AL Central

The defending World Series champions, the Chicago White Sox, will again be the team to be beat in this division. The White Sox would've had the division locked up by September if not for their late season collapse which almost cost them a playoff spot. As it turns out, Cleveland could not capitalize on the White Sox's collapse and fell just short. This year will again see the White Sox and the Indians battle out for the top standing.

Already a championship team from the year before, the White Sox's GM Ken Williams had one of the busiest off season, with adding various players to the team to make a run at repeating as the champ. With a 40 HR hitter already in the line up in Paul Konerko, the White Sox added a former 40HR hitter in Jim Thome. While Thome is going to spend majority of the season as the DH, the pair of Konerko and Thome is possibly just behind Manny and Big Papi in the most dangerous 3-4 hitter in baseball. The pitching was also improved in the offseason with the signing of Javier Vasquez. A already stellar starting rotation got better with the addition of Vazquez. With a starting rotation of Mark Buehrle, Freddy Garcia, Jose Contreras, Jon Garland, and Javier Vazquez, any of these 5 pitchers are all capable of reaching 15 wins while throwing 200 innings. This rotation can potentially be the deepest one in the majors this season. Their pitching staff will be able to hold off opponents while the offense look to score a run or two in close games. The biggest question mark will come from the centre-field position, as there is a big uncertainty for the replacement for the departed Aaron Rowand. Look for the White Sox to make a solid run at repeating as champs this season.

The Cleveland Indians had a shot at overtaking the Whote Sox for the division title last season. But they were unable to capitalize on the White Sox struggle in the stretch run, as they hit a road block themselves towards the end of the season. Anchor by the best catcher in the league, the Indians hope to make a run at the White Sox this season. With a core group of young players, Cleveland will be in the playoff mix for many years to come. However, while their young players develop, they will still be unable to take the extra leep to take over the division from the defending champs.

Despite having the best pitcher in the league, the Minnesota Twins should once again finish behind the White Sox and Indians at the end of the season. A small budget team, the Twins haven't had the chance to bring in key free agents to play the supporting role behind Johan Santana. Joe Nathan will again be one of the most underrated closer in the league, while Johan Santana will make another strong bid to win his 2nd CY award. A healthy outfield, as well as a healthy Justin Moreanu, will be key to Minnesota's success this year.

Despite the off-season moves, Kanasa City will be locked in a fight for last place with Detroit this whole season. While signings such as R. Sanders, M. Grudzielanek, and M. Redman will hopefully help improve the team this season, they have not improved enough to threaten Minnesota for third place in the league. Once highly regarded pitcher Zack Grienke has completely fallen off the map.

Look in a fight for last place in the division will be the Detroit Tigers. A team which threatened to break the record for most losses in a season just a couple of years ago, should not be nearly as bad again. With several bright stars in the near future, it seems Detroit should only get better as time pass. J. Bonderman has emerged as the ace of the Tigers club, and should be the ace for many years. A healthy M. Ordonez and I. Rodriguez will be critical for Tigers to have a positive season. The signing of troubled K. Rogers should help the club if he doesn't have any on or off field incidents. He likely will not repeat his successful season from 05, but he will be a contribution in the development of Bonderman, and should be a solid #2 pitcher for this Tigers ballclub.

So while I am writing this before/during my lectures, AL Central looks to be the one of two division in which there might be a clear winner at the beginning of the season. Look for the White Sox to represent the Central in their attempt to repeat as the World Series champ.

Prediction
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
Minnesota Twins
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals