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The Rangers’ Josh Hamilton is the reigning AL MVP.
A brief team-by-team look at the American League entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:
EAST Tampa Bay Rays
Manager: Joe Maddon (sixth season).
2010: 96-66, first place, lost in divisional round.
Training Town: Port Charlotte, Fla.
Park: Charlotte Sports Park.
First Workout: Feb. 16/21.
He’s Here: LF Johnny Damon, DH Manny Ramirez, RHP Jeremy Hellickson, RHP Kyle Farnsworth, RHP Joel Peralta, RHP Adam Russell, 1B Casey Kotchman.
He’s Outta Here: LF Carl Crawford, 1B Carlos Pena, SS Jason Bartlett, RHP Matt Garza, RHP Rafael Soriano, RHP Joaquin Benoit, RHP Grant Balfour, RHP Dan Wheeler, LHP Randy Choate, RHP Chad Qualls, C Dioner Navarro, OF/1B Brad Hawpe, OF Rocco Baldelli.
Going campin’: Few teams could lose more than the payroll-slashing Rays did this winter yet remain confident of being able to compete with the big-spending New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in baseball’s toughest division. The reason? Good, young starting pitching, although the bullpen — an unexpected asset a year ago — could be a liability if a complete overhaul fails. The biggest offseason acquisitions were the aging Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, who will fill needs for a left fielder and cleanup hitter in an everyday lineup that no longer includes All-Star Carl Crawford, slugger Carlos Pena and shortstop Jason Bartlett. Rookie righty Jeremy Hellickson likely will move into the opening in the pitching rotation created when Matt Garza was traded to the Chicago Cubs for prospects. With 19-game winner David Price, Jeff Niemann, James Shields and Wade Davis returning, Tampa Bay’s starting pitching has a chance to be as strong as any in the AL. The most glaring weakness is the absence of a closer, which figures to be handled by committee. All-Star closer Rafael Soriano was one of six relievers lost to free agency, leaving manager Joe Maddon to rebuild the bullpen around newcomers Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta and Adam Russell.
New York Yankees
Manager: Joe Girardi (fourth season).
2010: 95-67, wild card, lost in ALCS.
Training Town: Tampa, Fla.
Park: George M. Steinbrenner Field.
First Workout: Feb. 15/Feb. 20.
He’s Here: C Russell Martin, RHP Rafael Soriano, RHP Freddy Garcia, RHP Bartolo Colon, LHP Pedro Feliciano, OF Andruw Jones, OF Justin Maxwell.
He’s Outta Here: LHP Andy Pettitte, RHP Javier Vazquez, OF Marcus Thames, 1B-DH Nick Johnson, 1B Juan Miranda, RHP Dustin Moseley.
Going campin’: With Andy Pettitte’s retirement, the failure to land playoff nemesis Cliff Lee and A.J. Burnett’s ineffective 2010, the $200 million-plus Yankees enter the season with more question marks about their rotation than they have had in years. New York plans to give shots this spring to youngsters Sergio Mitre and Ivan Nova, and veteran signees Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon in its search for Nos. 4 and 5 starters. The bullpen is among the best in baseball with the addition of Rafael Soriano, who was given closer money ($35 million, three years) to be the eighth-inning setup man for Mariano Rivera, and workhorse lefty Pedro Feliciano, coming over from the Mets. The production of several aging stars will play a huge role in determining if the Yankees can return to the top of the AL East. Derek Jeter is coming off a year in which he hit a career-low .270 and then went through a testy contract negotiation. Catcher Jorge Posada will transition to a full-time DH role and Alex Rodriguez failed to hit more than 30 homers for the second straight season.
Boston Red Sox
Manager: Terry Francona (eighth season).
2010: 89-73, third place.
Training Town: Fort Myers, Fla.
Park: City of Palms Park.
First Workout: Feb. 15/Feb. 19.
He’s Here: 1B Adrian Gonzalez, LF Carl Crawford, RHP Bobby Jenks, RHP Dan Wheeler, RHP Matt Albers, RHP Alfredo Aceves and LHP Dennys Reyes.
