2009 MLB Preview: American League

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Cleveland Indians (93-69) – The Indians broke even in a season where they lost two of their top hitters due to extended injuries, had no consistency from their closer, and dealt away their top starter for a good part of the last decade. I expect another great season from reigning Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee, and I think a lot of people really expect a true breakout season from Grady Sizemore. Their bullpen is revamped with Kerry Wood at the back end, and if this team can at all return to their 2007 division-winning form, there is no doubt that they will win this ever weak grouping with relative ease.

Chicago White Sox (91-71) – The same core from last year’s division champions returns featuring a lineup with tremendous balance between proven veterans (Dye, Konerko, Thome) and young power bats (Quentin, Ramirez). Their young rotation proved what it could do down the stretch last year, and though many people may not like him, Ozzie Guillen can manage better than most skippers in the game. As long as they don’t bank on significant contributions from young role players, they will contend in a division full of question marks and concerns; a division title or a Wild Card run is very possible.

Minnesota Twins (83-79) - A perennial contender under Gardenhire, the Twins come into this season with remarkable pitching depth and one of the game’s best closers. The two main concerns that I have about the Twins are their expectation that Liriano will return to his pre-injury ways en route to being an ace, along with the uncertain health of Joe Mauer. Yes, grit and hunger are two great qualities to have with a young, promising team. The Metrodome is among the better playoff locales in baseball, however, level of talent has to play into the equation somehow, or else it’s bound to be a long summer.

Detroit Tigers (81-81) – It’s unbelievable how quickly the Tigers’ fortunes turned last year, from being a preseason favorite to win the World Series to becoming a cellar-dweller in the AL Central. They didn’t struggle whatsoever to score runs last year, and they won’t again this year; like many other teams, their problems can be attributed to their weak starting rotation. Disappointing seasons from Verlander and Willis drove this team into the ground early, and now their only hope lies in their deep lineup, filled with players who possess power and/or speed. Another struggle waits in the Motor City.

Kansas City Royals (68-94) – If you look at this team’s roster on paper, the Royals have the pieces to contend at this point. However, each of their hitters is flawed in one way or another and most of the preseason praise bestowed upon their pitchers is based mostly on potential. If the best acquisitions they can make in the offseason are Coco Crisp and Kyle Farnsworth, this team will continue to improve at this ever so glacial pace. The top end of their rotation and the decent bullpen with Soria at the back gives them a fighting chance, but Kansas City is once again nothing but an divisional doormat.

American League West (predicted order of finish and records)

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