1. Detroit Tigers- Make no mistake about it. The American League Central is the Detroit Tigers' to lose. This team has no glaring weakness. The lineup, especially spots 1-6, is absolutely filthy. Anchored by 2012 Triple Crown winner and unofficial best player in baseball Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers shouldn't have any problems putting runs on the board. One would figure that with such a great lineup, the pitching couldn't possibly be as good. Think again. The rotation is led by two of the best pitchers in baseball (Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer) and only features one starter (Rick Porcello) who had a 4.00+ ERA last year. If forced to pick a weakness, it would be the bullpen, but the offseason acquisition of Joe Nathan will fill their need at closer. Although the Royals and Indians will field respectable teams this year, no one is stopping Detroit from winning the division and making a strong push at a World Series title.
2. Kansas City Royals- The Royals and Indians are as good as interchangeable at second and third place, but I go with the Royals here because I am one of the few who still believe in good pitching, and the Royals have it. The lineup doesn't seem to have much talent at first glance, but it has the perfect balance of youthful talent and experienced players. Veteran players like Billy Butler and Alex Gordon will try to carry the load while promising young players such as Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Salvador Perez continue to show what they can do at the MLB level. The rotation will be led by James Shields and should be respectable despite the loss of Ervin Santana in free agency. The real strength of this club, however, is in the bullpen. Top to bottom, this is one of the best bullpens in baseball, led by underrated closer Greg Holland. Stuck behind the Tigers, the Royals do not have a great chance at a division title this year. With that said, a good season should be expected, and if the chips fall in their favor, they might be able to snag the final Wild Card spot over the second place team from the AL West.
3. Cleveland Indians- Expectations in Cleveland are high coming off only the second playoff appearance since 2001 for the Indians. The lineup is not world class, but it should be enough to keep the team afloat despite playing in a pitcher-friendly park. Carlos Santana will be a player to watch as he makes the transition to DH from the everyday catcher. Cleveland is hoping this move will help his health and his bat, both of which will be vital to the team's success. The rotation figures to be solid even with the departure of Ubaldo Jimenez, but decent production from Carlos Carrasco will be needed in the fifth starter spot, and he has not yet shown he can produce on a regular basis at the Major League level. The bullpen is nothing special, but should be good enough. Most key relief pitchers from last year's squad will be back. Like the Royals, the Indians are a far cry from the Detroit Tigers, but whichever of the teams finishes second in the AL Central will have a good shot at a playoff berth.
4. Minnesota Twins- Most people have the Twins finishing last in this division, and they very well could, but I give them the narrow edge over Chicago here. Like Kansas City and Cleveland, these two are almost interchangeable. There is a distinct gap between the 2-3 and 4-5 teams in this division, similar to the one created by Detroit atop the division. I think Minnesota's lineup might surprise some people. They won't lead the league in average this year, but they have plenty of power scattered throughout the order. Joe Mauer will be counted on to carry this team, but don't be surprised if someone like Josh Willingham or Brian Dozier offers decent production. Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes will anchor what looks like a decent rotation. The bullpen is not great, but it's always nice to have a closer like Glen Perkins on the back end. The Twins also have the best farm system in the league, and a few of their top prospects have a chance to hit the big stage this year. Minnesota is still a few years from competing, but don't be surprised if they beat out the White Sox to avoid being the AL Central cellar dwellers of 2014.
5. Chicago White Sox- The White Sox have gone into rebuilding mode, trying to shed expensive contracts and acquire young, cheap prospects. Jose Abreu is a promising young first baseman that will likely hit in the three hole, while veteran Adam Dunn figures to hold down the cleanup spot and provide some power (and plenty of strikeouts). The rotation will be led by Chris Sale who is coming off a career year in 2013. The rest of the staff should be average at best, but keep an eye on the fifth starter, Erik Johnson, as he looked great in limited innings last year. The Sox' bullpen doesn't look pretty, especially on the back end, as Nate Jones will be called on to close this year despite flashing over a 4.00 ERA last season. The White Sox won't win many games this year, or for the next few years for that matter, but if they can continue to develop their young talent into reliable everyday players at the Major League level, look out for this team down the road.
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