He’s Outta Here: 3B Adrian Beltre, C Victor Martinez, 3B Mike Lowell, IF-OF Bill Hall, OF Eric Patterson.
Going campin’: Can Josh Beckett rebound from an injury-plagued season when he went 6-6 with a 5.78 ERA? With the addition of numerous relievers, the Red Sox hope to improve on a bullpen with the third-worst ERA in the AL last season. If they can avoid injuries like those that sidelined Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury and Martinez for long stretches last season, the Red Sox should have one of the most dangerous lineups with Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. Can DH David Ortiz get off to a good start for the first time in three years after recovering enough to hit 28 homers in 2009 and 32 in 2010? Jonathan Papelbon, after the worst of his five seasons as a closer, has great incentive to improve in his last season before becoming eligible for free agency. Jason Varitek could emerge as the starting catcher if unproven Jarrod Saltalamacchia struggles.
Toronto Blue Jays
Manager: John Farrell (first season).
2010: 85-77, fourth place.
Training Town: Dunedin, Fla.
Park: Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He’s Here: OF Rajai Davis, RHP Octavio Dotel, RHP Frank Francisco, INF Brett Lawrie, RHP Jon Rauch, OF Juan Rivera, RHP Carlos Villanueva.
He’s Outta Here: LHP Scott Downs, RHP Kevin Gregg, RHP Shawn Hill, RHP Shaun Marcum, 1B Lyle Overbay, OF Vernon Wells.
Going campin’: The Blue Jays took a step backward this winter, hoping their moves will make them better in the years ahead. Toronto sent 2010 Opening Day starter Shaun Marcum to Milwaukee for Canadian infield prospect Brett Lawrie and traded outfielder Vernon Wells, the highest-paid player in franchise history, to the Angels, saving almost $80 million over the next four years. Former Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell takes on his first managerial job after being hired to replace the retired Cito Gaston. Will Jose Bautista produce another power-packed season after leading the majors with a career-best 54 home runs in 2010? Can former outfielder Adam Lind handle the move to first base? Is rookie J.P. Arencibia, last year’s Pacific Coast League MVP, ready to catch every day?
Baltimore Orioles
Manager: Buck Showalter (first full season).
2010: 66-96, last place.
Training Town: Sarasota, Fla.
Park: Ed Smith Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 14/Feb. 21.
He’s Here: DH Vladimir Guerrero, 3B Mark Reynolds, 1B Derrek Lee, SS J.J. Hardy, INF Brendan Harris, RHP Justin Duchscherer, RHP Jeremy Accardo, RHP Kevin Gregg.
He’s Outta Here: 1B Ty Wigginton, RHP Matt Albers, RHP David Hernandez, RHP Kevin Millwood, RHP Kam Mickilio, OF Corey Patterson.
Going campin’: The Orioles exceeded their projected 2011 budget with a winter shopping spree that has fueled the feeling that this could be the year the team ends its run of 13 consecutive losing seasons. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail secured a pair of free agent sluggers, Vladimir Guerrero and Derrek Lee, and also signed free agent closer Kevin Gregg. In addition, MacPhail reworked the left side of the infield by trading for power hitter Mark Reynolds and shortstop J.J. Hardy. The retooled roster, along with the positive vibe that manager Buck Showalter installed late last season, gives Baltimore reason to believe it can make some noise in the wildly talented AL East.
CENTRAL Minnesota Twins
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (10th season).
2010: 94-68, first place, lost in divisional round.
Training Town: Ft. Myers, Fla.
Park: Hammond Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 18/Feb. 23.
He’s Here: INF Tsuyoshi Nishioka, RHP Jim Hoey, RHP Scott Diamond, RHP Dusty Hughes.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Matt Guerrier, RHP Jesse Crain, SS J.J. Hardy, 2B Orlando Hudson, INF Nick Punto.
