March 1, 2025 • 12 mins
Ell's 2025 MLB Offseason Grades & X-Factors for the American League AL Central. Cleveland Guardians. Kansas City Royals. Detroit Tigers. Minnesota Twins. Chicago White Sox.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, fundamentals and techniques, that's the key, right sixteen minutes right,
sixty minutes next for the al central start over to
(00:28):
the Guardians gave him a C minus start off by
signing veteran pitcher Shane Beaver said they're looking to trade
him last season, but he ended up getting hurt. But
now he can be the veteran on the staff and
looking at him pitch coming back, he looked like he
still has a lot love in the tank, So solid
move keeping him with from other teams. He signed first
(00:49):
baseman Carlos Santana's been around forever to a one year deal.
He shown him last year with the Twins. He still
got a lot left it wise to pick up there,
even though I don't like them moving off of Josh Naylor,
who played at a beat plus the A minus level
last year, so they definitely won't get that production out
(01:09):
of Santana.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
And they signed Picture John Means to a one year deal.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
As I mentioned with the Orioles, he was a solid
pitcher like two season ago before the Tommy John Surgerys
they had number one potentially at a point. But bring
him in regain his form as a smart move in
my opinion and the losses on the team was veteran
pitcher Matthew Boyd. Like I said, Shane Bieber can kind
of take that role. He was their number two, number
(01:36):
three pitcher last season, played very well.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
They traded Andre Samenez second baseman.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
As I mentioned to the Blue Jays, he was a
solid player, but they think they have younger players. They
can feel that position. And as I mentioned, they lost
Josh Nayler be a trade. I wouldn't have signed off
on that move. Like I said, it's a smaller market team.
They just trying to save some money. Was a solid
pan favorite for them. As I said, I got to
(02:03):
see them in person. But my ex factor his picture
Shane Bieber, and so he's coming back. He looks healthy.
He was the ACE originally, probably could be an ACE again.
So their picture staff is pretty young but solid. So
they're looking to see what Biab can do. Maybe they
decided to trade him again by the trade deal line.
(02:23):
We'll see and thank you. He Silid, I say, played
that Matthew boy roll from last season. Just the veteran
picture that come in especially postseason time. If they can
make it back, but it'll be very important in a
tough division, so I know they're happy they kept bab
away from other teams.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
You know a lot of teams needed a picture like that.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Next for the Royals game of C plus, they started
off with the Johnny the Indian trade, second baseman from
the Reds. He's a solid player that a lot of
teams won it last season, but the Ridgs decided to
keep them. Still plays good defense, solid consistent back. Still
got some power to his bad but the power doesn't
always show. But Barry consistent of getting on base with
(03:06):
the key and playing defense. So solid pick up with
him at any position, and they re signed pictures Carlos
Estevez and Michael Lorenzo. Esteve is a solid reliever, Lorenzoen
up and down starter, but definitely nings guy with some
goods out of him. Good add them consistent pictures for
a long season and the losses. He traded veteran pitcher
(03:30):
Brady Singer and the Jonathan Indian trade. He's a solid
pitcher with a good ERI. More of a number three
number four type and he played more than number four
role for the Royals, so solid trade there, but then
they lost every veteran they picked up to help him
last season in the second baseman outfield of Adam Fraser
(03:54):
outfield and Tommy fam shortstop, part of young first baseman
you Lee Gariel who's not really the same player used
to be at this age, and then veteran outfield up
Robbie Grossman who helped him last year. He's still a
free agent, as well as Will Smith, who was more
their closer sat up man last season.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
So I gave it a C plus. I really liked it,
Youhn in the Indian move.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Yeah, I felt like they might have needed to add
another bet based on last season, but not too bad.
And I said the losses nothing that they can't really handle.
Most of the veterans scooped up. I would probably bring
back Will Smith to help.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
With the bullpen.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Obviously some bullpen help, just like last season. By a fact, again,
his first baseman, Vinnie passed Cortino. He's a big six'
four home run header where they really needed last. Season
he got injured during the regular season but did come
back to help them. Lead so he's a guy whould
easily hit two home runs in a game and batch your,
(05:00):
eye you. KNOW i think halfter the season they had
last year and the success they. HAD i know he's
motivated to be healthy this year have a big. Season
so looking for big, Things benny Passed, contino but The
tigers gave him a. Beat plus.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
They re signed Pitcher Jack flirty to a two year.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Deal he was their number two last season before they
ended up just trading him to The dodgers for no.
