Predicting the 2012 American League Central Standings

The American League Central might be the easiest division in all of baseball to predict.  Boasting a clear front-runner who won the division last season, the real question is where will the other four teams fall?

The Kansas City Royals are bringing the young guns to town, with Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas leading the way.

The Cleveland Indians counter back with some youth of their own and one of the best young catchers in baseball with Carlos Santana.

The south siders of Chicago are hoping that Adam Dunn can return to form and that the loss of Mark Buehrle doesn't prove to be too much.

The Minnesota Twins hope to rebound from a 99-loss season and the loss of three key players: Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, and Joe Nathan.

The Detroit Tigers weren't happy with their 95-win season and loss to the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship series, so they went out and got themselves a prized first basemen in Prince Fielder.

The question is, what does all this add up to?

5. Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals have arguably two of the most talented young players in the game with Eric Hosmer and Alex Gordon. 

They also boast a premier closer in Joakim Soria.  Unfortunately though, they don't have enough talent in the starting rotation and bullpen to get Soria too many opportunities to earn a save.

This team simply lacks the pitching staff to win more than 70 games, and they are going to find themselves at the bottom of the division in 2012.

4. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins fans have something to look forward to in 2012: There is no way they will lose 99 games again this year.  However, it is going to be a long year for fans who have become accustomed to a team competing for the division crown.

A healthy Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau will certainly help this team, but a lack of proven bullpen arms will be their downfall.

Expect Minnesota to win no more than 75 games.

3. Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are counting on Adam Dunn to have a monster year if they want to compete in the AL Central.  It just isn't going to happen, though.  With a lack of bats around him in the lineup, Dunn is going to continue to struggle on the south side.

There are two bright spots to this roster: the solid pitching staff and the fact that Paul Konerko continues to keep on hitting.

The White Sox should be right around the 80-win mark this season.

2. Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians won 80 games last season.  They boast one of the brightest upcoming catchers in baseball in Carlos Santana.  They have the electrifying Asdrubal Cabrera.  They also happen to boast a solid pitching staff that can help this team improve on their 80 wins. 

They are young and in a position to be a serious threat in the AL Central soon, but as for this year, they will finish the season with 82 wins.

1. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have the best pitcher in baseball in Justin Verlander.  Their closer didn't blow a save last season. 

They have more than competent No. 2 and No. 3 starters in Doug Fister and Max Scherzer.  Throw in a solid backstop for the staff in Alex Avila, and you have the makings of a great team.

Then you can't forget about the perennial MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. The scary thing is that they added another guy who should compete for the MVP award almost every year in Prince Fielder.  There is a problem, though, in that they both play first base.  However, the injury to Victor Martinez will certainly make it easier to get enough at bats and field time for both of them, and Cabrera is more than willing to play third base this year.

It is tough to imagine this team winning less than 100 games this season, but it should be more like 105.