Detroit Tigers expecting a tough fight for Al Central division title – MLB Tigers Update
Detroit Tigers had an excellent 2011 season as they went on to win the American League Central title. Jim Leyland and his men displayed some high quality baseball throughout to reach the World Series Championship.
For his persistent hard work, general manager, Leyland will be receiving the Tommy Lasorda Managerial Achievement Award on Saturday this week. Other winners of this award include Whitey Herzog, Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa and Mike Scioscia.
On the other hand, Minnesota Twins are also making a quite a few changes in their side to recover from an embarrassing American League 99-loss season. Following Twin’s poor and inconsistent performances in 2011, franchise owner, Jim Pohlad sacked GM Bill Smith. Terry Ryan, who stepped down in 2007, was brought back in at the end of 2011 to lead the Twins.
The Twins are the most successful team in AL Central for the last five years. Having won the title in 2009 and 2010, they are even capable of winning the World Series. Since returning to the Twins, Ryan has signed four free agents to build a stronger and well rounded side. Catcher Ryan Doumit, shortstop Jason Jamey Carroll and outfielder Josh Willingham are all part of Ryan’s rebuilding project.
"Willingham replaces Cuddyer," Ryan said, referring to Michael Cuddyer, who left for Colorado as a free agent. "We signed Carroll because we had a need to solidify the middle of the infield. We did not make a lot of plays last season that we are used to making. So he came in."
"Mauer is fine -- he seems to be 100%," Ryan said in a telephone interview Friday. "Morneau had wrist surgery. He will start swinging the bat in about another week. So he's getting there. He should be ready by the time spring training is done."
Tigers have a few issues to sort out before the spring training season starts next month. They will be hoping for a fifth starter to strengthen their pitching unit. Leyland has led the Tigers to memorable wins since taking over as GM. Considering his efforts on-field and off-field, he is likely to come up with a decent plan to give the Twins a run for their money.
Tags: