Top 10 Right Now- Team (Tigers, Royals, Indians)

Tigers

1. 3B Miguel Cabrera
2. SP Justin Verlander
3. 1B Prince Fielder
4. CF Austin Jackson
5. DH Victor Martinez
6. SP Max Scherzer
7. RF Torii Hunter
8. SP Doug Fister
9. SP Anibal Sanchez
10. RP Joaquin Beniot

Royals

1. LF Alex Gordon
2. DH Billy Butler
3. SP James Shields
4. 1B Eric Hosmer
5. 3B Mike Moustakas
6. SS Alcides Escobar
7. SP Jeremy Guthrie
8. RP Greg Holland
9. CF Lorenzo Cain
10. SP Wade Davis

Indians

1. RF Nick Swisher
2. 2B Jason Kipnis
3. CF Michael Bourn
4. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
5. SP Ubaldo Jimenez
6. RP Chris Perez
7. C Carlos Santana
8. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall
9. RP Vinnie Pestano
10. SP Justin Masterson

 

Free Agent Profile: Grady Sizemore

OVERVIEW: Sizemore became the Indians best and most popular player after coming up in 2004.  He could do it all and was one of the top young players in the AL Central and AL.  He can still help a team out a ton but after getting injured in August 2009 he was unable to stay healthy.  One injury after another ha derailed the past 3 years of his career.  He’s only 30 and he can still play center field well but after being injured all of 2012, he will have to settle for a smaller contract.  For the production he can put up I’m kind of surprised that a team hasn’t taken a flyer on Sizemore yet.  He can still hit and could regain his old form for a couple of years.  Sizemore can help a team out if he can stay healthy and he’s worth a look even if you have a packed outfield.
STATS: In a full season he could hit 25-30 HR and get at least 70 RBI, it all depends on where you put him in the line-up.  Near the top he could be a big run scorer too.  If he stays healthy for a whole year, his numbers could closely resemble his old numbers.  The only thing is his average has dipped and he won’t likely bring it up a ton, but he could still not have an atrocious average and he can get on base well.
FITS
Rangers- This is his perfect fit, he could hit well here and help Texas stay competitive since they lost Hamilton and need an OF BEST FIT
Indians- He is one of their better players in the past 10 years
Yankees- Seems like a place he could do some damage but he would be more of a role player
Cardinals- He would be a decent fourth outfielder in St. Louis
Orioles- They missed out on Nick Swisher, but he may be a bargain if they get him
Rays- They just lost J Upton, a sleeper fit for Sizemore
IDEAL CONTRACT: 1 year, 4-6 Million 3-5 Million in incentives
CAN HE STAY HEALTHY?: That’s a matter of luck and how your body is built.  Sizemore can stay healthy for a whole year as he’s played 162 games more than once and if he does, he could put a little bit of fear back into pitchers
BOTTOM LINE: A former All-Star CF, who might just still be one.  Pick him up

White Sox Get Youkilis From Red Sox

The White Sox have acquired Kevin Youkilis from the Red Sox For Zach Stewart and Brent Lillibridge.  From the Boston aspect of the deal, Will Middlebrooks was doing to good to send down and Youk’s time had run out in Boston as Middlebrooks was doing better and a better fit moving forward, Boston got some great years and moments out of Youkilis and he was one of the better Red Sox in their 2000’s history.  They got Zach Stewart, a top pitching prospect with a good arm, who may not be as good as he was once touted to be but he could fill in as a four or five guy or a power bullpen arm one day, he was a nice, decent piece for the Red Sox in the deal.  The Red Sox also got Brent Lillibridge, who can play outfield and infield and should continue to do what he’s done with the White Sox, although in Boston his power could get a bit better.  The teams that didn’t get Youk are the Pirates,w ho I think should have tried hard for him, the Dodgers who he would have helped but didn’t lose out on as much or the Indians, where he could have been a nice piece.  Though the Tigers should still overtake the White Sox, their line-up is good enough to stay in the race with Detroit now and the Tigers need to beat them.  Youkilis needed a change of scenery and the White Sox are a good fit, he;s still in a hitter friendly park and though his numbers have a downward trend, he should make it go upward and even if he doesn;t, he will still be productive and be a huge upgrade over Morel and Hudson at third.  Youkilis should continue being an all-star in Chicago and it was a key and real good acquisition for the White Sox,  Dunn, Konerko, and Youk will be pretty good for them, but I still don;t think it’ll be enough.  I’d hit Youkilis fifth, like he did some of his time in Boston, but second isn;t a bad slot for him either.

