2009 MLB Preview: AL Central

The Cleveland Indians have some new faces. Will that help them win the AL Central?

The AL Central in 2008 was home to one of the greatest divisional races in recent memory. The White Sox and Twins ended up playing 163 regular season games to decide who would win the AL Central, which the White Sox won 1-0 on a Jim Thome monster homerun.

What is in store for 2009? Let's have a look.

Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians have Baseball's best Centerfielder, Grady Sizemore, and Travis Hafner can still hit the ball a mile. The Indians acquired two great players via a trade and I think these two will make a huge difference right away. The first huge addition: Kerry Wood. He comes over from the Chicago Cubs, and I think he instantly upgrades Cleveland's bullpen. He will come in and get saves right away for this team. The second player is Mark DeRosa. He also comes over from the Cubs. When he was in Chicago, he played all over the field. In Cleveland, it looks like he will be set to play third base. The Indians rotation is anchored by last season's AL Cy Young award winner, Cliff Lee. Everyone that follows him in the rotation is a questionmark, however. If the 2 thru 5 guys can pitch like they're capable of, the Indians rotation will be a pleasant surprise this season.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are the defending division champions. The White Sox rotation is anchored by Mark Buehrle, who is still one of the American league's best pitchers. John Danks and Gavin Floyd are capable, young starters. Jose Contreras will work to beat a lineup the slowest way possible, and Bartolo Colon begins this season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder after getting released from the Angels.

Offensively, the White Sox should not strugle in that department. The White Sox will finally get to see a whole full season of Josh Fields, after they released Joe Crede, Alexi Ramirez will continue to impress, as his stroke is almost exactly like Alfonso Soriano's. Chris Getz will be the new second baseman, and Dewayne Wise will play Center Field. Carlos Quentin should be back in full swing this season, and let's not forget about Jermaine Dye in right field. Paul Konerko will play First base, and Jim Thome will launch some homeruns from the Designated Hitter spot.
Detroit Tigers

Times are tough for all things Detroit right now, and that includes the Tigers. The Tigers suprisingly released Gary Sheffield after he wasn't cutting it, and if they fall out of contention early, more may be next. The Tigers are still waiting for Joel Zumaya to get healthy, and for Dontrelle Willis to get back to The D-Train of old.

The Bright spots for Detroit: Curtis Granderson is still one of baseball's best leadoff men. Major League scouts are raving over pitcher Rick Porcello, and Miguel Cabrera is forecasted to have a big season this year.

Expect The Tigers to fight to make it above .500 this season, which sounds a whole lot like what they did last season.

Minnesota Twins


This is the final season that the Minnesota Twins will play inside the Metrodome. The Twins move into the outdoors when they play in Target Field. Francisco Liriano appears to have his good stuff this Spring. He'll be the ace. Kevin Slowey and Glen Perkins are capable, and Nick Blackburn could really pitch fantasticly this season. Who will be Minnesota's Fifth Starter?

Offensively, the Twins will get a lot of offense from Justin Morneau. Joe Crede willplay Third base, as he comes over from the Chicago White Sox. Denard Span could have a breakout season this year.

Expect the White Sox and Twins to slug it out for the AL Central title.
Kansas City Royals

This is The Kansas City Royals 40th anniversary. Their rotation is anchored by Gil Meche, followed by Zach Greinke, Kyle Davies was a surprise this season. Was Sidney Ponson just a World Baseball Classic Wonder? The Royals will find that out as he made a slot in the rotation. Horacio Ramirez rounds out the rotation.

The Royals are hoping that Alex Gordon has a much better season this year. Mike Jacobs becomes Kansas City's new first baseman, Mike Avilles will play short, and Alberto Callaspo will play second base.

Don't expect a surpise team out of Kansas City this season.

My Division Prjections:
1. CHICAGO WHITE SOX
They have the pitching, offense, and defense to repeat as division champions.
2. Minnesota Twins
Justin Morneau will be good, as usual, and their pitching looks good this season.
3.Cleveland Indians
Their offense will be there, but their pitching (outside of Cliff Lee) has questionmarks.
4. Detroit Tigers
Miguel Cabrera will have a good season, but the rest of the team will struggle.
5. Kansas City Royals.
They won't compete this year.

In our next MLB Preview. We will look at the AL West. Will Los Angeles repeat as Division Champions? Will Texas Surpise? Will Seattle be competitive? Find out in the next MLB Preview.