MLB Predictions: Miguel Cabrera and the AL Central Preseason All-Stars
The American League Central division sometimes gets lost in the shuffle with big market teams like the Yankees and Red Sox eating up the national sports headlines.
Still, the AL Central boasts a great deal of talent and is typically a closely-contested division until the final week of the season.
In the past five seasons, six players from the division have won American League MVP or Cy Young awards:
MVP: Joe Mauer, 2009; Justin Morneau, 2006.
Cy Young: Zack Greinke, 2009; Cliff Lee, 2008; CC Sabathia, 2007; Johan Santana, 2006.
With Opening Day rapidly approaching, here is a look at players at each position that will be vying for midseason and postseason honors.
Starting Pitcher: Francisco Liriano
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In his first season back from reconstructive elbow surgery, Francisco Liriano definitely showed the pains of adjusting to form.
He finished the 2009 season with a 5-13 record and an ERA just under 6.00, leading many to question whether or not he would be able to regain his pre-surgery confidence as the Twins entered the 2010 season.
Liriano would prove his critics wrong, however, finishing the 2010 season with a 14-10 record and a 3.62 ERA.
With manager Ron Gardenhire naming Carl Pavano as the team's Opening Day starter, Francisco Liriano will have that much more motivation to prove that he's an ace-type pitcher that is worthy of the long-term deal that he's seeking.
Catcher: Joe Mauer
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Despite having a down season (by his standards), Twins catcher Joe Mauer still put up rather impressive numbers.
Mauer finished the season with a .327 batting average while scoring 88 runs and compiling 75 RBI.
Mauer did have a rough stretch during the season when his average dropped below .300, a statistic almost unheard of with regards to Mauer.
Still, Mauer managed to garner an effective .402 on-base percentage and earned another gold glove, solidifying his spot as the top defensive catcher in the American League.
If he's able to stay healthy throughout the 2011 season, there's no reason to believe Mauer won't be considered one of the best catchers in the American League.
First Base: Miguel Cabrera
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Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball, boasting power that is virtually unmatched.
Most power hitters sacrifice their average for power, but not Cabrera. Cabrera batted .328 in 2010, finishing near the top of the American League batting race and earning votes for Most Valuable Player.
In a division with outstanding depth at first base, Cabrera is about as good as it gets.
Unfortunately for Cabrera, publicity of his talents have taken a backseat in the media to his battle with alcohol.
He does still have an immense amount of talent, however, and if he's able to put his troubles behind him, he'll likely be in the running for Most Valuable Player honors.
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Second Base: Carlos Guillen
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Carlos Guillen is an effective hitter, having compiled a career .286 batting average. His defensive skills make him an asset in the field and his knowledge on the bases make him a valuable part of the Tigers' offensive plans.
Guillen will continue to provide value for the Tigers as they look to take the AL Central crown away from the Minnesota Twins as the season progresses.
Third Base: Danny Valencia
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Minnesota Twins third baseman Danny Valencia started the 2010 season in the Minor Leagues after failing to earn a spot on the Twins 25-man roster in spring training.
Valencia wouldn't be deterred, though, working hard in the Twins farm system and ultimately earning a trip to Target Field in early June.
He didn't disappoint, as he batted an impressive .311 in 2010, earning himself a permanent place in the Twins starting lineup.
Valencia may not be able to keep up his 2010 numbers, but if he is able to produce as much for the Twins as he did last season, he'll quickly rise toward the top of the ranks of major league third basemen.
Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez
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In three seasons with the Chicago White Sox, shortstop Alexei Ramirez has been an important part of the team's lineup, compiling a career .283 batting average.
Last season was no different, as Ramirez batted .282, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 70 runs.
Ramirez is a solid defender and will be an important part of the White Sox lineup as they set their sights on the AL Central crown this season.
Left Field: Delmon Young
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After dropping some excess weight this past offseason, Twins left fielder Delmon Young had a breakout season in 2010.
Young batted .298 in 2010 while hitting 21 home runs and driving in 112 runs (all career highs).
Young endured his fair share of struggles in left field, but still remains a key part of the Twins outfield and will surely further adjust to Target Field in 2011.
The Twins hope that Young can continue to produce this season, and his bat will become even more important to the lineup if Justin Morneau is unable to return to form as we inch closer to Opening Day.
Center Field: Alex Rios
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Alex Rios was one of the most productive hitters in the White Sox lineup last season. Rios batted .284, hitting 21 home runs and drove in 88 runs.
His bat complemented teammates like Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin nicely, making the White Sox one of the most consistent offenses in the American League.
With the addition of Adam Dunn to the lineup, Rios will likely see more opportunities for production this year, as teams will need to decide who they'll pitch to and who they'll put on base.
Either way, Rios' consistent career lends hope to his chances at another successful campaign in center field this season
Right Field: Shin-Soo Choo
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The Cleveland Indians didn't have much to be happy about last season, as they found themselves in the basement of the American League Central most of the year.
Indians fans did, however, have the opportunity to watch one of the best Indians outfielders since Manny Ramirez and Kenny Lofton called Jacobs Field home.
Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo batted .300 in 2010, boasting a .401 on-base percentage and .440 slugging percentage.
His 22 home runs provided some needed pop, and his 90 RBI were almost twice as many as the next best run producer in the Indians lineup.
Designated Hitter: Adam Dunn
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Much to the dismay of everyone outside of Chicago's south side, Adam Dunn will be calling U.S. Cellular Field home this season.
Dunn hit .260 with the Washington Nationals in 2010, going deep 38 times and driving in 103 runs.
Having the opportunity to hold down the designated hitter spot will allow Dunn to produce offensively this season while not wearing down physically as he may have had he played in the outfield as he did last season.
Relief Pitcher: Matt Thornton
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Chicago White Sox reliever Matt Thornton was a very valuable part of the team's bullpen in 2010 and will be counted on again to eat up innings and keep games out of the opponents' reach.
Thornton finished last season with a 5-4 record and a 2.67 ERA. In 60 innings, Thornton struck out 81 batters while walking 20.
Converting eight of 10 save opportunities, Thornton was able to come in and provide value in virtually any circumstance. With some key additions and subtractions in the team's bullpen, Thornton's experience will be counted on frequently.
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