X-factors: These non-stars will be key in MLB division races
Article By smcneal.tsn on 29th March, 2010
You can call them X-factors, wild cards or catalysts. The name doesn't matter. What does is their performance. Whether filling in for the injured or stepping into new situations, such players can figure into a team's success as much as the superstars.
A look at six such players, one per division:
The Red Sox signed Mike Cameron to a two-year contract. AL East Mike Cameron, Red Sox
Instead of bringing back Jason Bay on a long-term deal, the Red Sox signed Cameron for two years. The change is expected to mean a drop in home runs — Bay led Boston with 36 last year — and an upgrade on defense. The Red Sox like Cameron's glove work so much they are moving the younger and faster Jacoby Ellsbury to left field to allow Cameron to man center. With one of baseball's best pitching staffs, the move should work as long as Cameron doesn't begin to show his age. At 37, he's the oldest center fielder in the majors.
AL Central Jon Rauch, Twins
This was shaping up to be a splendid summer in Minnesota until Joe Nathan blew out his elbow and was lost for the season. Instead of turning to leads over to one of the game's best closers, Ron Gardenhire now says he will use a closer-by-committee approach — another way of saying he doesn't really have a bonafide closer. Rauch is the committee member with the most closing experience. He will share opportunities with Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain and lefty Jose Mijares.
The M's hope Milton Bradley will help improve their offense. AL West Milton Bradley, Mariners
Who's bothered that Bradley flamed out in Chicago and already has stirred his share of controversy in Seattle? Not Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu.
After all the strides the Mariners have made in the past year behind pitching and defense, they must improve their offense to truly challenge the Angels. Wakamatsu could have reduced the spotlight on Bradley by putting him in the ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
A look at six such players, one per division:
The Red Sox signed Mike Cameron to a two-year contract. AL East Mike Cameron, Red Sox
Instead of bringing back Jason Bay on a long-term deal, the Red Sox signed Cameron for two years. The change is expected to mean a drop in home runs — Bay led Boston with 36 last year — and an upgrade on defense. The Red Sox like Cameron's glove work so much they are moving the younger and faster Jacoby Ellsbury to left field to allow Cameron to man center. With one of baseball's best pitching staffs, the move should work as long as Cameron doesn't begin to show his age. At 37, he's the oldest center fielder in the majors.
AL Central Jon Rauch, Twins
This was shaping up to be a splendid summer in Minnesota until Joe Nathan blew out his elbow and was lost for the season. Instead of turning to leads over to one of the game's best closers, Ron Gardenhire now says he will use a closer-by-committee approach — another way of saying he doesn't really have a bonafide closer. Rauch is the committee member with the most closing experience. He will share opportunities with Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain and lefty Jose Mijares.
The M's hope Milton Bradley will help improve their offense. AL West Milton Bradley, Mariners
Who's bothered that Bradley flamed out in Chicago and already has stirred his share of controversy in Seattle? Not Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu.
After all the strides the Mariners have made in the past year behind pitching and defense, they must improve their offense to truly challenge the Angels. Wakamatsu could have reduced the spotlight on Bradley by putting him in the ...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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