matters worse they were almost no-hit AGAIN yesterday, which would have made it an unprecedented third time this season! Whoa. They look to get off the snide against Detroit on Monday night.
#6 Boston Red Sox (5)
I think we all know the story. It is covered on this site daily.
#7 Toronto Blue Jays (9)
I believe is this team were not in the American League East that we'd be talking about them a whole lot more. They're really a pretty decent ball club, but obviously not on the same level as the other 3 contenders in the East. (NYY, BOS, TB) Toronto leads baseball in homeruns and is a very exciting squad to watch offensively, even if the names aren't big. Yunel Escobar (0 HR in ATL this season) even joined the long-ball party when he arrived in Toronto. Is Tiger's doctor still working up there?!
#8 Oakland Athletics (10)
I can't believe this team is not last, but they're over .500 again and the Angels have been sucking it up lately, so here we are. They've got nice young pitching and not much else to write about. Chris Carter, a big-time slugging prospect should be getting the call this week to join the big club after raking in AAA so far this year. He is a big man and should be able to do some damage, but probably won't hit for much average.
#9 Detroit Tigers (6)
See above. They've been fairly stinky lately, making the AL Central a two-team race.
#10 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (8)
View Larger Map
So....that makes sense. That'd be like the Boston Patriots. What?!
Anyway...this team doesn't have it this year. They need to reload after basically a decade or so of dominance in the AL West.
No comments:
Post a Comment