Going campin’: This spring training for the Twins will be all about monitoring how two former All-Stars respond to serious injuries. First baseman Justin Morneau is expected to take things easy early in spring training as he works his way back from a concussion that caused him to miss most of the last three months of last season, including another demoralizing playoff sweep at the hands of the Yankees. Same goes for closer Joe Nathan, who didn’t pitch at all last year after blowing out his elbow in March. Nathan is hoping to follow Billy Wagner’s lead and return to his dominant form just a year after having Tommy John surgery. If they both can return to their old selves, the Twins will have a good chance to win their third straight AL Central title. If not? The second season at their beauty of a ballpark, Target Field, could be a long one because the Tigers and White Sox both made big moves this offseason to try and chase them down.
Chicago White Sox
Manager: Ozzie Guillen (eighth season).
2010: 88-74, second place
Training Town: Glendale, Ariz.
Park: Camelback Ranch.
First Workout: Feb. 17/Feb. 22.
He’s Here: DH Adam Dunn, RHP Jesse Crain, LHP Will Ohman.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Bobby Jenks, RHP Freddy Garcia, DH Manny Ramirez.
Going campin’: The White Sox sent a strong message during the offseason, and no, this one didn’t come in 140 characters or less. They made it clear they’re all in for next season with a series of big moves. They landed the left-handed slugger they were lacking when they lured Dunn from Washington with a $56 million, four-year contract, but they didn’t stop there. A.J. Pierzynski ($8 million, two years) decided to stay put. More important, so did Paul Konerko ($37.5 million, three years) after he hit .312 with 39 homers and 111 RBI. They also re-signed veteran infielder Omar Vizquel to a one-year deal, and locked in shortstop Alexei Ramirez through at least 2015 with a contract that adds $32.5 million over four years after exercising his option for next season. Ozzie Guillen isn’t going anywhere, either. For all the Twitter-related drama involving him and his son, Oney, during the past year, Chicago decided to pick up its 2012 option on the manager’s contract. The White Sox say they have the bats and the arms to contend in the AL Central, particularly if Jake Peavy can return to form. The former NL Cy Young Award winner said that he’s at about 60 to 70 percent after season-ending surgery to repair a detached muscle in his right shoulder in July but hopes to be ready for the start of the season.
Detroit Tigers
Manager: Jim Leyland (sixth season).
2010: 81-81, third place.
Training Town: Lakeland, Fla.
Park: Joker Marchant Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He’s Here: C-DH Victor Martinez, RHP Brad Penny, RHP Joaquin Benoit, RHP Alberto Alburquerque.
He’s Outta Here: OF Johnny Damon, RHP Armando Galarraga, RHP Jeremy Bonderman, C Gerald Laird, LHP Bobby Seay, RHP Zach Miner, RHP Eddie Bonine, RHP Alfredo Figaro.
Going campin’: Is Brad Penny finally healthy again? And how about Joel Zumaya and Carlos Guillen? Penny has battled shoulder problems in the past and was limited to nine starts with St. Louis last year because of a back injury. Zumaya is recovering from a gruesome fractured throwing elbow but could be part of an impressive bullpen that added Benoit in the offseason. Guillen hurt his left knee in August but could be in the mix for the second base job if he’s ready. Also, left-hander Phil Coke is worth keeping an eye on as he makes the move from the bullpen to the rotation — and although Victor Martinez was brought in primarily as a designated hitter, Alex Avila will have to show he can hit well enough to remain the No. 1 catcher.
Cleveland Indians
Manager: Manny Acta (second season).
2010: 69-93, fourth place.
Training Town: Goodyear, Ariz.
Park: Goodyear Ballpark.
First Workout: Feb. 17/Feb. 20.
He’s Here: INF Orlando Cabrera, OF Travis Buck, INF Adam Everett, 3B Jack Hannahan, OF Austin Kearns, RHP Joe Martinez, RHP Doug Mathis, C Paul Phillips.
He’s Outta Here: INF Andy Marte, C Chris Gimenez.
