American League Central: Indians and White Sox, a Two Team Race

They also need their young starters to pitch well in order to take the pressure off their bullpen.  If John Danks and Gavin Floyd do well, then Chicago will be a factor in the division again.  Closing games will not be a problem with Bobby Jenks around.

It remains to be seen whether or not the White Sox will be big run producers this year.  They have power, but they will have to manufacture runs to win..  Alexi Ramirez will get the start in center-field as a rookie, Nick Swisher will be in left, Juan Uribe will start for now at second, and Joe Crede will start at the hot corner.  How they perform will go a long way toward determining their sucess scoring runs. 

The usual suspects, Paul Konerko, Jim Tome, and Jermaine Dye will be relied on heavily to drive in runs.  

The White Sox have a chance to surprise this season and contend.  I like their balance and I believe their starting pitching will be better than advertised.  If their relievers hold up, there is a chance they could finish second in the division.

Projected finish - 3rd place.

Kansas City Royals

Even though Kansas City finished last in the division in 2007, there is still hope.  Their rotation is actually pretty good and they do have an ace in Gil Meche.  The question has always been whether he, and the other starters will get run support.  Brian Bannister is a number 2-3 rotation guy when effective, and Zach Greinke pitched well last year. 

The back side of their rotation has issues, but their top 3 pitchers should be good enough to compensate for that.

Joakim Soria will close.  He had 17 saves in his rookie year (2007) with a 2.48 ERA.  The Royals do have viable middle relievers in their bullpen.  Ron Mahay pitched well in relief last year between Texas and Atlanta, posting ERA’s less than 3.00.  Jimmy Gobble will be a factor as a set up man and has pitched well.

Leo Nunez adds depth, and they are looking for good things from Yasuhiko Yabuta, their right-handed import from Japan.  His assortment of pitches and the way he attacks the strike zone has make Kansas City believe he will be special. 

If that turns out to be true, then Kansas City’s bullpen will be the strength of their team and will keep them in a lot of games.

The question is whether or not they will score enough runs to compete.  There is not much power in their lineup.  Jose Guillen is one of the only true long ball threats they have.  Here is where they will struggle.

What will help them is the fact that Minnesota is rebuilding and will not be  much of a threat. 

The Royals have a rookie manager, Trey Hillman, and a team that will have to manufacture runs without hitting home runs all the time.  Even though the pitching should excel, they don’t have much margin for error.  They may not win the division, but won’t be an easy out either.

Projected finish - 4th place.

Minnesota Twins

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