Moves: Garcia, Sizemore, Jaso

• Freddy Garcia re-signed with the Yankees for one year, the perfect amount of time for him because that’s likely going to be his last pretty good season.  We could see some regression this year but this is still a decent fit and a good signing and he will be a good fourth or more likely fifth starter.  He’s a veteran who could do decent and should do okay within the division, though he may struggle from time to time. Garcia has always been a decent starter and I think he will have a good 2012 season, I like this signing for both sides
• The Indians signed Grady Sizemore and Cleveland is Sizemore’s best fit and his power is reaching a big break through.  If he stays healthy watch out for his power, speed and defense.  Eveything is still there for him aand I think he could have a big year and become the comeback player of the year for the AL.  If he does do good the Indians need to lock him up for another year because he’s valuable for them and Sizemore could be one of the Indians top hitters in 2012.  Great signing for bith sides
• The Rays traded John Jaso to the Mariners for Josh Lueke and a PTBNL.  I like Lueke as a power reliever and think he could put up some big numbers in the late innings and maybe even get a shot to close with his heat he will be amazing if he can keep control.  John Jaso is a decent catcher and could start or platoon and he has great instincs and can hit and is a pretty good ballplayer but Miguel Olivo is probably a bit better and I’d go woth him most of the time but Jaso should improve on his 2011 when he does start and do a good job all-around.  The Rays have catching options and I think Jose Molina would be good for them for 2012 and maybe 2013.  I like Jose Lobatan and Robinsin Chirnos both, and Chirnos better, he could be a decent starter so both teams win and both guys should have some success in their no homes.  EDGE: Rays

Hot Stove Day 1: Lowe, Sabathia, Santos

• Derek Lowe was traded to the Indians and he might have a few good starts but he will be a 4.70 ERa guy who fills the Indians five slot okay and it wasn’t a bad deal on their part but don’t expect a lot from him, he may improve slightly on last season based on his track record but other than that he’s slowly going to get worse.  The Braves need this, now they have a rotation of Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Minor and Beachy full time with Teheran and Delgado to follow soon and they might be able to sign one more piece to help them make the playoffs.  The Braves also got lefty reliever Chris Jones, who could be a nice piece to their bullpen in a  few seasons.  EDGE: Braves
• CC Sabathia agreed to stay with the Yankees which is a win-win.  Sabathia will do good in New York and the Yankees would be in huge trouble without him.
• The Tigers have outrighted Brad Thomas and Omir Santos, though neither will be missed much the Tigers need a new back-up/emergency catcher, I suggest bringing back Matt Treanor and starting him in AAA.  Thomas may do so-so in a new home but will never be a real good reliever and Santos could be a good backup catcher somewhere.

Series Preveiw: Tigers at Indians

THOUGHTS: I think the Tigers have a great chance to sweep or at least win the series.  If they do, I would say the Indians are pretty much out.  The Indians only have a slight chance of winning anyway.  I also think the Tigers hitting will stay on a roll and they will do everything right and maybe start a big winning streak.  They have a good roster and if it heats up they might not stop winning at all.
PITCHING MATCH-UPS:
TODAY: DOUG FISTER vs. UBALDO JIMENEZ- Fister has been masterful and better than Jimenez, who’s good but can be hit by the Tigers so look for a decent game but with Fister doing great and Jimenez just good
TUESDAY: RICK PORCELLO vs. FAUSTO CARMONA- This may be a higher scoring game but Porcello is starting to get in another groove, so watch out for that, though he may still be hittable, but expect an average start from him and below average from Carmona
WEDENSDAY: JUSTIN VERLANDER vs JUSTIN MASTERSON- I love Masterson and think he’s going to be even better but the Tigers can get a few runs off of him and JV looks like he could easily get win number 22, he’s also the best where as Masterson is just one of the better pitchers
OFFENSE: Miguel Cabrera is on a roll, and should continue that and so should the rest of the Tigers line-up.  Avila and Jackson should stay very hot and don;t forget about Martinez and the underrated Peralta,  The Indians could get some runs but the Tigers pitching could hold them, don’t expect much from the returning Grady Sizemore either.  Carlos Santana is the biggest threat and is beginning to be a beast against their pitching.
KEYS:  TIGERS: Keep up the offense and get a decent start from Rick Porcello  INDIANS: Score early and often, get a good start from Ubaldo
PREDICTIONS
TODAY: Tigers 6  Indians 2
TUESDAY: Tigers 8  Indians 4
WEDENSDAY: Tigers 3  Indians 0

