Kritik » biggest off-season move was picking up Kurt Suzuki which wi

Baseball season is just around the corner and TSN.ca has you covered for whos in, whos out and what to expect from all 30 teams. Check in every day this week for two new division previews, finishing up with Scott MacArthurs look at the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Heres what to expect out of the American League Central in 2014. Chicago White Sox GM: Rick Hahn Manager: Robin Ventura 2013: 63-99, 5th in AL Central, Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: It was tough to finish below the Houston Astros in any statistical category in 2013, yet the Chicago White Sox managed to do exactly that in the runs scored category. Manager Robin Ventura was a finalist for Manager of the Year in 2012 but his 2013 team lost 22 more games and avoided the teams first 100-loss season since 1970 by just one game. Going a little deeper than saying everything went wrong for the White Sox, outside of Adam Dunn no one else on the team hit over 20 home runs. For his part, Dunn also whiffed 189 times, third-most in the American League. Chris Sale turned in a solid season from the mound posting an 11-14 record but a very respectable 3.07 ERA as well as 226 strikeouts to 46 walks. From there, the rest of the pitching staff took a sharp drop and one of the key members of the staff, Jake Peavy, was traded mid-season to the Boston Red Sox. When they were able to get the ball to closer Addison Reed he was pretty solid out of the back end of the bullpen converting 40 saves, but it wasnt enough to save a dismal season for the South Siders. Reed was rewarded for his standout play with a trip out of Chicago, direct to the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is Now: The White Sox have a few offensive pieces in their 2014 lineup that warrant some attention heading into the season. Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu who defected and signed a long term deal with the White Sox in the off-season should provide some pop in the middle of the lineup while Adam Eaton could be able to bring a spark to the White Sox attack. Even coming off as bad a run producing season as the White Sox just had, their real problem is going to be starting depth. Outside of Chris Sale, who has proven himself to be a staff ace, they are going to struggle to put together a top of the line starting staff. Which in turn is going to tax their bullpen causing it to struggle. Variations on a theme for the 2014 Chicago White Sox. Whos In?: 1B Jose Abreu, RP Jairo Asencio, RP Ronald Belisario, RP Mitchell Boggs, 3B Matt Davidson, RP Scott Downs, OF Adam Eaton. Whos Out?: C Bryan Anderson, SP Gavin Floyd, 1B Travis Ishikawa, RP Addison Reed, IF Angel Sanchez, SP Hector Santiago, RP Ramon Troncoso, OF Dewayne Wise. Cleveland Indians GM: Chris Antonetti Manager: Terry Francona 2013: 92-70, 2nd in AL Central. Lost Wild Card Game to Tampa Bay. That was Then: To say things were different for the Cleveland Indians under Manager of the Year Terry Francona would be the biggest understatement made in these or any other previews. Francona, owner of two World Series rings from his time with the Boston Red Sox, instilled a winning philosophy in his team and they rode that wave right into the American League Wild Card Game, marking the Tribes first playoff berth since 2002. Jason Giambi, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn all arrived to add a veteran presence while Carlos Santana took a reduced role behind the plate in order to get his bat into the lineup more often. Justin Masterson had a breakout season which included beating R.A. Dickey and David Price, the two reigning Cy Young Award winners. This is Now: Canadian John Axford has replaced the sometimes-erratic Chris Perez as the teams closer and though he had a rough time during the 2013 season, split between the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals, he will be looking to get things right in Cleveland for 2014. Santana is trying his hand at third base in an effort not to become a fulltime DH and could add to the roster flexibility the Indians already enjoy with many players that can move to multiple positions. In the end the Indians will go as far as their rotation can take them and there are questions about what they can get from not only Masterson but Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister at the top of the rotation. If the arms falter, the Indians will take a huge step back, right out of the playoff picture. Whos In?: IF David Adams, RP Scott Atchison, RP John Axford, RP Colt Hynes, 2B Elliot Johnson, SP Shaun Marcum, RF David Murphy, RP Josh Outman, J.C. Ramirez. Whos Out?: RP Matt Albers, OF Ezequiel Carrera, RP Rich Hill, SP Ubaldo Jimenez, SP Scott Kazmir, OF Jason Kubel, C Lou Marson, SP Brett Myers, RP Chris Perez, RP Clay Rapada, C Omir Santos, RP Joe Smith, OF Drew Stubbs. Detroit Tigers GM: Dave Dombrowski Manager: Brad Ausmus 2013: 93-69, 1st in AL Central. Lost American League Championship Series to Boston. That was Then: The Detroit Tigers have been the class of the Central Division and the 2013 season did nothing to change that as they won 93 games on their way to a third consecutive title. Their season eventually came to an end at the hands of the Boston Red Sox in the American League Championship Series as they fell in six games. Third baseman Miguel Cabrera picked up his second straight MVP award after posting another incredible season of 44 home runs and 137 RBIs. He battled injuries towards the end of the campaign and had trouble finding his form in the playoffs. Max Scherzer turned in a 21-3 