The AL Central ended up being one of the more exciting races last year, where the Tigers were leading it the majority of the season. Around September, it turned into a three team race between the Tigers, the White Sox and the Twins. At the very end of the season, the Twins were able to force a one game playoff for the division crown in Minnesota. In game 163, in the 13th inning, the Twins were able to take the division title. Anyway here is the breakdown for this upcoming season:
1. Twins: I have a feeling they will repeat as their rotation is looking good, their lineup is slightly better than it was last year, and their bench is a lot better (key bat additions to the roster Thome, Hudson, and Hardy). Of course, the Twins recently lost one of their best pieces in Nathan and now will be closing by committee. Before the injury the Twins were a lock to win this division, but now that they have a weakness, they can be taken over. In the end, I still believe the Twins come out on top.
2 White Sox: The Sox really did nothing this winter, but what they did in the middle of last season (Rios, Peavy) could really make an impact in this division. In fact its their lineup that I am really intrgued by. Beckam at third could be trouble for opposing teams, while Alexi Ramiez has the potential to be dangerous. Juan Pierre, a move this offseason that was overlooked by a lot of people (including myself) could be the key to this team (really). If Ozzy runs this team like how he wants to, Pierre could have a monster season and so could the White Sox.
3. Tigers: Detriot has some big pieces in Verlander and Miguel, but unloading Granderson will hurt, especially when in general they needed to unload payroll in general this year. If their pitching can get it together, and this lineup can score runs (which is very possible) then this team can finish better than third.
4. Cleveland: The Indians are in a rebuilding mode just like the probable 5th place Royals. The reason they will finish above the Royals is because of the lineup. The Indians have a lot of interesting players that will score a good amount of runs for a team in a rebuilding year. While they shouldn't expect anything big, they shouldn't be in the cellar.
5. Royals: Kansas City didn't make any big moves but they made a lot of investment for their future (looking at you Arguelles). While not much will materialize this year, this was a good step for this franchise.
