Twins beefing up?
Still like the White Sox to win the AL Central this season?
I do, mainly because of the starting five, but you can never dismiss the Minnesota Twins.
Even though they're moving to an outdoor stadium (Target Field) after years of tailoring their talent for the pinball-like conditions in the wretched Metrodome, the Twins have a solid lineup headed by defending MVP Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, who won the award in 2006.
Minnesota's lineup also features Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Denard Span, newcomer J.J. Hardy, Delmon Young and Sox killer Nick Punto. And don't forget about Jim Thome, who was added to beef up the bench.
Indoors or out, that is a lineup that looks like it's going to generate a lot of runs.
Making matters worse for the White Sox are the multiple reports that Orlando Hudson is close to signing a one-year deal. In addition to being a .career 282 hitter, Hudson is a four-time Gold Glove winner at second base.
He's also an electric presence in the clubhouse and reportedly is picking the Twins over the Indians and Nationals. Hey, Hudson's got brains, too.
On the flip side, Hudson lost his starting job with the Dodgers to Ronnie Belliard late last season and there is some concern he's never going to be the player he once was after having wrist surgery in 2008.
I think Hudson would be a great fit with the Twins, and his addition would put even more pressure on a White Sox offense that's not sure what to expect from Alex Rios, Carlos Quentin, the DH duo of Andruw Jones/Mark Kotsay and even newcomers Mark Teahen and Juan Pierre.
Runs this year. The Sox are going to have to rely so heavily on the pitching staff, so Sox nation should be crossing their fingers that all the starters have above avg seasons and that the injury bug doesn't touch the starting five.
I understand the Sox letting Dye, Thome, and Pods go....but let's be honest here, adding end of the career Andrew Jones/Omar Visquel and a servicable Juan Pierre is supposed to make us all feel warm and fuzzy on the inside?
Sox fans better hope that Staff is as good as they can be, and that the pen doesn't implode.
Will be a race to the wire, Sox and Twins and maybe even Detroit. With a young pitching staff that looks good , and new young CF Austin mixed with veterans , Cabrera , Guillen , Ordenez and Inge Tigers may surprise and be in the mix also. KC Fans not impressed, but believe the Royals will be better with Additions of former Sox Getz,Podsednik (also have Fields and Anderson now )new CF will be Ankiel. Depends on how their starters perform after Greinke. and they have always been inconsistent. So possibly as high as 3rd place finish , more likely 4th or last.