season and a 2.90 ERA on his way to earning the CY Young Award. This is Now: An entire season review of the Detroit Tigers and not one mention of Justin Verlander one of the top pitching talents in all of baseball. He had a down year in 2013 finishing with a 13-12 season and 3.46 ERA. It would not be a surprise to see him return to the elite level he has produced since the 2009 season. That means with all of the weapons currently in new manager Brad Ausmus arsenal, the best one might be a bouncing back, motivated Justin Verlander. Veteran manager Jim Leyland who led the team to four playoff appearances, all division titles, as well as two World Series (where they were twice beaten) has called it a career after eight seasons with the team. One weapon Ausmus wont have is slugger Prince Fielder who had become a fixture in a Tigers uniform but was dealt in the off-season to the Texas Rangers for Ian Kinsler. That deal was a move that will cost the team some offence but pay back both in defensive improvement as well as health as it will allow Cabrera to move back to the less taxing first base position. That equals trouble for the rest of the American League. Whos In?: RP Duane Below, OF Ezequiel Carrera, RP Joba Chamberlain, OF Trevor Crowe, OF Rajai Davis, 2B Ian Kinsler, RP Ian Krol, RP Joe Nathan. Whos out?: RP Joaquin Benoit, 1B Prince Fielder, SP Doug Fister, 2B Omar Infante, C Brayan Pena, SS Jhonny Peralta, RP Jose Valverde, RP Jose Veras. Kansas City Royals GM: Dayton Moore Manager: Ned Yost 2013: 86-76, 3rd in AL Central. Did not qualify for playoffs. That was Then: For the first time since 2003, the Kansas City Royals turned in a winning season, finishing with an 86-76 record. The team has shown tremendous growth under manager Ned Yost but last year was the first time they looked as though they took a legitimate step forward. Alex Gordon had a strong offensive season but leading the team with 20 home runs means your team did not hit for power at all. Still there were signs of life from players like Eric Hosmer who swatted 17 homers and drove in 79 runs as well as catcher Salvador Perez who also cashed in 79 runs. James Shields was strong at the top of the pitching rotation finishing with a 13-9 record and a 3.15 ERA and Greg Holland was more than reliable as the teams closer. It was a solid but not spectacular season for the Royals, a team that has lots of room left to grow. This is Now: The addition of Nori Aoki is going to help properly re-order the Royals lineup. He will now hit at the top, allowing Alex Gordon to slide into the five-hole where he can try to boost his power numbers. Omar Infante will also help at the top of the order to set the table for Hosmer and Billy Butler another legit power threat that didnt post big numbers but has the ability to provide pop. They will have to find a way to replace Ervin Santana who signed with the Atlanta Braves during the off-season and was a key member of their starting rotation. Every year is supposed to be the year the Royals finally put it together but 2014 just might be that year after they made great veteran acquisitions to go with strong young talent. Whos In?: OF Nori Aoki, C Ramon Hernandez, 2B Omar Infante, IF Brandon Laird, OF Melky Mesa, OF Carlos Peguero, RP Jon Rauch, RP Ramon Troncoso, SP Jason Vargas. Whos Out?: 2B Emilio Bonifacio, IF Jamey Carroll, 2B Chris Getz, C George Kottaras, 1B Carlos Pena, SP Ervin Santana, RP Will Smith. Minnesota Twins GM: Terry Ryan Manager: Ron Gardenhire 2013: 66-96, 4th in AL Central. Did not qualify for playoffs That was Then: Sour times for the 2013 Minnesota Twins included a 66-96 record, their third consecutive sub-70 win campaign, as well as saying goodbye to long-time franchise cornerstone Justin Morneau who was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates just prior to the trade deadline. Joe Mauer once again carried the load behind the plate and saw his offensive numbers dip as he only drove in 47 runs to go along with his 11 home runs. The Twins were not great at the dish in 2013 but compared to their starting staff they were red hot all season. Kevin Correia was the best of a struggling bunch of starters as he finished with a 9-13 record and a 4.18 ERA. Truthfully, the Twins struggled across the board most notably in their 8-20 September finish that translates to a .286 winning percentage. This is Now: The Twins have a few blue chip prospects in their system but those players are a few years away from making it to the Major Leagues. For now they were left with a roster made up of Joe Mauer and spare parts that have been cobbled together from the free-agent pool or left over from the last time the team contended. The biggest off-season move was picking up Kurt Suzuki which will allow Joe Mauer to become the fulltime first baseman and allow him to finally play a relatively full schedule without putting catcher stress on his body. The Twins are a bad team and they havent done much to make anyone think they are going to be much better in 2014. Whos In?: RP Matt Guerrier, SP Phil Hughes, RP Kris Johnson, OF Jason Kubel, SP Ricky Nolasco, C Kurt Suzuki. Whos Out?: RP Cody Eppley, SP Liam Hendriks, SP Pedro Hernandez, OF Clete Thomas, RP Duke Welker. Pernell McPhee Redskins Jersey . The former Toronto FC designated player played three of his 15 professional seasons with the team. DaRon Payne Redskins Jersey . Siddikur, who led on all four days and took a four-stroke lead going into the final day, bogeyed four out of six holes starting at the sixth and continued a forgettable last round in which he returned a three-over 75 to finish with a 14-under 