MLB Breakdown #6

For the last division I saved the AL Central in which my beloved Detroit Tigers play. While many expect them to finish last again, I just don't see it but nor will my homer feelings allow me to say they'll win the Central, they just won't. But here's my breakdown:

1. Chicago White Sox (90-72) - The Chicago White Sox will once again win the Central in a close race yet again. They have one of the strongest rotations with a strong lineup which is why they'll win the Central. The White Sox blew few games in the late innings due to a strong bullpen much of the pen is intact for this year. Factor in Dye, Thome, Konerko and Quentin with youngsters Alexi Ramirez, Josh Fields and Chris Getz and this team should find themselves back in the playoffs.

2. Minnesota Twins (87-75) - The Twins took the White Sox to a one game playoff for the Central last year and they'll be runner ups again this year. The Twins starters were the best last year at not walking hitters, which is why they played 163 games. A fifth starter has not been named yet what with Boof Bonser and Scott Baker being placed on the DL along with Joe Mauer who has no return date in sight. Joe Crede's iffy back might not hold up so well playing 81 games on a turf surface, not the friendliest of surfaces for those with bad backs. Carlos Gomez should become one of the game's premier leadoff men this year.

3. Detroit Tigers (81-81) - This team potentially could be a dangerous team if the right combination of players stay healthy. Carlos Guillen, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera are three guys Detroit needs to stay healthy if they plan to finish higher then third. Justin Verlander, Armando Galarraga and Edwin Jackson need to remain healthy as well. Once Jeremy Bonderman regains velocity look for Zach Miner or rookie phenom Rick Porcello to exit the rotation. The downfall of this team will be the same as last year, their bullpen and closer. Fernando Rodney beat out Brandon Lyon for the closer job but don't be surprised if 7th inning set up guy Ryan Perry is trying his hand at closing out games in September. Guys to watch: Cabrera, Curtis Granderson, Ryan Perry and Rick Porcello.

4. Cleveland Indians (79-83) - Cliff Lee was dominating last year, but can he do it again this year? I suspect he will since his contract runs up and Cleveland likely won't be able to afford this game changing lefty, see C.C. Sabathia. Grady Sizemore gets some help from Mark DeRosa and Victor Martinez but they won't be enough. The back three in the rotation are not exactly proven and the bullpen has some holes in it too. Kerry Wood will spend more games on the DL then he will saving them. Sizemore is primed for a great year.

5. Kansas City Royals (75-87) - Gil Meche and Zach Greinke will be solid pitchers this year for KC, it's the rest of their rotation that worries me. They plenty of potenital all over the field; Alex Gordon, Mark Teahen, Mike Aviles, Matt Jacobs, David DeJesus, Jose Guillen. The queston is can they be productive at the same time, my answer is no. They have a talented bullpen too but I don't know if their starters will be able to give them enough leads to hold for wins. Look for Gordon, Teahen and Jacobs to be productive this year.