Can the Twins and White Sox repeat last year's success? Can the Tigers and Indians bounce back from disappointing 2008 seasons? Are the Royals ready to compete? These are the big questions in the American League Central heading into the 2009 season.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are looking to repeat as division champions. They have an odd mix of some aging stars and some promising youngsters. Their rotation, led by lefty Mark Buehrle is solid if unspectacular. Their bullpen is solid led by Bobby Jenks, a big-time closer. Ultimately, they don't have enough offense to win the division once again. Their aging stars like Thome, Konerko, Pierzynski, and Dye are on the downswing and their youngsters like Getz, Fields, and Wise are bound to have some growing pains.
Prediction: Third Place
Cleveland Indians
The Indians are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2008. Their rotation is excellent at the top with Cy Young Award Winner Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona. If healthy, Carl Pavano is a solid number three. Their four and five starters are question marks. Their bullpen is solid led by newly acquired closer Kerry Wood. Their lineup is very good led by Martinez, Hafner, and Sizemore. They should be in the race to the end before coming up just short.
Prediction: Second Place
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers were one of the most disappointing teams in baseball in 2008. They started poorly and never really recovered. This year there is renewed optimism. They have a very good starting rotation of Verlander, Bonderman, Jackson, Galarraga, and Robertson. Their ace Verlander was terrible last year, but he is too good a pitcher to pitch poorly two years in a row. Except him to regain his form of a couple years ago. They have some great arms in the bullpen with Zumaya and Rodney. Their lineup is very good led by Granderson, Ordonez, and Cabrera, one of the best offensive players in the game. Expect the Tigers to bounce back and win about 85 games this year and that will be enough to win this division.
Prediction: First Place
Kansas City Royals
The Royals have some very good young talent. They have a solid rotation led by Meche, Greinke, and Bannister. Their lineup is solid, led by youngsters Jacobs, Gordon, and DeJesus. They have a good bullpen led by closer Soria, Farnsworth and Cruz. They have been improving every year and should flirt with .500 this year. However, they are still a year away from competing for the division title.
Prediction: Fifth Place
Minnesota Twins
The Twins had an excellent year last year and are looking to replicate their success this year. They have a solid rotation led by Baker and Liriano, who is looking to recapture his dominance of a couple years ago. They have a decent bullpen led by Joe Nathan, a big-time closer. Their lineup is mediocre and other than Morneau, has very little power. The Twins have overachieved for years but with resurgences expected from Detroit and Cleveland, this is the year they come back down to earth.
Prediction: Fourth Place
Up Next: National League Central
