AL Central: Predicted order of finish and team overview's:
1. Tigers- Best all around team in the division. Best pitcher, best closer, best big stick. If healthy, this is the team to beat. The addition of Prince Fielder will mask the loss of V-Mart. The team's only weakness is on defense. There's A LOT of weight and immobile players manning the infield. In a close game or down the stretch, this could come into play, big time. Key subtractions include: 2B Carlos Guillen, RF Magglio Ordonez, RHP Brad Penny and RHP Joel Zumaya.
2. Indians- The only major player lost this year is Fausto Carmona who is stuck in the Dominican Republic for using a false ID. When that issue get's resolved is still unknown. Key acquisitions include 1B Casey Kotchman and P Derek Lowe. Management resigned a slew of players to avoid arbitration and should be motivated for huge years in anticipation for a longer tenured future contract. This team hopes to overcome the injury bug this year (I'm talking to you Grady Sizemore and the rest of our outfield!). Expecting a BIG year from RF Sin Soo Choo and 2B Jason Kipnis. Defensively, this team is the best in the division. Hands down. The Indians should have another solid starting staff and bullpen. Offensively, they're still near the bottom.
3. Royals- Youngest team in the league. They'll miss the loss of CF Melky Cabrera. Their strength is on offense and their weakness is still their starting pitching staff.
4. Twins- Can Mauer and Morneau stay healthy? If so, they should help rebound the 2nd lowest scoring offense in the AL last year. But that's a big if. Key losses include: RHP Joe Nathan, RHP Kevin Slowey, OF Michael Cuddyer, OF Jason Kubel,
5. White Sox- Rookie manager & a team on the verge of a full rebuild doesn't bode well for this team. Key losses include P Mark Buehrle and closer Sergio Santos. Offensively, this team is the pits.
