AL Central Fans - Check in!

[GOPFighter]

Who's going to end up on top this year? The White Sox are the logical choice at this point (barring major injuries).

I'm putting the Tribe in second - I think they're still a year away from being a strong contender.

I think the Twins will have a better year this year and should make the race exciting, and the Tigers should also improve this year.

I'd like to see the Royals improve, they have a nice stadium and great fans. They deserve better.

[JohnnyCougar]

1. The Tigers are going to be a lot better this year.

Injuries and lack of leadership plagued them last season. They have the talent to win the division, the only question is, "Will they be able to use it?"

[KitchenWitch]

2. I am going to be a homer here and say the Twins will take the division

they sure have the pitching this year, and have added some potential offense. Plus I would guess, with the death of Kirby Puckett, there is some incentive to win it for him.

The top three spots are going to be close, though. The Royals will still be in the cellar. The White Sox and Indians will battle for second in the division and perhaps gain the Wild Card.

I think the Tigers are just a year away from being contenders.

[WeRQ4U]

3. I think theTwins could win the division....

But my magic 8-ball says "Outlook not good". I say the White Sox and Indians battle again, with the Tigers and Twins battling for third. The White Sox actually IMPROVED in the offseason by picking up Thome, Vasquez and Mackowiak, and by retaining Konerko. The Indians are rounded as usual, with decent young pitching and the Tigers COULD do something if they choose to use what they've got, talent wise. KC is still about 5 years away from being worth a shit. They picked up old Twins first baseman Dougie Baserunning, which means their defensive infield play will escalate. But DM has no bat and aside from Mike Sweeney, they will have a hard time hitting the ball again.

I'm a die hard Twins fan, but they are a Central division enigma. It wouldn't be totally unlike them to come out and surprise people this year. Their pitching is second to none in the division. They have annual Cy Young candidate Johan Santana, workhorse Carlos Silva, and veteran control pitcher Brad Radke. They've also got Kyle Loshe who has dropped his curve ball, been placing his fastball VERY well so far this spring, and has looked untouchable at times. He may have the breakout year that Terry Ryan has been promising us fans. Plus, they've got legit prospects in Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano to fill the 5th spot. That's a rotation to fear. The questions come with their offense. They've added Tony Batista (who's struggled so far this spring) at third base and Lois Castillo (who's been hurt quite a bit this spring) at second. If they play well, it will drastically improve the team. If they don't, then we'll see more of what we had last year: failure to get key hits, untimely strikeouts and men left on base. On an encouraging note, however, is the early spring play of 1st Baseman Justin Morneau and shortstop Jason Bartlett. Morneau seems to have pared down his HUGE "swing away" zone and he hit very well for Canada in the WBC. Maybe we'll finally see what we know is in there, a guy who can hit 35 towering homers. As for Bartlett, it couldn't get any worse than the beginning of last season. He was given the job out of spring training but lasted only until mid May. He looked absolutely LOST out there. He was sent down, regained his composure, and hit for a good average at Rochester. He's back swinging the bat well and getting on base using his wheels. He may be a nice little addition to the bottom of the lineup. He's no Luis Rivas when it comes to turning two, but has done well when paired with Castillo early this Spring.

[mac56]

4. White Sox, Twins, Cleveland, Tigers, Royals.

I think the Chisox are good for years to come.