10 Biggest Wild Cards in the 2012 AL Central Race

In all honesty the Detroit Tigers are probably going to win the AL Central in 2012, but there’s still a chance one of the other four teams might sneak into the driver’s seat.

That’s why you play the game.

Many things could affect the outcome of the race and that’s why it’s going to be a fun year to watch as the Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians fight for the crown.

Joe Mauer

It’s crazy to say that a team that lost 99 games last year has a chance to win the division, but the Twins just might. The main problem for the Twins last year was the endless parade of injured players, including Joe Mauer.

If Mauer can return to MVP form, the Twins have a legitimate shot at the division crown. When healthy, Mauer is the best catcher in the MLB, but when he's injured obviously he can't contribute. When Mauer is hurt, the team's fortunes go down with him.

Detroit Defense

The Prince Fielder signing was an excellent signing, but it did bring to light a major flaw.

Detroit’s defense doesn't look too good. To accommodate Prince’s arrival, Miguel Cabrera is moving from first to third. Granted, Cabrera has played at the hot corner, but he wasn't the best.

Some teams may take advantage or the Tigers might be able to just out-slug everybody.

You know what they say, though—defense wins championships.

Adam Dunn

It looked like a huge signing at the time and it was. It turned into a huge waste of money.

The White Sox signed Dunn to a humongous four-year, $56 million deal and he didn't put up any numbers whatsoever.

In 2011 he had a .159 batting average, 42 RBI and only 11 home runs. If Dunn can play the way he did before last year, the White Sox could put up a fight.

Major Cleveland Returns

Injuries are a part of the game, which was very true for the Cleveland Indians in 2011. Major players like Grady Sizemore, Shin-Soo Choo and Travis Hafner all were regulars on the DL last year for Cleveland.

If these players can stay healthy, it may be a fun summer in Cleveland. If they don’t stay healthy or don’t play to their abilities, the Indians may struggle again this season.

KC's Young Blood

Kansas City’s the youngest team in the league; Billy Butler is 25, Alex Gordon is 27 and Joakim Soria is 27. The Royals are very young and most of their key players are in their 20s.

It may be the Royals' biggest downfall is their lack of experience. Many of the same players are back from last year, so it may be time for the Royals to make a move.

Justin Morneau

A team’s failures shouldn't be put on to injuries alone, but you could make an argument for the Twins. The Twins have two former MVPs on their team and neither of them played a full season last year.

That hurts.

Earlier, Joe Mauer was mentioned, but now it’s time for Justin Morneau. He’s a huge part of the Twins team and when he’s not in the lineup, the Twins lose a lot of power. His presence could affect the division dramatically.

Prince Fielder

Now, I don’t expect Prince Fielder to be a bust this year, but it’s happened a time or two in the MLB. Big star signs with team and then falters—then everyone asks why did he get such a big contract.

It probably won’t happen, but if Fielder's production does fall of the face of the Earth that could be a major blow for the heavily favored Tigers.

Chicago's Starting Pitching

Mark Buehrle is gone.

Buehrle is now in Miami after playing in Chicago from 2000-2011, including nine Opening Day stars. He’s been an All-Star four times and pitched two no-hitters, one of which was a perfect game.

Long story short, Buehrle was really good and now that he’s gone everyone has to step up.

Chicago has the likes of John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Jake Peavy and Phillip Humber, but they have very large shoes to fill. They definitely don’t pitch as hard as Buehrle either.

Ubaldo Jimenez

We all remember the way Ubaldo Jimenez dominated as a member of the Rockies in 2010. He didn't repeat that success in 2011 as a member of the Rockies and Indians. He went from a 2.88 ERA to a 4.68 ERA.

If Jimenez can find his 2010 form in 2012, he could help the Indians in their chase for the crown. Pitching wins championships.

Mike Moustakas

There is major hype around Mike Moustakas. He could be the real deal for the Kansas City Royals. If he is he could lead the Royals to a very successful season.

He broke into the big leagues last year after knocking out 41 home runs in Double-A and Triple-A in 2010.

Last year he hit .275 and had 15 home runs between Triple-A and the MLB. He’s ready to explode, and if he does the Royals might just explode too.