Scouts, execs see Tigers as Central Division favorites

It's been six days since my last post and if I don't post at least once a week I turn into a pumpkin. So here goes.

With their addition of Miguel Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Jacque Jones and Dontrelle Willis, the Tigers are seen by most scouts and team executives polled by the Detroit Free Press as the team to beat in the A.L Central this year.

The White Sox are named as a team that could surprise, with their addition of shortstop Orlando Cabrera and outfielder Nick Swisher.

For his part, Tiger GM Dave Dombrowski tried to paint the bullseye on the back of the Tribe's new egg salad-colored unis.

"Cleveland has to be the favorite. They won the division. They have basically the same club coming back, and they made an addition to their bullpen with (Masahide) Kobayashi, who's a quality pitcher." -- Dave Dombrowski quoted by the Detroit Free Press.

More on Santana:

Depending on the week, Hank Steinbrenner says he's either likely or unlikely to make a deal to bring Twins ace Johan Santana to the Bronx.

This week is an "unlikely" week, according to a story in today's (NY) Daily News.

Meantime the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that Santana may indeed be heading to New York, but to Queens, not the Bronx.

Lofton to the Brewers?

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal's 'Brewers Blog' reports the Brewers have spoken to Kenny Lofton, as has been rumored.

It makes sense I guess. Milwaukee is one of about three or four teams Kenny hasn't played for yet.