274. http://www.redskinsfansproshop.com/ .Mack, a reserve guard who came in averaging 3.8 points, made all six of his 3-pointers as the Hawks went 16 for 28 from behind the arc.Trailing 50-38 midway through the second quarter, Atlanta outscored Cleveland 89-48 the rest of the way and sent the Cavaliers to their largest loss of the season. Paul Richardson Jersey .com) - Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson lost an appeal to have his indefinite suspension overturned, the NFL announced Friday. Alex Smith Jersey .com) - Even on the day his New Hampshire football team became the nations top-ranked team two weeks ago, coach Sean McDonnell conceded something about the team they replaced at No.NEW YORK, N.Y. - The New York Rangers spent the first part of the night celebrating the success of last season, and the rest of it trying to figure out what has gone wrong so far in this one.Phil Kessel, James van Riemsdyk and the Toronto Maple Leafs broke out of their scoring slumber with five goals in the second period against Henrik Lundqvist and wrecked the Rangers home opener with a 6-3 victory on Sunday night.Obviously, there are things we need to work on, said Lundqvist, who watched the third period from the bench with a baseball cap on. Theyre a good team ... we just made it a little too easy for them to score.The Rangers were outscored a combined 11-5 in a pair of weekend losses on consecutive days. Their only highlight was the recognition of the banner commemorating New Yorks Eastern Conference championship of last season.Weve got to look at each other here and look at our team and figure out what we need to do to be successful, new captain Ryan McDonagh said. When things arent going as well as we want them to, we have to learn to pull back and just simplify instead of trying to force too much.McDonagh and fellow veteran defenceman Dan Girardi were on the ice for four of Torontos goals.No one in our group wanted to perform the way we did, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault. Every opportunity seemed to find the back of the net.We dont have a reason or an explanation right now, he added.Toronto (1-2) mustered only five goals in its first two games of the season, but busted out, fueled by Kessel and van Riemsdyk, who both notched their first goal and first point of the season. Kessel chipped in two assists, and van Riemsdyk had one.This was a step in the right direction, van Riemsdyk said. Were a team that needs contributions from all four lines, and we had that.Defenceman Cody Franson staked the Maple Leafs to a 1-0 lead in the first during a power play, and Kessel, Nazem Kadri, van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak and David Clarkson connected in the second — driving Lundqvist from the net after he stopped only 18 of 24 shots.You need to get that first one, and I was glad to get that first goal, Franson said. It was a big boost for us.Kessels goal was also on a power play, and van Riemsdyk stuffed a puck under Lundqvist on a short-handed breakaway. Toronto has scored five power-play goals this season. New York (1-2) didnt allow any in its first two games and hasnt scored any, either.Franson annd Bozak both had a goal and assist, and Leo Komarov had two assists.ddddddddddddJames Reimer made 24 saves before being leaving with 13:17 remaining after being struck in the head during a collision with Rangers forward Dominic Moore.New Yorks Rick Nash, a question mark to even play due to the impending birth of his first child, tied the game with a first-period goal and then left after the second period. Lee Stempniak brought New York to 4-2 in the second period.Derick Brassard scored with 5:41 left against Toronto backup goalie Jonathan Bernier to close the scoring.Cam Talbot, who took the loss in the Rangers 5-2 defeat at Columbus on Saturday, mopped up and stopped all 12 shots he faced.The last time the Rangers allowed at least five goals in a period was Feb. 6, 2009, in a 10-2 loss at Dallas that Lundqvist missed because of illness. He hadnt yielded five in a period since Dec. 16, 2006, at Toronto when he was touched for eight — including five in the first period — of a 9-2 loss.We had a good night against a goaltender that doesnt have many bad nights, Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said.Toronto opened the scoring on Fransons power-play goal at 7:45, his first tally of the season. Kessel worked the puck down in the Rangers end to Bozak in the left circle. Bozak then fed Franson in the right circle for a drive that eluded Lundqvist.Nash scored his fourth of the season and extended his streak of netting at least one in each game. He took a quick pass across the zone from Martin St. Louis and deftly deflected the puck underneath the crossbar to tie it 1-all with 2:38 left in the first.Then Toronto took over.The Maple Leafs regained the lead 5:19 into the second on Kessels goal and made it 3-1 just 2:31 later when Kadri scored. Van Riemsdyk pushed the advantage to three goals at 9:43 before Stempniak was awarded a goal when video replay confirmed he scored before the net was knocked off its moorings.But 59 seconds later, Bozak killed the Rangers momentum with his third of the season. Clarkson ended Lundqvists night with his first at 15:13.NOTES: Kessel and van Riemsdyk were a combined minus-5 in the first two games. ... Rangers LW Mats Zuccarello, who was banged up in Saturdays loss, skated in warmups but sat out. Kevin Hayes made his NHL debut in his place. ... Stempniak assisted on Brassards goal. ... Toronto hasnt gone winless in its first three games since 1990. 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