Play Ball: A.L. Central

The baseball season is fast approaching. Many things have changed this offseason, many teams look new; in good and bad ways. I will try to mow through the different divisions between now and the start of the season.

American League Central
1. Minnesota Twins
Best Move: Extending the contract of C Joe Mauer. The Twins best move appears to be signing C Joe Mauer to a four year extension. They didn't make a splash in free agency, in fact, they didn't even make a ripple. It wasn't a bad move for the Twins, but going out and acquiring a power hitter would've been a smart move.
Worst Move: Signing SP Ramon Ortiz and SP Sidney Ponson. Signing two aging never-have-beens appears to be a pretty dim move by a bright g.m. The Twins have two top pitching prospects, Matt Garza and Glen Perkins, to take the 4 and 5 spots behind Santana, Bonser and Silva. The move would be understandable if it was to add depth, with Liriano likely to miss the season, but planning to start Ponson and Ortiz over Garza and Perkins is ludicrous.
Outlook: Fantastic. The Twins have a lot to look forward to this season. The have the best pitcher in baseball, Johan Santana, last years A.L. batting champ, C Joe Mauer, last years A.L. MVP, 1B Justin Morneau, and one of the top young hitting outfielders, RF Micheal Cuddeyer. If Jason Kubel can bring the power from the DH spot, this team should be unstoppable.
2. Detroit Tigers
Best Move: Trading for OF/DH Gary Sheffield. The Tigers knew what they needed and immediately went out and got it. They paid a heft price, trading three pitching prospects, but the Tigers are stacked with young pitchers.
Worst Move: None. I really can't find where the Tigers screwed up. They could've gone out and got a reliable veteran for the 5th spot in the rotation, but the 24 year old Zach Miner should do just fine.
Season Outlook: The Tigers and the twins should be battling back and forth all season for the division title. There really isn't a glaring weak spot on either roster. With more experience under the belts of their young pitcher, barring a major setback, the Tigers could be back in the Series.
3. Cleveland Indians
Best Move: Most of their signings. The Indians went out and aggressively attacked their weaknesses this offseason. They sign two potential closers, Joe Borowski from the Fins and Keith Foulke from the Red Sox. Foulke has since retired, but the Indians made the effort. They addressed the lack of outfield depth with the signings of David Delluci and Trot Nixon, two veterans who can still play.
Worst Move: Not signing a back of the rotation starter to replace Paul Byrd. Last season, Byrd had a 4.88 era and a 1.51 whip, stats you don't want any starter to have. They signed Roberto Hernandez from the Mets, but he won't make a difference.
Season Outlook: The A.L. Central is going to be a tough division, with four of the five teams having the talent to contend for the title. If the Indians can solve their bullpen problems, there really isn't any reason that they shouldn't put up a fight.
4. Chicago White Sox
Best Move: Acquiring excellent depth. Although the White Sox didn't make any major signings, they shored up their depth at key positions. Signing CF Darin Erstad will bump Brian Anderson into the backup outfielder role, where he'll join Rob Mackowiak. Signing C Toby Hall takes care of any concerns behind Pierzynski. RP Mike MacDougal joins the bullpen and could be a serviceable closer if Jenks gets injured.
Worst Move: Trading Brandon McCarthy. Personally, I think McCarthy was one of the best young pitchers in this league. Although they offset the move by acquiring Gavin Floyd, I still don't like it. McCarthy's development will also take a dive, playing in the launching pad known as Arlington.
Season Outlook: The Sox have a solid all around team as there is no reason not to count them as contenders. If Jenks can stay healthy, their bullpen will be alright. 22 year old LF Ryan Sweeney is the wild card. He hasn't spent much time in the big leagues. But if he falters, they have two solid backups in Mackowiak and Anderson.
5. Kansas City Royals
Best Move: Showing an effort. The Royals actually looked like a team interested in getting better this offseason. Trading for C Jason LaRue and SP Brian Bannister were both good moves. They signed once major leaguers SP Zach Day, SP/RP Brandon Duckworth, and SS Alex S. Gonzalez to minor league contracts. They signed RP Octavio Dotel to close. If they continue to develop their young position players [3B Alex Gordon, 3B/OF Mark Teahen, C Jon Buck] they can make strides.
Worst Move: Signing SP Gil Meche to a $55 million contract. Other than supporting George Bush's third presidential campaign, I can't think of a worst way to blow $55 mil. Meche has a career 4.65 era, .260 baa, and a 1.44 whip. Does that sound like a pitcher deserving of $55 mil? Meche is, at best, a four starter the Royals are putting at one. The only positive to this guy is that he will near 200 innings.
Season Outlook: What season? This is going to be such a bad season, they should be looking forward to 2010. That might be when they stand a chance in this division