MLB: American League Central Preview

It’s pretty obvious that the Detroit Tigers have improved themselves this off season.  The Tigers are looking to bounce back from their subpar season and contend with the Cleveland Indians for the American League Central crown.  With key additions of Migual Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, they potentially have the best team (on paper) in the American League.  If their pitching can stay healthy, they have to be the favorites of the division. 

They have shown they can make it to the Series, but they are hungry for that title. 

With the Indians winning the Central in 2007, it left a bad taste in Detroit's mouth.  The Indians went to Japan to pick up bullpen help, but other than that they are looking to improve internally and build on last year's success. 

Cleveland are limited in what they can do and they are hoping they can last on what they have and it won't come back to haunt them.  They have gained experience these past two seasons and I see them giving Detroit a challenge throughout the season.

The Minnesota Twins seem to be rebuilding and with the departure of Johan Santana, they lost arguably the best pitcher in the American League.  The Twins gained some outfield talent and pitching prospects and are obviously playing for the future.  This Twins ball club has always been hardnosed and I don't see that stopping; I see this team getting better and contending not this year, but in years to come.

The Kansas City Royals seem to be a team that is filled with potential—I see them a year or two away.  That young pitching staff gets better every year and once their talented position players start going I see this team contending.  Rich with talent and a couple of veteran additions, this team is on the road to success.

The Chicago White Sox lit up the south side and stole some thunder from the cross town rivials the Chicago Cubs in 2005 when they won the World Series, but have struggled ever since.  Last year, was tough for this team, but with off season acquisitions of Nick Swisher and Orlando Cabrera this team can easily be on the rise.  Their veteran pitching staff has always been tough and their lineup still looks good, so I would say this team can make some noise, but I'm not sure if it’s this year.

I see this as a very tough division every year this division is regarded as one of the toughest, and I don't see any difference this year. 

The Tigers and the Indians will be the frontrunners and it will be interesting if they can keep up with each other.  I would look for either the Twins, Royals, or White Sox to maybe creep up and turn a few heads, but who knows. 

We know that it will be another exciting year and if the Indians pitching can outduel the Tigers lineup and have great run support like last year, I see them winning, but if not the Tigers should win this division