Arguably the most wide open division in the league. No headline free agent signings means that all these teams are banking their playoff hopes on internal improvement.
1) Minnesota Twins - Nobody thought they would compete last year, and the Twins went all the way to the 163st game of the season. This season, the Twins should take the next step forward and win this wide open division. Francisco Liriano and the other young pitchers on this roster should improve with another year experience under their belt. The back of the bullpen is also not a concern with Joe Nathan still amongst the best closers in the game.
On offense, Morneau gives them a solid middle of the order bat, but Joe Mauer needs to stay healthy. Also, young players like Denard Span, Delmon Young, and Carlos Gomez need to take the next step. If they can, this offense will be able to keep the team ahead of their AL Central competitors. A deadline deal to add some middle relief and another starter might be necessary, but overall, the Twins look solid.
2) Detroit Tigers - This team was easily the bust of the '08 season. The should be back with a force in '09. Miguel Cabrera, Curtis Granderson, and Magglio Ordonez give the offense a good core. Placido Polanco, Gary Sheffield (if healthy), and Carlos Guillen could give the Tigers the best offense in the division, if they perform to their capabilities.
The pitching staff shouldn't be as bad as last season. Justin Verlander, Nate Robinson, and Dontrelle Willis aren't as bad as they were last season. Willis is grossly overpaid for bad peripheral numbers, but he's still a good middle rotation starter when one his game. Edwin Jackson and Armando Galarraga give the Tigers a nice bottom to their rotation. The bullpen remains unsettled. Brandon Lyon may have held the job in Arizona last year, but he was incredibly shaky as the closer. They better hope Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya return to their pre-2008 forms.
3) Cleveland Indians - They were hot down the stretch, even without Sabathia headlining the rotation. Cliff Lee won't be as good as he was last year, but he's still a solid pitcher. Fausto Carmona, Jake Westbrook, and Carl Pavano are the real question marks in the rotation. Having all 3 in the rotation for an extended stretch of time would greatly boost the Tribes' playoff hopes.
The question marks don't end in the starting rotation. The team needs Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner to get healthy and play like they were capable of. I have my doubts on Hafner ever being as good as he was a few years ago, but Martinez is young enough to still refind his stroke. Grady Sizemore remains one of the best players in the league, Mark DeRosa is coming off a great season, Kelly Shoppach hit 21 homers from the catchers spot last year, and Jhonny Peralta gives above average production from the shortstop position. If Martinez and Hafner return to form, the Indians could easily win this division.
4) Chicago White Sox - The Sox will need Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski to fight off father time for another season. If so, they'll team with young studs, Carlos Quentin and Alexi Ramirez, to form a potent offense.
The pitching is good at the top of the rotation. Gavin Floyd, Mark Buerhle, and John Danks give the team a solid trio of starters who are capable of winning 15+ games this season. Having the bottom of the rotation settled upon will go a long way in helping their cause for another AL Central title. The bullpen looks settled, and it should be the best unit in the division.
5) Kansas City Royals - They'll return to the cellar, but the Royals aren't the pushovers they once were. Coco Crisp, David DeJesus, Jose Guillen, Mike Jacobs, Mike Aviles, Billy Butler, and Alex Gordon give the team a respectable offense. If Aviles, Butler, and Gordon take big steps forward, this offense could be really good.
Greinke gives the team a legit number one, while Soria provides them with an elite closer. It's the spots inbetween that need to be settled on. Bannister, Hochevar, Davies, and Ramirez will fill in the rotation behind Greinke and Meche. Not a rotation that strikes fear into anyone, but its a start. They're hoping Farnsworth can finally harness his stuff, while Juan Cruz gives them a great option in the 8th inning.
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