AL Central Preview

The AL Central is annually a very close division that comes down to the wire. Tell that to the Minnesota Twins who have had to play a one game playoff each of the past two seasons, losing the playoff to the White Sox in 2008 and defeating the Tigers in a game for the ages in 2009. So what will 2010 hold for the division? It is likely that the division will be just as close, and just as mediocre.

5.) Cleveland Indians
The Indians have the talent to be better than the fifth best team in the division, but their pitching rotation is more than suspect. Carmona, Westbrook, Talbot, Masterson, and Huff... that is who will be trotting out to the mound for the Indians this year. Still will Grady Sizemore, Jhonny Peralta, Travis Hafner, and Asdrubal Cabrera in the lineup, the team will likely keep things interesting through most of the season.

4.) Kansas City Royals

The Royals went out and signed a few notable free agents this off season, so therefore I will reward them with a spot other than the typical 5th spot in the Central most would give the team. Signing outfielders Scott Podsednik and Rick Ankiel add some excitement to the batting order. Don't forget the reigning AL Cy Young winner, Zack Greinke and a few other decent starts in Bannister and Davies. The Royals are no longer the laughing stock of the American League, but that doesn't mean they are ready to win the division either

3.) Minnesota Twins
Now I am writing this with the privilege of knowing that closer Joe Nathan is likely out the entire season. However, even if I had wrote this two months ago, I still am unsure about this Twins squad. The big worry: will the new ballpark effect the team? Target Field opens this season, after decades of playing indoors on the turf at the Metrodome. The Twins had perfected a way to win on that surface and had a true home advantage and it will be interesting to see how this effects them.
Still Mauer + Morneau = chance to win the division.

2.) Detroit Tigers
After coming so close to the playoffs last season and falling short in an epic collapse, it will be hard to move past the ghosts of the 2009 season. Miguel Cabrera: stud, and Inge and Magglio will contribute to a popping offense. The late addition of Johnny Damon bolsters the lineup but questions still surround the rotation. We know Verlander is very talented, but can the Tigers get contributions out of pitchers like Dontrelle Willis or Jeremy Bonderman who have potential, but have failed to live up to it in a Detroit uniform. One thing is for sure: the save situation is much better then it has been in recent years as Jose Valverde, one of the games best closers, will now come in for saves.

1.) Chicago White Sox
A mixture of youth and experience spreads across the White Sox lineup, as young guns like Alexei Ramirez, Gordon Beckham, and Carlos Quentin have veterans like AJ Pierzynski, Paul Konerko, and Juan Pierre to help guide them. The trade many people have forgotten: Jake Peavy is a White Sox... Remember?? Peavy plus Mr. Perfect game, Mark Buehrle makes up one of the most devistating 1-2 pitching combos in all of baseball. The rest of the rotation is shaky, but the team is definetely a contender in the Central, and I place my trust in Manager Ozzie Guillen to lead this team to a division title.