Mavrik here back for another round of division previews. A few days ago, I covered the AL East and today, I’ll give a preview of the AL Central. A division once considered the joke of baseball for many years, the AL Central now features some of the top teams and baseball and is considered one of the most competitive. Last season saw the Chicago White Sox shocked the world by taking home the World Series Trophy. This season should see an interesting power struggle unfold, as both the White Sox and Indians will battle mightily for the top spot.
Chicago White Sox (99-63, 1st in AL CENTRAL, WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS)
 Projected Lineup
1. LF Scott Podsednik
2. SS Juan Uribe
3. DH Jim Thome
4. 1B Paul Konerko
5. RF Jermaine Dye
6. 2B Tadahitu Iguchi
7. C AJ Pierzynski
8. 3B Joe Crede
9. CF Brian Anderson
Starting Rotation: Mark Buehlre, Freddy Garcia, Jose Contreras, Jon Garland, Javier VasquezThe Chicago White Sox literally came out of nowhere last year. After a few lackluster seasons, a trade bringing Scott Podsednik to Chi-town for Carlos Lee and another bringing Freddy Garcia over from Seattle seemed to be the catalyst for a franchise looking to get back to the World Series for the first time since 1919. Podsednik stole 59 bases for the White Sox and the team got a nice 40 HR 100 RBI season out of Paul Konerko. Â
Last season, the White Sox rotation also gelled together, as the White Sox got at least 14 wins from each of their current front 4 in the rotation. Jon Garland was also a surprise. The young righty was impressive last year, going 18-10 with a 3.50 ERA.
Â
After most championships, teams usually get purged of their top talent in free agency, but this wasn’t the case this off season. The Sox traded Aaron Rowand to the Phillies for hard hitting but injury plagued Jim Thome. Thome will play the majority of the season at DH and see some time at first when Konerko needs a break. The teams 1-4 lineup is arguably more dangerous than last year and will continue to be productive this year. The Sox also acquired SP Javier Vasquez in a trade with Arizona in exchange for Orlando Hernandez. This strengthened the rotation even more and gives the Sox, 1 to 5, the best rotation in baseball today.
Â
The one concern the team could face this year is over the closer role. Bobby Jenks filled the role nicely last postseason, albeit abruptly, but if he falters this season, it could be back and forth between him and Dustin Hermanson for the closer role. Either way, there is no reason to think the Sox can’t or won’t repeat this season as World Series Champs.
This off season also saw the Twins bring in two players with questionable health. The team acquired second baseman Luis Castillo from the Marlins, who is still hampered by a knee injury, but when healthy can be expected to put up .300 avg, 30 SB. The team also acquired Rondell White in the DH spot, who’s declining range and ability at the plate was becoming evident. The bullpen is still solid, and will strengthen if young pitcher Francisco Liriano is put into the relief role. Joe Nathan also returns to close, as he has the past few seasons. The Twins will get another solid year from their top 3 pitchers, but will need the lineup to produce early and often for the Twins to have any chance in the division. Joe Mauer must prove he is over his knee injury and able to produce immediately and the Twins need continued solid production from CF Torii Hunter and 1B Justin Morneau. Many expected break out seasons for them last year but they fell short of expectations. The Twins, offensively, are on a decline, and despite the best efforts of Santana and Radke, will not be in the race for the AL Central crown.
Prediction: 80-82, 4th in AL CentralKansas City Royals (56-106, 5th in AL CENTRAL, NO PLAYOFFS
Projected Lineup:
1. CF David Dejesus
2. 2B Mark Grudzielanek
3. RF Reggie Sanders
4. DH Mike Sweeney
5. 1B Doug Mienkiewicz
6. LF Emil Brown
7. 3B Mark Teahen
8. SS Angel Berroa
9. C John Buck
Starting Rotation: Scott Elarton, Joe Mays, Jeremy Affledt, Denny Batista, Runlevys Hernandez Well Royal fans, all I can really say is. Enjoy opening day. That’s about it. The Royals returned to futility last year, finishing with 106 losses after surprising just about everyone two years ago with an 83-79 effort and a run at the playoffs. Last year’s team featured a plethora of young and inexperienced players, both in the rotation and in the lineup.
Â
The Royals responded, puzzlingly, this offseason, by adding a few second, or dare I say, third-tier free agents to the starting lineup. The team added Mark Grudzielanek, who despite a good glove, and a decent pop in the bat, is not the second baseman the team is looking to rebuild with. Grudzielanek will be 36 this season. The Royals also added 38 year old Reggie Sanders to play right field, and Doug Mienkiewicz, who struggled heavily during his short stint with the New York Mets last season.
Â
The rotation isn’t much to look at either. Scott Elarton is the team’s ace. The fifth different opening day starting pitcher for the Royals in as many seasons. Runlevys Hernandez, who had a surprising rookie season two years ago, will be in the 5 spot, after going 8-14 with a 5.52 ERA last season. Zack Greinke, who was at one time the “Ace of the future� for the Royals franchise, is currently no with the team due to personal issues. The bullpen also figures to struggle, with Elmer Dessens and Mike MacDougal splitting time in the closer position, both of which have shown that the have struggled heavily in that role. As I said before, be prepared, Royals, fans, it’s going to be a looooong season.
Prediction: 55-107, 5th in AL CENTRALIn a few days, I will be back with a preview of the AL West.Â