[評論] American League Central is a muddle entering May

看板MIN-Twins作者interesting (真有趣)時間17年前 (2008/05/02 15:42)推噓3(3推 0噓 8→)

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http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_9126342?source=rss 原文網址 American League Central is a muddle entering May There's no top or bottom to this division after a month. And if the struggles of Justin Verlander, C.C. Sabathia and Mark Buehrle continue, who knows how much damage the Twins and Royals can do. By Phil Miller pmiller@pioneerpress.com Article Last Updated: 05/02/2008 12:00:04 AM CDT The American League Central Division standings depend upon your perspective. It's easy to look at the formless jumble — all five teams roughly treading win-one-lose-one status, all within three games of one another — and see mediocrity. Ron Gardenhire sees excellence. "There are a lot of good teams out there beating up on each other," the Twins manager said. "Everybody is better (this season), so you would hope that's the way it stays — everybody tight, everybody knocking each other around." Here's a team-by-team look after the season's first month: 其他四隊省略 Twins WHAT'S WRONG? They thought their lineup was improved, but after four shutouts, it hasn't worked out yet. They draw way too few walks — Twins are last in on-base percentage, by far — which suppresses RBI chances, and they rank 13th in home runs. Michael Cuddyer's injury made matters worse, and Delmon Young and Mike Lamb have yet to show any power. WHAT'S RIGHT? Young starters Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn and Boof Bonser are on their way to establishing themselves as reliable middle-of-the-rotation guys, and the back end of the bullpen, save for a hiccup in Detroit, has been as good as advertised. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau have created a formidable heart of the order. SURPRISE? Hard to figure how Livan Hernandez does it with slow stuff, but Twins are 5-1 in his starts. DISAPPOINTMENT? Comeback of hoped-for ace Francisco Liriano flamed out in three ugly starts. OUTLOOK: Their pitching is capable, but until hitters heat up, they'll muddle along in .500 mud. -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 210.69.115.206