Welcome to the first installment of AL or Nothing for the 2008 season. I annually refer to this article as "Thawing Out" because I am a resident of Pennsylvania where Winters in no way resemble those in South Beach. I got a new inground pool last October and have been staring at it's icy cover for the last 5 months. I am looking forward to the warmer weather approaching so that I can plunge into the warm waters with the same zeal that I am going to have this year in trying to uncover trends in the American League. I welcome all of you aboard for a wild 26 weeks of AL action. Each week I will aim to
give you the most up to date information on things going on in the American League, so that you can make informed decisions for players on your Fantasy Teams
What has happened since last Off-Season?
AL EAST:
Baltimore Orioles - Miguel Tejeda and Erik Bedard were shipped off in trades. That leaves the O's with Luis Hernandez to play short, and a pitching staff with Jeremy Guthrie as the potential number one starter. Adam Jones came over from Seattle in the Bedard deal, and it will be interesting to see if they let him grow in CF this year.
Boston Red Sox - Curt Schilling is out till the All Star break with a shoulder injury and now Josh Beckett has a lower back problem and will miss the trip to Japan. Coco Crisp will not be a happy camper if Jacoby Ellsbury ends up starting in CF this year. Perhaps the Sox can trade him for some pitching help. Bartolo Colon signed a Minor League contract, and I just have this feeling we will see him in Boston some time this year.
New York Yankees - The big news was the Yankees not giving up top prospects for Johan Santana, choosing instead to go with Philip Hughes and Ian Kennedy. The
possibility remains that Joba Chamberlain may move from his 8th inning setup role to a starter sometime in the middle of the season.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays - The Rays dealt Delmon Young to the Twins and will move BJ Upton to CF. Evan Longoria has started off hot in Spring Training in a bid to nail
down the starting gig at 3B this season.
Toronto Blue Jays - B.J. Ryan is having a good Spring and should return to full time closer duties in April. They swapped 3B with the Cardinals, sending the Redbirds
Troy Glaus in exchange for Scott Rolen. Rolen is the superior glove and should help the Jays pitching staff.
AL Central:
Chicago White Sox - Danny Richar should get the starting nod at 2B. Nick Swisher will start in CF and Carlos Quentin should man LF. Orlando Cabrera will take over at SS. Joe Crede is back at 3B, and is a roadblock for the development of Josh Fields. I smell a trade here in the very near future.
Cleveland Indians - Masahide Kobayashi comes over from Japan, and should Joe Borowski falter, he could see some Save opportunities. Jeremy Sowers, Aaron Laffey and Cliff Lee will be battling for the 5th spot in the rotation.
Detroit Tigers - Miguel Cabrera will provide a huge boost the Tigers lineup. Jacque Jones was brought in to play LF, and Dontrelle Willis will eat up innings for
the Tigers.
Kansas City Royals - Jose Guillen comes over from Seattle and should bat clean-up for the Royals. Look for Zack Greinke to have a breakout season.
Minnesota Twins - Francisco Liriano will have to fill the big shoes of Johan Santana. Carlo Gomez and Delmon Young should lock down starting spots in the Twins OF.
Gomez could swipe 30 bags this season. This should make up for the loss of Tori Hunter.
AL West:
Los Angeles Angels - The Angels are looking for Erick Aybar to land the starting job at SS. Tori Hunter will now man CF for the Angels. This could be the season we see the emergence of porspect Brandon Wood.
Oakland Athletics - Billy Bean was at it again shipping out Dan Haren for Mega prospect Carlos Gonzalez. Daric Barton and Travis Buck are trying to secure jobs
at 1B and LF. Barton could push Dan Johnson to the bench
Seattle Mariners - Erik Bedard will shore up the Mariners pitching staff. He and Felix Hernandez will make for a potent 1-2 punch all season. Brad Wilkerson takes over in
RF for the departed Jose Guillen.
Texas Rangers - Josh Hamilton came over from the Reds and will man CF for the Rangers. If he stays healthy he could put up big numbers this season.
As you can see a lot has happened and no doubt more is to come as we head toward Opening Day. So welcome aboard and enjoy the ride.
Got a fantasy question you would like answered in my column? Send it to me via
e-mail at mikek@creativesports.com. Until next week, I wish you the best of
luck.