2011 American League Central Preview

It's the start of another season of baseball and it is ripe with possibilites. I will be breaking down the most exciting division in baseball, one that nearly every year thrills us fans with late season drama, thats right I'm talking about the AL Central.

Twins (92-70)
This team won the central last year with its best pitcher and best slugger injured. With the return of all-stars Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau and the addition of Japan's Tsuyoshi Nishioka, the Twins have more talent and depth than every other team in the division. Every season the Twins get much needed help from players in their minor league system. This year look for that help to come from pitcher Kyle Gibson or 3rd baseman Luke Hughes. Barring serious injury to key players the Twins look like they are on the fast track to go 2 for 2 in division titles this decade, and have the potential to make a deep playoff run.

White Sox (90-72)
The Sox have a talented team this year with both offensive firepower and some veteran arms in the rotation. Newly added slugger Adam Dunn adds even more power to a White Sox lineup that already includes the like of Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko. Getting Jake Peavy back from injury should bolster a solid rotation and youngster Chris Sale should make Sox fans quickly forget about losing Bobby Jenks. The Sox should definitely contend for the division and I have them making the playoffs via the wild-card.

Tigers (85-77)
While they have perhaps the most talented player in the division in Miguel Cabrera and a potent offense, the lack of a deep pitching staff will lead to the Tigers falling short of the division crown.

Royals (74-88)
Kansas City has the a ton of talent, unfortunately most of that talent is in the minor leagues. While they won't contend for the division this year they should, with proper player development, be a force two or three years down the line.

Indians (63-99)
They have a few good players on offense in Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore but thats pretty much it. The pitching staff isn't much better with little depth and too much inconsistincy from their two best pitchers Fausto Carmona and Justin Masterson. This overall lack of depth will lead to the Indians competing with the Royals for last place in the Central.