Going campin’: It was a quieter-than-usual winter for the Indians, who followed up a lackluster 2010 season by sitting on their roster. Acta did his best to accentuate the positives to a fan base tired of seeing the Indians develop young players and then have to trade them before losing them as free agents. Hustling center fielder Grady Sizemore’s health will be one of the spring’s hottest topics as he recovers from knee surgery. Sizemore’s on track to be ready for opening day, as is catcher Carlos Santana, a rising star who sustained a season-ending knee injury in August. Cleveland’s rotation lacks depth, but the bullpen could be a big plus as long as closer Chris Perez doesn’t regress after a solid ’10 season. Newly signed Orlando Cabrera should help settle the infield — there were big questions at second and third base, where the team could turn to second baseman Jason Kipnis and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall if they show they’re ready. OF Shin-Soo Choo’s contract situation bears watching as general manager Chris Antonetti would like to sign the versatile Choo to a longterm deal and intends to continue talks with super agent Scott Boras during camp.
Kansas City Royals
Manager: Ned Yost (first full season).
2010: 67-95, last place.
Training Town: Surprise, Ariz.
Park: Surprise Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 14/Feb. 18
He’s Here: OF Jeff Francoeur, OF Lorenzo Cain, LHP Jeff Francis, OF Melky Cabrera, SS Alcides Escobar, RHP Jeremy Jeffress, RHP Vin Mazzaro.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Zack Greinke, RHP Gil Meche, OF David DeJesus, LHP Dusty Hughes, SS Yuniesky Betancourt, RHP Brian Bannister, INF Josh Fields.
Going campin’: Against the backdrop of a 26-year playoff drought, the Royals have good news, they think. They hope. The authoritative Baseball America has ranked their minor league system No. 1 in the majors. This gives credibility to the organization’s belief that a swarm of promising young players is slowly working their way through the pipeline. Heralded prospects such as third baseman Mike Moustakas and first baseman Eric Hosmer will be in camp and get more fan and media attention than any veteran. But this season shapes up as yet another year of transition. Spring job No. 1 will be rebuilding a rotation drained of Zack Greinke (traded) and Gil Meche (retired). A good bet to start on opening day is Luke Hochevar, former overall No. 1 draft pick who’s never been better than mediocre. Former Yankee Melky Cabrera is likely to take over in center field.
WEST Texas Rangers
Manager: Ron Washington (fifth season).
2010: 90-72, first place, AL champions.
Training Town: Surprise, Ariz.
Park: Surprise Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 17/Feb. 20.
He’s Here: 3B Adrian Beltre, RHP Brandon Webb, C Yorvit Torrealba, LHP Arthur Rhodes, C-1B Mike Napoli.
He’s Outta Here: LHP Cliff Lee, DH Vladimir Guerrero, RHP Frank Francisco, C Bengie Molina, INF Jorge Cantu, OF Jeff Francoeur, RHP Rich Harden.
Going campin’: Coming off their first World Series, the Rangers weren’t able to convince Cliff Lee to stay despite a $138 million, six-year offer. They later signed Adrian Beltre, a two-time Gold Glove winner supplanting longest-tenured Rangers player Michael Young at third base. Young, the team’s career hits leader now expected to be the primary DH and backup at all four infield spots, has since asked to be traded. The Rangers are willing, but might not be able to because of his big contract ($46 million over three seasons) and a no-trade clause that allows him to be dealt to only eight teams. With Lee gone, former reliever C.J. Wilson likely becomes the No. 1 starter after 15 wins in first full season in rotation. Webb hasn’t pitched in the majors since the 2009 opener. Hard-throwing closer Neftali Feliz, the AL rookie of the year, could get a chance in the rotation this spring. If he becomes a starter, who closes? Frank Francisco was traded to Toronto for Mike Napoli.
Oakland Athletics
Manager: Bob Geren (fifth season).
2010: 81-81, second place.
Training Town: Phoenix.
Park: Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 16/Feb. 21.