Trade Deadline Winners and Loseres So Far

A look at who won and lost so far and if things can change

WINNER
TIGERS- Disregard Fister’s two middle starts for the Tigers and he’s been really good.  He will show up even more and be a reliable number three on the Tigers staff.  Pauley looks good and should do around as well as he did with the M’s and be one of the top relievers in the division.  Betemit fits right in with he team and will continue too, awesome at the bottom of the line-up, more average and RBIs with some homers sprinkled in.  Delmon Young was a waiver trade that should do some good too.
MARINERS- Casper Wells could very well reach 20-20 if he gets full playing time and is a good option to hit second in that line-up too and him and Carp might cool off a bit there but there both really good and Wells might even be a smidge better.  Carp wasn’t acquired at the deadline but him and Casper have both been awesome for the M’s.  Furbush could be a good option at the end of the rotation or a really good long reliever or middle reliever and should keep it up.  Ruffin and Martinez will show their talents soon, Ruffin sooner and could he could be a setup man real quick.  Robinson is the best player they got and Chiang shows up under any circumstance and could be very good for them soon too.
PHILLIES- Hunter Pence will do even better and thrive in Philly.  He and Victorino are young and explosive and think in 2012 with Brown being added.  He may have made the Phillies pull away from the pack and will continue to do great things and play great defense and great all-around and he could heat up even more
RANGERS- They got Mike Adams, who has had a few struggles since joining the AL but he will give up a few more runs out of San Diego and even with his struggles he’s still a top setup man and pair him with Uehara, who could do even better with his new and team and you have a team that I can’t see NOT making the ALCS at least along with their whole other team.
BRAVES- Bourn is a true leadoff man and that will help them a ton.  He will propel them a ton and this team was already good almost all-around too.  The best part is they didn’t give up anybody who will be more valuable, pretty much ever!  Bourn’s running game will add to the offense too and those stolen bases were needed.  This makes the Braves maybe the most well-rounded team in the MLB.  Aces- Jurrjens, Hudson, Hanson.  Speed: Heyward, Bourn  Defense: Heyward, Bourn, Gonzalez  Relievers: Kimbrel, Venters, O’Flaherty  Power: McCann, Uggla, Freeman  Hitting: Jones, McCann, Bourn.  Bourn adds a ton
INDIANS: The Fukudome deal was dumb because he won;t do anything for them and will stay around the Mendoza Line.  If Jimenez turns out it was worth it.  He can get beat up from time to time but now he’s in a better park and if he gets his delivery fixed up a bit they have a guy who will keep them going and they might not fall out
BLUE JAYS: Rasmus for what they got was a steal and they got some supporting cast members.  Now that the Jays have a five tool, middle of the order center fielder they might be able to sneak in the AL East race real soon.  Rasmus should do even better and continue to develop in Toronto and reach his prime real soon
METS: Beltran wasn’t coming back, so they got a future ace which is good for them because the only current members of the rotation (Or DL) I can see in a Mets uniform in a couple of years is Niese and Santana, so Wheeler could be the co-ace if he reaches his potential.
ATHLETICS: Ziegler may be good but Allen should be a starter who does well and Norberto could do almost as well as Ziegler down the road, possibly.
LOSERS
DODGERS: They gave up a good and explosive center fielder that could be a big player starting next year for two future relievers, one of which seems to be a hit or miss (Rodriguez and a platoon catcher.  The deal was dumb for the Dodgers and it could hurt them a little more than they think.  The Furcal deal was good for them though.
RED SOX: Aviles si a good utility man for them who can fill in for an injured guy and do well and could get even better with the Sox in Fenway but Bedard probably won’t do much and the rotation of their’s might get beat up in the playoffs.  Beckett and Lester are the only guys who could really do well and Bedard could do something but coming off an injury he may not do much.  In the future he could return to doing well, so maybe they can re-sign him.
CARDINALS: The bullpen hasn’t gotten much better because Dotel is nearing the end of his career and behind him their bullpen just isn’t strong enough.  Salas and Rzepcynski are good but now I think they are out of it and they gave up Rasmus and got back a bad return and though Jay won’t be bad he won’t be able to replace him.  Furcal is only a small upgrade over Schumaker/Theroit too.  Castellanos has potential too.
YANKEES: No moves, still problems.  Not enough pitching for them could mean a playoff exit before the ALCS.  The Rangers and Red Sox are better and the Tigers have a better ace at this point and Scherzer and Fister are starting to show up.  No deal could be a huge loss and even Wandy Rodriguez looks good for them now.
WHITE SOX: They got one good future arm who won;t be an ace but good and a veteran reliever and that’s not enough for them to compete I think.
ASTROS: The really didn’t get back a lot of really good prospects but they aren’t complete losers, they just could have gotten more.  Singleton and Zied look good along with Santana and Cossart.  Oberholtzer also a good pickup.
IN BETWEEN
ANGELS: They didn’t need to really make a move but they could have.  They probably won’t the division and some oft he other hitters will heat up down the strecth anyway, so they are fine.  Their biggest problem is figuring out how to get rid of Wells so next year Trout and play with Hunter and Bourjos in the outfield and Abreu will DH.  Something going to have to happen.
GIANTS: Beltran is hurt but he could give them major production is September and even more in the playoffs and Keppinger is a number two guy they needed but not sure why they got Orlando Cabrera, at this point Tejada is better.  So they are winners if Beltran shows up, which is more likely and losers if he doesn’t 
DIAMNDBACKS: Ziegler is another good arm who will have success ad Marquis was good but they may still have enough to beat the Giants anyway and the Goldschmit call-up, could be, well, gold.

