Old Faces, New Places: The Central

By Michael Haas

This is Part 3 of our Old Faces, New Places series. We're giving you (shortly and sweetly) what you need to know to be an informed baseball fan for the 2008 season. Today we'll take a look at the AL Central.

The biggest story in the division is the Tigers acquisition of Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. This move certainly makes Detroit the favorites, pushing them ahead of the Indians. Cabrera and Willis come via trade from the Marlins. Miguel, a third baseman, is a beast at the plate. He's only 24 years old, and already has 138 home runs and sports a .930 career OPS. He'll be an imposing player for years to come, provided he doesn't have injuries due to his increasing weight. Dontrelle Willis was once a poster boy for Major League Baseball, but has settled into about a number 3 starter. He did not have a very good year for the Marlins in '07, but will always pitch 200 innings.

The Tigers get two good players for six prospects, highlighted by flamethrower Andrew Miller and outfielder Cameron Maybin. I dig this move. Detroit knows they have a shot, so they are taking the chance of trading some youth for a couple of all-stars who could push them over the edge.

The White Sox, Royals and Indians have more or less stood pat during the offseason. Experts seem to think that Kansas City will somehow be better this year, but they say that every spring.

And in my never ending quest to end every post with a Delmon Young positivity note, there's this:

Perhaps the move that will have the largest impact on the division is the Twins acquisition of Delmon Young. The sky is the limit for this kid, and Minnesota has to be the favorite to win the pennant in 2008.