He’s Here: OF David DeJesus, DH Hideki Matsui, OF Josh Willingham, LHP Brian Fuentes, RHP Rich Harden, RHP Grant Balfour.
He’s Outta Here: RHP Ben Sheets, OF Rajai Davis, OF Travis Buck.
Going campin’: GM Billy Beane spent his busy winter trying to boost a lineup that that hit just 109 homers and scored 663 runs last season, the team’s second fewest in the last 28 non-strike seasons. The A’s hope with the additions of Hideki Matsui, Josh Willingham and David DeJesus in the middle of the order will bring an upgrade to better back a talented pitching staff featuring proven starters Dallas Braden — remember that perfect game against Tampa Bay last May 9? — Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez. The fifth starter job will be up for grabs during spring training, with Rich Harden back for a second stint with the club hoping to be in the mix for that spot. The A’s led the AL in ERA (3.56) and shutouts (17) while holding opponents to a .245 batting average but hope to have more balance. The A’s have depth in the outfield and in the bullpen with the additions of Brian Fuentes and Grant Balfour, something manager Bob Geren sees as a plus considering his club used the disabled list 23 times in 2010 — two shy of the franchise record set in 2008.
Los Angeles Angels
Manager: Mike Scioscia (12th season).
2010: 80-82, third place.
Training Town: Tempe, Ariz.
Park: Tempe Diablo Stadium.
First Workout: Feb. 14/Feb. 19.
He’s Here: OF Vernon Wells, LHP Scott Downs.
He’s Outta Here: C Mike Napoli, LF Juan Rivera, DH Hideki Matsui.
Going campin’: The Angels missed the playoffs for just the third time in nine years after their first losing season since 2003, and they had a curiously quiet offseason until January. After missing out on every prominent free agent and sparking grumbles among their fans, the Angels swung a dramatic trade to land Vernon Wells, the Blue Jays’ slugging outfielder. Almost nothing else changed for the Angels, yet Mike Scioscia says his new team is among his most talented in 12 seasons. The rotation is undeniably stacked, with Jered Weaver and Dan Haren alongside Ervin Santana and Joel Pineiro. Los Angeles also will get a boost with the return of Kendry Morales after the first baseman broke his leg jumping on home plate to celebrate a game-ending grand slam in late May. The Angels must settle on a closer while defining their outfielders’ roles in the spring, but Scioscia’s optimism is spurring talk of a return to the postseason in Orange County.
Seattle Mariners
Manager: Eric Wedge (first season).
2010: 61-101, fourth place.
Training Town: Peoria, Ariz.
Park: Peoria Sports Complex.
First Workout: Feb. 14/ Feb. 19.
He’s Here: C Miguel Olivo, DH Jack Cust, IF Brendan Ryan, LHP Nate Robertson, IF Adam Kennedy.
He’s Outta Here: LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith, 3B Jose Lopez, DH Mike Sweeney, DH Ken Griffey Jr., 1B Casey Kotchman, C Rob Johnson, 1B/DH Russell Branyan.
Going campin’: Coming off their second 101-loss season in three years, the Mariners brought in Eric Wedge to try and correct the problems. GM Jack Zduriencik was limited in what he could do this offseason with big contracts still on the books and the front office trying to keep payroll around $95 million. Seattle does bring back Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez, always a good place to start, but is relying on oft-injured lefty Erik Bedard to win a rotation job out of spring training. The fifth spot in Seattle’s rotation will be of major interest as the Mariners are hoping promising 22-year-old Michael Pineda can win the job. Offensively, the Mariners hope Jack Cust can provide a little pop and patience at the plate and that Miguel Olivo is far different from the bust he was in his first stint with the club seven years ago. Milton Bradley remains a major question mark, without a secured lineup spot aside from his legal troubles, but the rest of Seattle’s outfield is set with Franklin Gutierrez and Ichiro Suzuki. Chone Figgins is moving back to third base with the second base competition between Brendan Ryan and young star Dustin Ackley.