MLB Power Rankings 8/19/11

1. Phillies- The best, no question
2. Red Sox- Really Good, easily better than the Yankees
3. Braves- I can’t find many negatives
4. Yankees- Starters and Injuries a concern but a good team
5. Brewers- Hottest in baseball and Weeks isn’t even back yet
6. Rangers- Ready for another deep postseason run
7. Diamondbacks- Look better than the Giants but not very established yet
8. Giants- Lincecum has been a n ace as has Cain and Vogelsong and Sanchez have been a great supporting cast.  No offense though
9. Tigers- If the starters can come around they are a pretty deep team
10. Rays- The wrong division, one of the most talented teams in the MLB, bright future
11. Cardinals- Berkman, Holliday and Pujols won’t make it easy on Brewers but Garcia struggles are big trouble
12. Indians- Ubaldo will help but just aren’t THAT good
13. Angels- Wells is killing them but Santana is hot and Trumbo is a very talented player
14. White Sox- If Dunn comes around, watch out, Humber being out hurts though
15. Blue Jays- Above average but this isn’t their year to shine
16. Pirates- A .500 team, finally.  If Alvarez comes around and they stay healthy could be much, much more
17. Reds- Could climb up the list and come back very strong
18. Rockies- Another team that had just one bad year and Tulo could light up September
19. Marlins- Should being doing a lot better but dumb moves like demoting Morrison hurt
20. Mets- Not a bad team but not a contender, yet
21. Nationals- Could be next year’s surprise team with Strasburg back, both Zimmerman(n)s and a good year from Werth, don’t forget Harper, at the end of the year, either
22. Twins- Need to come out the gate better but Nishioka is a bust and an easy out, the double play combo needs work
23. Athletics- They look very good and I can’t see them not improving a lot next season
24. Padres- Have some young and promising players but still a few years away
25. Dodgers- Kemp is an MVP candidate and Ethier should come back strong starting this year
26. Mariners- The starters look good and Wells and Carp look like future players but after that it’s hazy
27. Orioles- Not a really good team and still years away from contending
28. Cubs- With Hendry gone it could get better from here
29. Royals- Their outfielders all look good and prospects are bright a better record is ahead
30. Astros- Not much other than Altuve

