MLB Preseason Predictions: American League Central Preview

As always, the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox are going to fight to the death for the division crown while the Detroit Tigers shouldn't be far behind. Those three teams have become a model of consistency, especially the Twins, and all three bring much of their respective players back from last year. The White Sox added Adam Dunn to beef up an already dynamite lineup and they get Jake Peavy back from injury. Peavy could be the X-factor for Chicago. Minnesota will need Justin Morneau to be healthy to succeed. If Miguel Cabrera can have another stellar year and the Tigers' pitching staff can improve then they could be in the hunt. Kansas City lost their lone bright spot in Zach Grienke and Cleveland is, well, Cleveland so don't expect much of either team. Let's get on to the picks and breakdowns now shall we?

1. Chicago White Sox

Jake Peavy

The South Siders look big and bad with their lineup and on the mound with a pitching staff that is tops in the league. Mark Buerhle needs to return to form after an inconsistent season but he will find help from former Cy Young award winner, Jake Peavy. Peavy missed almost all of last season due to injury but has looked strong so far in spring training. Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Edwin Jackson round out the rotation and all are capable of being 15 game winners. At the plate the Sox have some serious pop with Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn and Carlos Quentin in the middle of the lineup. It's not ridiculous to say that Chicago could get another World Series trophy to go along with that 2005 one.

2. Minnesota Twins

The Twins are the defending champions of the Central Division and bring all their key parts back. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau will be the power in a pesky lineup that includes Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer and Jim Thome. Thome contributed more than expected last season, his first in Minnestoa, but he is not slated to start this year. Francisco Liriano has gotten his nasty back after a bad injury a few years ago and he and Carl Pavano are a good one-two punch at the start of the rotation but the Twins need good outings from the other three starters, who are not as good as the Sox bottom three. The bullpen is good with Joe Nathan and Matt Capps to finish games.

3. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers added Victor Martinez to their roster to go along with Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera and, like Chicago and Minnesota, should be able to drive in runs. Austin Jackson is a promising young talent in centerfield and Brandon Inge is steady at third base. Carlos Guillen will also be back in the lineup. Justin Verlander is one of the best in the league on the mound and his fastball still has the zip on it.

4. Kansas City Royals

5. Cleveland Indians
Not much to say about either of these teams besides that they aren't very good. Neither one has pitching and they have no star player. Grady Sizemore can be a star if he stays healthy in Cleveland but the bottom line is, these two clubs are looking up at the other three.

Best Lineup: Chicago White Sox
Best Pitching Staff: Chicago White Sox

Best Player: Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Best Pitcher: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers