Thursday, April 01, 2010

How I See The American League Central In 2010

This is how I see the American League Central in 2010:
1. Minnesota - The Twins will miss Joe Nathan and the Metrodome, but they have a tremendous middle of the lineup with Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer and the underrated Jason Kubel
2. The Tigers - Love their pitching in a certain way with Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer leading the rotation, and a bullpen that should be solid. But run production and defense could be major issues.
3. The White Sox - Kind of remind me of the Tigers in 2008 in that they are high-priced, but overrated.
4. Cleveland - Depends on how much help the Indians get from the minor leagues. They are developing a lot of good players, but are still far away from those players becoming a nucleus.
5. Kansas City - Talent level is improving, but still missing that little extra. Remindful of the Pirates in the National League.

Random Thoughts

- Great matchup in the second round of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs between Plymouth and Windsor. If Plymouth’s Tyler Sequin doesn’t go first overall in the upcoming NHL Draft, he will go second behind Windsor’s Taylor Hall. Defenseman Cam Fowler from Farmington Hills, who starred for the United States during its gold medal triumph at the World Junior Championships, is on Windsor’s blue line. He is a probable Top 10 - maybe even Top Five - overall pick in this draft.

This will be a great series on a number of different of levels. There is a great rivalry between Plymouth and Windsor to begin with. They certainly play each other enough. Major junior hockey is terrific - and this will be it at its best.
By the way, Hall is the best of the three prospects in my opinion. Has best overall game.

- I think the most fascinating position in the upcoming NFL Draft is running back. My best guess who will ultimately be the best back out of this class is Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews. He did play some of his best football against BCS teams. A very productive player.

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7 Comments:

Blogger Fred Brill said...

Pat,

If pitching beats hitting than the Tigers have the edge over Minnesota.

I personally think that this will be a closer race between Minnesota and Detroit - the Tigers having sporadic spells in first thru third.

It sure would be nice to see the Tigers finish strong August through September - that's the number one reason why I can't pick our guys to take the AL Central.

The Memorial Cup has to be right up there with the hardest to win. It would be amazing if the Spits could do it back to back. But there's a tom left to play before that can happen.

6:47 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Couldn't agree with you more about the Memorial Cup. Four series - and then the finals. Hope Windsor lands it. This region deserves it.
Caputo

9:10 PM 
Blogger Contrary Guy said...

Whalers season ticket holder. I agree that Hall is a more rounded player than Seguin as he will throw a check now and then. I was reading that Edmonton thinks Seguin may have a slightly better scoring touch than Hall and may take him #1. Apparently Edmonton will have some people at the game Saturday and I know their scout has been to his share of games at Compuware this year. I saw one publication that had Fowler #3.

8:25 AM 
Blogger Barry said...

Pat, I think the Tigers can win the division but Tiger Management has to be skillful. Tigers have to make quick decisions whether to cut an underperformer or keep them on the team. Especially if someone is tearing up AAA.

1:48 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Fred Brill,
Pitching is definitely the Tigers calling card and is the most important aspect of the game. It's just that the Twins pitching might be a lot better than the Tigers hitting.
Caputo

1:14 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Core Contrarian,
Series hasn't mustered much from those two yet, but definitely two great players, both along the Crosby, Stamkos line.
Caputo

1:16 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Barry,
Dave Dombrowski did a good job with that last season. Was a key for them to stay in the lead that long. We'll see if they can do it again.
Caputo

1:18 PM 

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