Reason but he ended up helping The dodgers get into the,
postseason even though he didn't play as well in the.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Postseason that's why they didn't pay. Him but good move.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Going back to The tigers and rebuilding that value. Again
he sat on the market for a. While, surprisingly they
signed second basement cleev Of tores from The yankees to
a one year.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
DEAL i like that.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Move he was a silent lead off here for them
in front Of soto And. Judge just a consistent bat
with power to his game as. Well so salad pick
up there to position to. Need then they picked up
some little level pitching death which they needed to fill
out their. Bullpen only lost they really had was Pitcher
Alex fato to The Tampa Bay. RAYS i, said silent moves,
(06:16):
there bringing Back flaherty the number two spot behinds young
Winner turk, school think, leebertrees it's a veteran filling in
the second base spot position to. NEED i know they
just missed out On Alex, bregman LIKE i, said The
Red sox overpaid for, him but that had have been
a nice pick up as.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Well but still a bat plus as is.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
And similar to last season mix factor again his first
basement Special togalsim powers kind of hit a miss for The,
tigers so they really need a solid power back Like Specer.
TOGALSON i, said another home run, guy BUT i said
he just struggle to get on base and struggle with
injuries last. Sear but he ended up regaining his spot.
(07:02):
Again BUT i think once again similar to Pass, ptino
like the success they had going into the, POSTSEASON i
feel like talk was him can grow off for, THAT i,
said come back with a solid season they've been looking.
For he was a high draft, pick so definitely not
unexpected in the talent is there and he can help
(07:23):
his team bro similar to the veteran that they picked.
Up thanks for the TWINS i gave my ce they
signed outfield At Harrison vader's.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
A one year.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Deal more of a defensive, guy but he can't get on,
base so not much power to his. Game though they
signed first Basement Todd franz to a one year. Deal
he's another on base, guy doesn't really have much power
to his, game so The mariners gave up on him
and them sent him to The reds last, season who
needed them just a consistent.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Bat in the.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Lineup So joe he could do the, same especially if
they lost that first Basement Calos.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Santana so it's a position to need.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
And for the losses as Mentioned Carlos santana at first
base for The, guardians they lost their deaf Guy Kyle,
farmer who played second base and third, base even though
he didn't play a lot last season due to. Injuries
and then they lost one of my top, Players Max
kapler the, outfield another guy that struggled to stay. Healthy
(08:28):
But calpler was. Healthy definitely a solid, header whether it's,
power getting on base in, general nice left handed.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
BACK i gave The twins to.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
SEE i MEAN i thought that they needed another picture,
added But Sir Harrison bader up in the our. Field,
DEFENSIVELY i Think Todd franz fills in that first base.
Role for MY x, FACTOR i went with third Baseman
Royce lewis a player that they wanted to be more
than a franchise, guy but he struggle with injuries throughout the.
(09:01):
Season it looked like he was gonna get off to
a high start. Regularly But lewis is one of them.
Players he can play, defense you do, everything bat and.
Wise they really hyped him up last, year SO i
know they're looking for it for him to do big.
THINGS i, mean you could put it on like, career but.
CAREER i know its injuries, too but you know what
(09:22):
car those career gonna. Bring but Roy slows is still.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
Kind of an.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
UNKNOWN i, said they're looking for him to be kind
of their. Face but we can see what he can
do this season help the. Team next for The White
sox gave him A d. Plus they signed veteran picture
my Team perez to a one year. Deal it's more
of a number, three number four type, picture BUT i
think he's gonna be like their number, two maybe even number.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
One they don't have.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Much they signed second, basement third Basement George rojas to
a one year. Deal he's another one those get on
base type. Guys doesn't really have much power to his game.
