Around AL Central: Cruz/Twins rumors, Hawk’s misery index & Gordon moves down

Nelson Cruz Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins

Every couple of days or so, a new report circulates saying the Detroit Tigers are the logical landing spot for Nelson Cruz. The brass have indicated on numerous occasions that they are done making “big” moves, which stands to reason that Cruz is off the table. But could another AL Central team be a possible landing spot for the left fielder? Bleacher Report seems to think so.

But even with his accomplishments, Cruz might still be forced to take a disappointing contract from a bottom feeder like the Minnesota Twins instead of a contender like the Detroit Tigers. And despite 1500ESPN.com’s Darren Wolfson initially tabbing the Twins as a “long shot” for Cruz’s services, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the veteran outfielder doesn’t have a ton of leverage in free agency.   Twins’ outfielders were among the worst, combined, in baseball last season. The Twins witnessed league-worst production in park-adjusted wRC+ (86), batting average (.227) and fWAR (-1.6) in 2013 from their outfielders. So with Josh Willingham, Alex Presley, Oswaldo Arcia and Jason Kubel currently occupying the outfield slots and designated hitter role, respectively, the addition of Cruz’s bat would be more than welcome. – Ben Berkon

Just like the Tigers, if the Twins sign Cruz they’d immediately lose a first-round draft pick. This would be an even bigger loss for Minnesota because it is the fifth pick whereas the Tigers pick near the bottom.

And therein lies the rub for Cruz. His asking price is too high and the cost of a first-round draft pick might be too much for most teams to trade for a player who will be 34 years old. He’s also played only one game (the wild-card game) since August because of his PED suspension.

Alex Gordon Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Royals

The Alex Gordon at lead-off era may be over for the Royals, according to Fox Sports Kansas City.

But those days perched at the top spot of the order are seemingly over for Gordon, at least for 2014. The Royals acquired Norichika Aoki to fill that role, which will push Gordon back to the fifth spot, though Gordon doesn’t seem completely convinced those roles will be permanent.   “You never know what’s going to happen with injuries (or) how people are going to play,” Gordon says. “We’re going to iron all that out in spring training. – Jeffrey Flanagan

Of course things could change in Spring Training, and Ned Yost could want or need to shake up his lineup at some point in 2014, but its clear Kansas City wants to utilize Gordon further down in the lineup. The move might give Gordon better pitches and increase KC’s power. Their 112 homers ranked dead last in the AL last year.

Terry Francona Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians

A few days ago, the Tigers received a Winter Report Card grade of C+ from Sports Illustrated. So how did the team that finished just behind them in the AL Central a year ago fare?

C-

The Indians made the playoffs even while getting subpar seasons from Swisher, Michael Bourn, Asdrubal Cabrera and others. While it’s good that Antonetti didn’t overreact by selling low on Cabrera — who’s heading into his walk year, with top prospect Francisco Lindor waiting in the wings — banking on rebounds from the aforementioned trio is easier to justify than standing pat with what’s left of the rotation. While Antonetti has done a decent job with some low-cost moves, Cleveland likely needs to make at least one more substantial addition to have a shot at another playoff bid.

I am picking the Royals to finish in front of the Indians this year–but I mistakenly made that prediction last year too.

Despite the solid hiring of manager Terry Francona, most opposing fans sneered at Cleveland’s off-season. Namely the signing of old man river, Jason Giambi, and Tigers’ retread Ryan Raburn (among  others). No one expected them to win more than 90 games, finish one-game behind the Tigers and clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2007, but they did just that.

In other words, no one should be discounting the Indians’ chances in 2014.