Around the AL Central: Let the Games Begin

The hits just keep on coming for the Indians and their fans. First Chris Perez has an oblique strain that will put him on the shelf for 4-6 weeks and then its announced that Grady Sizemore has undergone a back surgery that will put him on the disabled list for 8-12 weeks. The good news is that the games have begun in Goodyear and the Indians and Reds battled to a 6-6 tie in the first Cactus League game of the year. The best news to come out of the game, as in any game in spring training, is that nobody was injured.

Indians Notes: 

• Tony Lastoria at IndiansProspectInsider takes a look at the weeks action including the Perez/Sizemore injuries and the left-field competition.
• Terry Pluto reports that Asdrubal Cabrera appears to have come to camp heavier than last year.
• Lewis Pollie and the crew over at Wahoosonfirst have an early spring Wroundtable and look at the possible opening day lineup.
• The Indians will be on-air a total of 12 times this spring. The Indians Spring Training TV schedule for MLB.tv (HERE) and STO (HERE) have been released. 
• Matt Klaassen of Fangraphs looks into the Sizemore Effect and how the Indians should move forward in left field.
• Peter Gammons writes about Grady Sizemore's reckless style as a contributing factor to his injuries the last few seasons.

Tigers Notes: 

• Eight Tigers pitchers combined on a 1-hit 2-0 shutout over the Atlanta Braves . Prince Fielder was on base 3 times with 2 hits and a double. Former Indians Jered Head hit a solo home run fort he Tigers.
• Tiger Manager Jim Leyland tells James Schmel of mlive.com that he supports major league baseball's decision to add a playoff team but doesn't like it.
• Chris Hannum at Motor City Bengals 

Royals Notes: 

• Royals Review asks if former Indians farmhand Kevin Kouzmanoff will make the opening day roster. As of this writing the poll response was 76% against.
• Dick Kaegel at MLB.com looks at reliever Tim Collins as he attempts to gain command of his pitches and improve control.
• Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star takes a look at Luis Mendoza who after 11 minor league seasons  is looking to win a job in the Royals rotation. Will the mechanical adjustments made by minor league pitching coach Doug Henry in 2011which  led to a 2.18 ERA in 144.2 innings of work continue with the Royals in 2012?

White Sox Notes: 

• A.J. Pierzynski tells Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun Times not to worry....playoffs are the White Sox goal.
• Mark Gonzlez of the Chicago Tribune looks at how Robin Ventura leans on his coaching staff and the veteran  players for coaching up the younger players.
• Art Spander at Newsday looks at how Robin Ventura was influenced by his two New York managers: Bobby Valentine and Joe Torre.

Twins Notes:

• TwinkieTown  discusses the Twins Grapefruit League opener victory over the the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3.
• Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune looks at what changes the Twins have made in the front office, how expectations have changed, and what Ron Gardenhire has to do to turn things around.