Play he's good. DEFENSE i can play second base or
third base or good. Versatility then they signed veteran Outfielders MICHAEL.
A taylor And Mike. Toshman both didn't really play. Much
(10:10):
it was more of a deaf. Guys but of course
on The White sox it's nothing but open, spots so
of course they can get some time here show what
they can do.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
And for their.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Losses of, course with, trading they star, pitcher Got crochet
to The Red. Sox the main person that they got
back in that deal is Catching Kyle. Till they really
needed to catch, him so he should be able to
compete with that, spot hopefully take over that. Spot he's
more a on base type of. Guy but they Miss crochet.
(10:41):
More they lost veteran Pitcher Michael. SARROGA i know he
went aer and ten for, them but he did have
a FOUR, era so he just wasn't getting any run
support at all on his. Team then they finally let
go Third. Basement you're on Man. GOTTA i think he's
a player needed to see. Anyway he just was injured every,
(11:02):
season and the Whites hose gave him every chance to come,
back keep trying to come, back just injured every, season
so change the scenery might be nice for him because
he is a talented player when he is. Healthy SO
i gave it a deep. Plus it was more like
death feeling. Moves no real big names or anybody that
can move the, needle so he looked like a team
(11:24):
that's gonna stay bottom feeders for.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Now even knowing the new, ownership they all promising to be.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
COMPETITIVE i do like The pereers move and The rohis,
moves the two solid, players but they won't really move
the needle for the type of needs that this team is.
For MY x factor with Outfielder Luise. Robert he was
a player that they wanted to trade last, season but
his value fell just like all the other outfielders they
(11:50):
wanted to. Trade But Luis roberts is a solid power
guy as we seen him in The All run, derby
but just need to rebuild that consistency and up his
bat average, again continue to show power and. Power was
hit a mess last season as. Well it's a struggling
season for, him but without much to really. GIVE i
know they're kind of hoping he rebuild his. Value might
(12:12):
be a big trade. Piece he was the one player
that they decided not to give up last season FOR,
us SO i think they believe that he can rebuild
his value this. Season so we'll see What Luis roberts can.
Do he is a talented, player of, course but that's
something up for the M looking forward to give you
THE nl world.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Soon thanks for thanks for supporting
Hey, fundamentals and techniques, that's the key, right sixteen minutes right,
sixty minutes next for the al central start over to
(00:28):
the Guardians gave him a C minus start off by
signing veteran pitcher Shane Beaver said they're looking to trade
him last season, but he ended up getting hurt. But
now he can be the veteran on the staff and
looking at him pitch coming back, he looked like he
still has a lot love in the tank, So solid
move keeping him with from other teams. He signed first
(00:49):
baseman Carlos Santana's been around forever to a one year deal.
He shown him last year with the Twins. He still
got a lot left it wise to pick up there,
even though I don't like them moving off of Josh Naylor,
who played at a beat plus the A minus level
last year, so they definitely won't get that production out
(01:09):
of Santana.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
And they signed Picture John Means to a one year deal.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
As I mentioned with the Orioles, he was a solid
pitcher like two season ago before the Tommy John Surgerys
they had number one potentially at a point. But bring
him in regain his form as a smart move in
my opinion and the losses on the team was veteran
pitcher Matthew Boyd. Like I said, Shane Bieber can kind
of take that role. He was their number two, number
(01:36):
three pitcher last season, played very well.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
They traded Andre Samenez second baseman.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
As I mentioned to the Blue Jays, he was a
solid player, but they think they have younger players. They
can feel that position. And as I mentioned, they lost
Josh Nayler be a trade. I wouldn't have signed off
on that move. Like I said, it's a smaller market team.
They just trying to save some money. Was a solid
pan favorite for them. As I said, I got to
(02:03):
see them in person. But my ex factor his picture
Shane Bieber, and so he's coming back. He looks healthy.
He was the ACE originally, probably could be an ACE again.
So their picture staff is pretty young but solid. So
they're looking to see what Biab can do. Maybe they
decided to trade him again by the trade deal line.
