Twins can put a wrap on ‘09

Any thoughts the Twins (or fans) had of the team making the post-season can definitely be forgotten. Though it’s still ‘in fashion’ to read both local & national sports writers stating the team is only out of first place by four (no five, no – six!) games and can rebound that’s a really hard sell. [...]

Tigers get Pavanowned!

I was dubious about Minnesota’s acquisition of Cleveland Indians pitcher Carl Pavano when the trade was announced. I was still upset – no fuming – that the Twins GM Bill Smith hadn’t made a deal for for a veteran starting pitcher or middle relief pitcher that the team desperately needs to stay competitive in the [...]

Paging Johan Santana!

I’ve never missed Johan Santana more than I do right now following the Twins weekend thumping by the Angels. Los Angeles pounded out 52 hits & 35 runs in three games – one of those contests went 11 innings. The Twins starting rotation is in a shambles right now. This is the same young group [...]

Twins & Crede agree on 1 yr. deal

Well, it happened anyway. The Minnesota Twins and free agent third baseman Joe Crede struck an agreement for one year that will net Crede $2.5 million and possibly as much as $7 million in incentives. I realize I’m in a very small majority of Twins fans when I say I really don’t like this deal [...]

Twins off-season moves not dazzling but assured

It’s unbelievable to realize how many Twins fans are whining about the front office lack of activity during the off-season. No…check that. It’s actually not the lack of activity that has fans worked up but more of a demand to sign a marquee free agent to supplement the club. Why? I’m not sure at all.  [...]

Kansas City: Couldn’t get any worse…or could it?

It seems to me the Royals have forever been stuck in that perpetual up-and-coming stage, continually rebuilding since the last year they were in the World Series. They finished strong during the month of September and stayed out of the cellar by besting the Tigers by one game. Still, they headed into the offseason with [...]

Chicago: ‘City of Big Shoulders’ bears ‘09 burden

The 2009 Chicago White Sox are much different looking than the team that won the division title in 2008, which is not necessarily a good thing. Starter Javier Vasquez is gone along with shortstop Orlando Cabrera and third baseman Joe Crede and outfielders Nick Swisher and Ken Griffey Jr. – all have left by either [...]

Minnesota: Woulda’, Shoulda’, Coulda’!

When the 2008 season began Minnesota was projected by most analysts to finish dead last in the AL Central and be one of the least competitive teams in the majors. As we all know the Twins missed the playoffs by one game last season and, most impressively, they did it with a lineup where most [...]

Detroit: Don’t expect another flop performance

After an embarrassing total collapse last season Detroit returns with a slightly different look but many of the same players. Catcher Gerald Laird was acquired from Texas in a trade a short while ago to take over the backstop duties with Ivan Rodriguez having been traded at the deadline last year to the Yankees. Adam [...]

Cleveland: Reloaded and ready to reboot for ‘09

The Indians have been very active in the offseason, making two significant additions, positioning themselves as the team to beat in the AL Central in 2009. Their outstanding offensive lineup returns with standouts centerfielder Grady Sizemore, DH Travis Hafner and catcher Victor Martinez as well as 2008 newcomer Ben Francisco in leftfield and returning rightfielder [...]