Central issues
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- While insisting the White Sox are "in a great place'' heading into Major League Baseball's winter meetings, which start today at the Opryland Resort, general manager Kenny Williams has greater ambitions when it comes to improving a team that went 72-90 and finished fourth in the AL Central this season.
"We still have things we want to do,'' Williams said. "We're not done yet.''
It's no secret the Sox are pursuing an established center fielder after trying to get by with youngsters Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson and injury-prone veteran Darin Erstad in 2007.
The White Sox thought they had a shot at free agent Torii Hunter, but the former Minnesota Twins star agreed to a five-year, $90 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Interestingly, the Twins are a factor again as the Sox look elsewhere for a center fielder.
The White Sox have an interest in Boston's Coco Crisp, who lost his starting job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury. But the Twins also are looking for a center fielder, and they reportedly have targeted Crisp.
While Minnesota appears to be taking a step back, the AL Central figures to be competitive again in 2008. Here's a look at what the other teams are up to heading into the winter meetings:
Cleveland Indians
The Indians went 96-66, tying the Red Sox for the best regular-season record in baseball. After building a 3-1 lead over Boston in the American League championship series, Cleveland fell apart while being outscored 30-5 in the final three games.
Rather than tear the roster apart, Indians general manager Mark Shapiro figures to keep the club together and take another shot in 2008.
Cleveland did sign free-agent reliever Masahide Kobayashi, who saved 227 over the last nine seasons in Japan. Kobayashi should take some of the pressure off closer Joe Borowski, who can be erratic.
The Indians have a deep starting rotation, and they could use a starter such as Cliff Lee in a trade for a left fielder or third baseman.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers made a major move right after the World Series, acquiring standout shortstop Edgar Renteria from the Atlanta Braves for two prospects.
The offense and starting rotation are in good shape. But, like most teams, Detroit can use some bullpen help.
The Tigers got some bad news in November, when hard-throwing setup man Joel Zumaya injured his right shoulder moving personal belongings during the Southern California wildfires.
Zumaya is expected to miss half of the 2008 season, so Detroit is looking for a replacement.
Minnesota Twins
New Twins general manager Bill Smith should be very popular at the winter meetings.
Last week, Smith pulled off a big trade that brought power-hitting young outfielder Delmon Young over from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
This week, Smith just might trade ace starter Johan Santana to one of the two usual suspects: the Yankees or the Red Sox. Closer Joe Nathan also might be on the block.
Kansas City Royals
As they showed this season, the Royals no longer are an awful team in a quality division.
Coming off a 69-93 season, their best since 2003, the Royals have a host of talented young players such as Alex Gordon, Billy Butler and Brian Bannister.
New manager Trey Hillman was hired from Japan, and K.C. already has signed free-agent reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta.
Showing they might be willing to step up and pursue some big-time talent, the Royals inquired about Torii Hunter and reportedly are interested in Jose Guillen.