(02:23):
We'll see and thank you. He Silid, I say, played
that Matthew boy roll from last season. Just the veteran
picture that come in especially postseason time. If they can
make it back, but it'll be very important in a
tough division, so I know they're happy they kept bab
away from other teams.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
You know a lot of teams needed a picture like that.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Next for the Royals game of C plus, they started
off with the Johnny the Indian trade, second baseman from
the Reds. He's a solid player that a lot of
teams won it last season, but the Ridgs decided to
keep them. Still plays good defense, solid consistent back. Still
got some power to his bad but the power doesn't
always show. But Barry consistent of getting on base with
(03:06):
the key and playing defense. So solid pick up with
him at any position, and they re signed pictures Carlos
Estevez and Michael Lorenzo. Esteve is a solid reliever, Lorenzoen
up and down starter, but definitely nings guy with some
goods out of him. Good add them consistent pictures for
a long season and the losses. He traded veteran pitcher
(03:30):
Brady Singer and the Jonathan Indian trade. He's a solid
pitcher with a good ERI. More of a number three
number four type and he played more than number four
role for the Royals, so solid trade there, but then
they lost every veteran they picked up to help him
last season in the second baseman outfield of Adam Fraser
(03:54):
outfield and Tommy fam shortstop, part of young first baseman
you Lee Gariel who's not really the same player used
to be at this age, and then veteran outfield up
Robbie Grossman who helped him last year. He's still a
free agent, as well as Will Smith, who was more
their closer sat up man last season.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
So I gave it a C plus. I really liked it,
Youhn in the Indian move.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Yeah, I felt like they might have needed to add
another bet based on last season, but not too bad.
And I said the losses nothing that they can't really handle.
Most of the veterans scooped up. I would probably bring
back Will Smith to help.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
With the bullpen.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Obviously some bullpen help, just like last season. By a fact, again,
his first baseman, Vinnie passed Cortino. He's a big six'
four home run header where they really needed last. Season
he got injured during the regular season but did come
back to help them. Lead so he's a guy whould
easily hit two home runs in a game and batch your,
(05:00):
eye you. KNOW i think halfter the season they had
last year and the success they. HAD i know he's
motivated to be healthy this year have a big. Season
so looking for big, Things benny Passed, contino but The
tigers gave him a. Beat plus.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
They re signed Pitcher Jack flirty to a two year.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Deal he was their number two last season before they
ended up just trading him to The dodgers for no.
Reason but he ended up helping The dodgers get into the,
postseason even though he didn't play as well in the.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Postseason that's why they didn't pay. Him but good move.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Going back to The tigers and rebuilding that value. Again
he sat on the market for a. While, surprisingly they
signed second basement cleev Of tores from The yankees to
a one year.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
DEAL i like that.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Move he was a silent lead off here for them
in front Of soto And. Judge just a consistent bat
with power to his game as. Well so salad pick
up there to position to. Need then they picked up
some little level pitching death which they needed to fill
out their. Bullpen only lost they really had was Pitcher
Alex fato to The Tampa Bay. RAYS i, said silent moves,
(06:16):
there bringing Back flaherty the number two spot behinds young
Winner turk, school think, leebertrees it's a veteran filling in
the second base spot position to. NEED i know they
just missed out On Alex, bregman LIKE i, said The
Red sox overpaid for, him but that had have been
a nice pick up as.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Well but still a bat plus as is.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
And similar to last season mix factor again his first
basement Special togalsim powers kind of hit a miss for The,
tigers so they really need a solid power back Like Specer.
TOGALSON i, said another home run, guy BUT i said
he just struggle to get on base and struggle with
injuries last. Sear but he ended up regaining his spot.
(07:02):
Again BUT i think once again similar to Pass, ptino
like the success they had going into the, POSTSEASON i
feel like talk was him can grow off for, THAT i,
said come back with a solid season they've been looking.
For he was a high draft, pick so definitely not
unexpected in the talent is there and he can help
(07:23):
his team bro similar to the veteran that they picked.