Series Preview: Indians at Tigers

PREDICTION:
Friday: Indians 2 Tigers 7
Saturday: Indians 5 Tigers 8
Sunday: Indians 5 Tigers 4
PROBABLES
FRIDAY: Scherzer vs Tomlin: Scherzer should have a good start and may start a turn around for the Tigers right here.  He has to be good for the Tigers to go deep in the postseason and he should show up for most of his big starts.  Tomlin is easier to hit and completely done with his first half success, he could do okay but the Tigers should score.
SATURDAY: Doug Fister vs David Huff: Both could do good but I think this could be a higher scoring game.  Fister should start to settle down a bit but the Indians could get a piece of him but it should be a decent start and Huff should also do decent and fool some hitters but not others.
SUNDAY: Rick Porcello vs Ubaldo Jimenez- Jimenez got the Tigers last time and could start pitching like an ace but the Tigers offense should get something off of him.  Porcello is a toss-up but if he does good it might still be a little messy, so decent start at best ahead for him while Ubaldo may dominate.
ANALYSIS: I think the Tigers offense and bullpen will be at their best and Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez could seriously add to their totals.  With Choo back the Indians offense could do good but their pitching is hittable and the Tigers are better and should show it most of the series.
KEYS: The Tigers need to take advantage of every opportunity and their starters need a lower their ERA.  For the Indians, Choo has to show up and they can’t play bad at all in any game.
IMPACT: The Tigers are better and if the sweep they may only have to worry about the White Sox but the Indians shouldn’t be counted out even though they aren’t quite as good as the Tigers they are a good team.  The Tigers need to take two out of three or else they could find a little trouble too.

Analysis: Indians and Ubaldo, Fukudome acquired

JIMENEZ DEAL: Jimenez will be a great addition to the Indians and though he might not be as good as last years first half in Cleveland he’s in a less hitter friendly park and can work with that to lower his ERA and WHIP and start to get more hitters out and become himself again.  He should do best in the AL Central for now and though he will still have some tough outings with Cleveland he should be a true ace and keep them in the race for the rest of the year.  Down he road he should do very good for Cleveland too but to be dominant again and always have an ERA in the 2.00’s he needs to start throwing faster which means he needs to follow through at the end of his wind-up, I’ve heard and seen it and believe it to be true and if he can do that, the Indians made a nice choice in getting him but if not he will still be dominant but nowhere as good and very inconsistent, I think he can turn it around though and with his fastball he can be very big for them, but not as good as Verlander.  The Rockies got Alex White, who will be successful and always has been, he will make a great number two starter in the future and pitching in Colorado will only hurt him a little, I really like this guy and he won’t always have impressive outings but he will always only give up two or three runs and keep his team in the game.  They also got Drew Pomeranz, who keeps getting better by the day and there is nothing to dislike, he;s the future ace and could turn out to be more valuable than Jimenez to the Rockies, but that’s just a possibility.  He has a very bright career ahead though.  Joe Gardner will be a solid middle of the rotation guy who has some impressive years and he looks very good.  Matt McBride is a power hitter, who will be pretty much that in the MLB.  EDGE: Rockies
A look at each teams rotations now (With everybody healthy)
Rockies

1. RHP Jhoulys Chacin- An ace, but a lower tier one
2. LHP Jorge De La Rosa- Still ahs something left
3. RHP Alex White- Reday to step up
4. RHP Jason Hammel- A filler who will do ok sometimes but 4.50-ish ERA
5. RHP Esmil Rogers- Could get better

Indians

1. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez- Duh, he’s going to be good even with some problems
2. RHP Justin Masterson- And rising…Big Time
3. RHP Fausto Carmona- Not the best, not the absolute worst though
4. RHP Josh Tomlin- Overrated but a four starter at heart
5. RHP Carlos Carrasco- He could be more than he is right now and soon

FUKUDOME DEAL: This deal adds depth and injury relief for the Indians.  Sure, Fukudome will do better in Cleveland but he still won’t be good and he really only brings above average defense to the table.  If he hits at the bottom of the order he will do okay and make very few contributions.  The Cubs got Abner Abreu, who will be a power hitter who has potential to be a very good hitter and the Cubs also got Carlton Smith, a so-so pitcher.  EDGE: Cubs