MLB Trade Season: Part 2 American League Central

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome back to the Fan Fanatic Sports in depth analysis of the approaching trading deadline for Major League Baseball. Yesterday we delved into the needs of the AL East, so today we'll venture into the AL Central. Once again it's a tight race with three teams within 3.5 games of the division lead.

1. Detroit Tigers - To be perfectly honest, I am very surprised the Tigers are even in the conversation right now. Even with the likes of Granderson, Cabrera & Ordonez I didn't think they'd have enough offense to contend. I also didn't think they'd have enough starting pitching.

Needs - I'll deal with the offense first. The serious lack of production from Magglio Ordonez has nearly crippled that lineup at times. Placido Polanco has also been struggling all year with a .259 average. That is his lowest since his first season in the bigs when he hit .254 in only 114 at bats. A big thumper is what they need, but I doubt they'll have the payroll flexibility to make a big splash. Verlander, Edwin Jackson & the young Rick Porcello are a solid 1-2-3, but after that, they'll struggled. Armando Gallaraga has been awful, but pitched pretty well last night, and Jeremy Bonderman is hurt. I doubt they'll add another starter though.

Potential Targets - I would have said Eric Hinske would've been a good fit, but he's already gone to the Yankees. Instead, watch for them to ask about Garrett Atkins. I think he'll go to the Red Sox, but one never knows. What about Ryan Spilborghs of the Rockies? He's been rumored to go for weeks, and would really add a little punch at left field. The economy has been killing Detroit, so I wouldn't expect them to do too much.

Trade Strengths - Not much to talk about here from the minor league standpoint. Now that Porcello is entrenched in the majors, the Tigers don't have a top notch prospect to really make a splash.

2. Chicago White Sox - If you read Chad's article, you'll understand one of the reasons why Jake Peavy used his no trade clause earlier this season. Of course you can also attribute the homer friendly park as a reason. With that being said, GM Ken Williams loves to trade so you never quite know what can happen

Needs - It's already been established they want more starting pitchers. I doubt they'll kick the tires again on Jake Peavy, but look for them to be in the hunt for any starter out there. They may also take a look at a stop gap at 3rd base or OF. There have been so many Jermaine Dye rumors, so they better get some good pitching in return.

Potential Targets - Much like the Phillies, name a starting pitcher and they will be a target. Don't be surprised if they take a longer look at current free agents like Pedro Martinez, Ben Sheets and Tom Glavine. The White Sox could also look down in Houston for Russ Ortiz, Mike Hampton, or really pile it on for Roy Oswalt. On the offensive side, Ty Wigginton could be a decent pickup to play 1st, 3rd and a bit of the OF and provide a little pop.

Trade Strengths - With Josh Fields and Gordon Beckham already on the big league club, they can part with young 3rd base prospects like Dayan Viciedo or Brent Morel. They have a decent system, and certainly the pieces to pull off a big deal.

3. Minnesota Twins - I absolutely love the way the Twins' organization is run. They rarely spend money, draft well, trade well and are always in contention. They also never make a big splash at the deadline, so look for them to make one, or two, small deals.

Needs - As always, the Twins are pretty much set for the starting rotation. What they need is bullpen help getting to Joe Nathan. Jose Mijares, R.A. Dickey and Matt Guerrier are all having good seasons, but they'd like to add someone else into the mix to solidify that pen. I guess they can live with 11 homers and 35 RBI from Joe Crede at 3rd base, but ultimately another infield bat is what they need on offense.

Potential Targets - on offense, Kevin Kouzminoff would be a target of mine. The Mariners are already talking to the Padres about him, so you know he's available. The Padres are in need of pitching, and everything else besides a first baseman, and the Twins have plenty of major league ready depth. What I'd do is build a deal for him as well as Cla Meridith and shore up your two biggest needs at the same time. Former Twin LaTroy Hawkins could also be on their radar.

Trade Strengths - Major League ready starting pitchers. The Twins have plenty of it, and could depart with someone, like Scott Baker or Glenn Perkins. The Twins would be very happy to include Delmon Young in any deal. They have very good center field prospects, Ben Revere & Aaron Hicks, on the horizon so the departure of Young would help open a spot for either of them.