Up thanks for the TWINS i gave my ce they
signed outfield At Harrison vader's.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
A one year.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Deal more of a defensive, guy but he can't get on,
base so not much power to his. Game though they
signed first Basement Todd franz to a one year. Deal
he's another on base, guy doesn't really have much power
to his, game so The mariners gave up on him
and them sent him to The reds last, season who
needed them just a consistent.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Bat in the.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Lineup So joe he could do the, same especially if
they lost that first Basement Calos.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Santana so it's a position to need.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
And for the losses as Mentioned Carlos santana at first
base for The, guardians they lost their deaf Guy Kyle,
farmer who played second base and third, base even though
he didn't play a lot last season due to. Injuries
and then they lost one of my top, Players Max
kapler the, outfield another guy that struggled to stay. Healthy
(08:28):
But calpler was. Healthy definitely a solid, header whether it's,
power getting on base in, general nice left handed.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
BACK i gave The twins to.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
SEE i MEAN i thought that they needed another picture,
added But Sir Harrison bader up in the our. Field,
DEFENSIVELY i Think Todd franz fills in that first base.
Role for MY x, FACTOR i went with third Baseman
Royce lewis a player that they wanted to be more
than a franchise, guy but he struggle with injuries throughout the.
(09:01):
Season it looked like he was gonna get off to
a high start. Regularly But lewis is one of them.
Players he can play, defense you do, everything bat and.
Wise they really hyped him up last, year SO i
know they're looking for it for him to do big.
THINGS i, mean you could put it on like, career but.
CAREER i know its injuries, too but you know what
(09:22):
car those career gonna. Bring but Roy slows is still.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
Kind of an.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
UNKNOWN i, said they're looking for him to be kind
of their. Face but we can see what he can
do this season help the. Team next for The White
sox gave him A d. Plus they signed veteran picture
my Team perez to a one year. Deal it's more
of a number, three number four type, picture BUT i
think he's gonna be like their number, two maybe even number.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
One they don't have.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Much they signed second, basement third Basement George rojas to
a one year. Deal he's another one those get on
base type. Guys doesn't really have much power to his game.
Play he's good. DEFENSE i can play second base or
third base or good. Versatility then they signed veteran Outfielders MICHAEL.
A taylor And Mike. Toshman both didn't really play. Much
(10:10):
it was more of a deaf. Guys but of course
on The White sox it's nothing but open, spots so
of course they can get some time here show what
they can do.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
And for their.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Losses of, course with, trading they star, pitcher Got crochet
to The Red. Sox the main person that they got
back in that deal is Catching Kyle. Till they really
needed to catch, him so he should be able to
compete with that, spot hopefully take over that. Spot he's
more a on base type of. Guy but they Miss crochet.
(10:41):
More they lost veteran Pitcher Michael. SARROGA i know he
went aer and ten for, them but he did have
a FOUR, era so he just wasn't getting any run
support at all on his. Team then they finally let
go Third. Basement you're on Man. GOTTA i think he's
a player needed to see. Anyway he just was injured every,
(11:02):
season and the Whites hose gave him every chance to come,
back keep trying to come, back just injured every, season
so change the scenery might be nice for him because
he is a talented player when he is. Healthy SO
i gave it a deep. Plus it was more like
death feeling. Moves no real big names or anybody that
can move the, needle so he looked like a team
(11:24):
that's gonna stay bottom feeders for.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Now even knowing the new, ownership they all promising to be.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
COMPETITIVE i do like The pereers move and The rohis,
moves the two solid, players but they won't really move
the needle for the type of needs that this team is.
For MY x factor with Outfielder Luise. Robert he was
a player that they wanted to trade last, season but
his value fell just like all the other outfielders they
(11:50):
wanted to. Trade But Luis roberts is a solid power
guy as we seen him in The All run, derby
but just need to rebuild that consistency and up his
bat average, again continue to show power and. Power was
hit a mess last season as. Well it's a struggling
season for, him but without much to really. GIVE i
know they're kind of hoping he rebuild his. Value might
(12:12):
be a big trade. Piece he was the one player
that they decided not to give up last season FOR,
us SO i think they believe that he can rebuild
his value this. Season so we'll see What Luis roberts can.
Do he is a talented, player of, course but that's
something up for the M looking forward to give you
THE nl world.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Soon thanks for thanks for supporting
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