AL Central

With the ungodly signing of Jayson Werth to a seven-year, $126 million contract the cost of outfield help has gone through the roof. The Tigers are most likely working pretty hard to get a deal in place with Magglio Ordonez to be the right fielder in 2011. However, because of the lack of outfield depth on the free-agent market, Ordonez might be able to land a ridiculous deal. If that happens the Tigers may be forced to look to the trade market.

It could just be a coincidence, or there could be something to it.  Adam Dunn is just another example of a player who has been linked with the crosstown Cubs who is headed to White Sox.  Let's take a look into Kenny Williams' past.

1. Jim Thome

The talks about Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke are starting to heat up as KC has mentioned that they are willing to trade him, given the right price.

With the MLB winter meetings starting today, the talks and rumors will be flying for awhile until one team is satisfied.

The Yankees are one of those teams that has been very interested in the former Cy Young award winner's services and as usual, they have not been very shy about it.

Baseball's winter meetings begin this week in Florida.

This can be a time when those hot stoves really get fired up.

Twins' General Manager Bill Smith has needs to be addressed as the team heads into its second season at Target Field.

No longer playing small-market ball, the team's payroll is projected to be around $102 to $120 million for the 2011 season.

If Minnesota is going to successfully defend the American League Central Title and make that step to the next level, then Smith will have to make some moves.

The Minnesota Twins have always prided themselves on the amount of talent available in their minor league system. The organization has also always been known for developing their players at a conservative pace.

Current Twins third baseman Danny Valencia spent a full four seasons in the minor leagues before getting the call to the majors this past season.

He made the best of his opportunity, solidifying his place as the team's starting third baseman for the remainder of the season, and will likely remain there for the foreseeable future.

The White Sox added one of the games top power hitters in Adam Dunn on Friday, signing him to a four year, $56 million dollar contract. The move gives the Sox a much needed left-handed power hitter. This move, however, doesn't mean the White Sox won't quit their pursuit of resigning Paul Konerko. 

White Sox GM Kenny Williams sent a strong message that his team will be ready to compete for a Central Division title in 2011 with a lot of activity Friday.

So far, Williams has played to form this winter.  He has not been afraid to make a splash and is retooling with veterans, as opposed to going young.

Let's take a closer look...

Addition Through Subtraction

For minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield, Williams traded away much maligned reliever Scott Linebrink.

With the signing of Adam Dunn for four years and $56 million, Kenny Williams asserted his power over White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Williams stood tall and in one fell swoop declared: This is the American League. This is the AL Central. This is U.S. Cellular Field. We will hit the ball. We will hit the ball far, and we will win. Take your National League, small ball crap and shove it.

The Detroit Tigers have already made a big splash in the 2010 offseason. Victor Martinez and Joaquin Benoit were key signings for Detroit. 

Detroit has said it would like to have a lower payroll than it had in 2010. After adding $29 million in new contracts (Brandon Inge, Jhonny Peralta, Martinez and Benoit), Detroit still has room to add another contract or two and still remain under the $60 million it dropped.

It has been reported that free agent Slugger Adam Dunn has signed a 4-year, $56 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. This is a huge move for the White Sox, who are unsure if first baseman Paul Konerko will return next season.