AL Central

If I were Russell Branyan, I would seriously consider firing my agent.

The Seattle Mariners offered Branyan at the beginning of the offseason, a one-year contract in the neighborhood of $6 million-$7 million. Branyan’s camp turned that offer down because they thought they could get a two- or three-year deal somewhere else.

Big mistake.

What planet was Branyan’s agent on where he thought he could get a multi-year deal for a 34-year-old with a bad back in a down economy?

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | No. 14 | Carlos Gutierrez

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | September 22, 1986 (Miami, Florida)

School | University of Miami

Height | 6'3''

Weight | 205 lbs.

In 2006, rookies Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya helped the Tigers to their first World Series in 22 years.

The inexperienced tandem matured as the season progressed and led a suprising Detroit team to the playoffs after the franchise's worst ten year stretch in history.

Who has the potential to repeat this performance in 2010?

Let's look at 10 baby Tigers who may be called to task this season:

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Mortified:

Point: Yes, I hope the Tigers bring Johnny Damon in. It makes perfect sense.

Counterpoint: The Tigers might as well turn over left field to Ryan Raburn.

P: Raburn? I like Raburn as a fifth outfielder. He won't put up what Damon will.

CP: Signing Damon would make the Tigers awfully crowded with outfielders. They have Raburn, Clete Thomas, Austin Jackson, Wilkin Ramirez, Magglio Ordonez, and possibly Carlos Guillen.

CP: Forget Ramirez and Thomas. Now you are down to four guys. Guillen could play a lot at third base considering Brandon Inge's injuries.

Position: Pitcher

Bats/Throws: Left/Left

Born: December 23, 1987 (Simi Valley, California)

School: Bella Vista High School

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 220 lbs.

2009 Ranking: 10



Breakdown

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | No. 16 | Deolis Guerra

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | April 17, 1989 (San Felix, Venezuela)

School | Not Available

Height | 6'5''

Weight | 200 lbs.

2009 Ranking | 12

Breakdown

Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas will always be remembered as one of the hardest hitting Chicago White Sox in history. 

Thomas had stints with the Oakland A's and Toronto Blue Jays, but his legacy will be that of a South Sider when he's one day enshrined into baseball's hall of fame.

A player doesn't earn the moniker "Big Hurt" without reason. Thomas was big, 6'5" and 275 pounds, and legend has it that he "Sandlotted" a baseball, annihilating it with his powerful swing—ripping it to shreds.

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #42 | Liam Hendriks