Chicago White Sox:
Regardless of what Ozzie Guillen and Kenny Williams proclaim from the highest mountain top, the Sox will rely on the long ball for as long as they play 81 games at US Cellular Field. With the loss of sluggers Jermaine Dye and Jim Thome, it is essential that RF Carlos Quentin has a year similar to 2008 (36/100/.288/.394/.571) rather than 2009 (21/56/.236/.323/.456). History says that he will break down regardless of his production, but Quentin must stay healthy for Chicago to win the AL Central.
Cleveland Indians:
This team has been ravaged by injury the past few years. They also have not reaped any benefits from trading back-to-back Cy Young winners. For the Tribe to emerge from the wreckage, they need rebounds from both Grady Sizemore and Jake Westbrook. Centerfielder and “face-of-the-franchise” Sizemore battled through the 2009 season injured, and required two off-season surgeries (groin and elbow). While not a terrible season, it was below his usual standards: 106 games, 73 runs, 18 home runs, .248 avg and only 13 stolen bases. From 2005-08 he was among the AL leaders in several categories: second in games (639) and runs (464); third in total bases (1267), walks (329) and doubles (163); fourth in hits (719) and stolen bases (115). His 107 home runs ranked ninth during that time span. With the departure of Sabathia and Lee, the burden of heading a very inexperienced staff falls on Westbrook, who missed all of 2009 and had only five starts in '08. The 32-year-old right handed pitcher made 121 starts for the Indians from 2004-07 and was 50-43. Regardless of his spot in the rotation, he will be a leader.
Detroit Tigers:
The Tigers can’t really expect rebounds from Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis, as both have been trending downward for years. It is more realistic to expect Armando Galarraga to return to his 2008 form (13-7, 3.73 ERA). Last season his ERA ballooned to 5.64 and his record fell to 6-10. With the loss of Edwin Jackson, someone needs to step up in the No. 2 spot behind ace Justin Verlander.
Los Angeles Angels:
Even though the Angles added Fernando Rodney to the bullpen, the return of a healthy Scot Shields is paramount for the Angels long-term success. Shields has been a model for consistency. From 2004-08 he averaged 69.4 appearances for the Halos. His ERA has risen above 3.00 only twice before 2009 (3.33 in '04 and 3.86 in '07). His 1-3 record and 6.62 ERA was a direct result of injuries. He had knee surgery in June after only 17.2 innings, and the depth of the bullpen was weakened.
Minnesota Twins:
It appears that Minnesota and the White Sox will again battle for the AL Central crown. The Twins chances will greatly improve if their starting rotation gets healthy. Kevin Slowey’s 2009 season was cut short by a wrist injury. He did, however, go 10-3 with a 4.86 ERA in sixteen starts. His ERA should shrink if he's able to waste a few pitches, as he has pinpoint control. Likewise, the Twins' younger pitchers will benefit if Glen Perkins is healthy and returns to his 2008 form when he was 12-4 with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts. In 2009, he was limited to 96.1 innings and had to shut it down in early August with a rotator cuff strain.
Seattle Mariners:
The Mariners seem poised to push the Angels this year with many off-season acquisitions. However, Milton Bradley’s health and run production must improve drastically. Maybe the low-key Seattle backdrop is just what the troubled hitter needs to resurrect his career.
Tampa Bay Rays:
Even if Andy Sonnanstine does not start the 2010 season in the Rays' rotation, they need him to regain his 2008 form. Last year was a complete disaster for the right handed pitcher (6-9, 6.77 ERA and 1.66 WHIP). His ERA may never be pretty, but Tampa Bay can live with 4.38, especially if he is 13-9. As the Rays have a bevy of up and coming starters in the organization, he will have to battle for a spot in spring training.
Toronto Blue Jays:
With the departure of Roy Halladay this off-season, Shaun Marcum’s healthy return is even more important to the Jays' success. The 29-year-old missed all of 2009 after having Tommy John surgery in '08. If he can approach his '07-'08 numbers ( 21-13, 3.77 ERA in 50 starts), Cito Gaston can sleep easier in 2010.
