A look at the 2009 American League Central Division:
Three storylines
Player in spotlight
Travis Hafner, Indians: From 2004-2006, there were few hitters more feared than Hafner. In 2006, he hit .308 with 42 homers and 117 RBI. But he lost all his power because of a debilitating shoulder injury, and Cleveland's hopes depend largely upon "Pronk" becoming a force again.
Best acquisition
Kerry Wood, Indians: This is almost by default, as the other four teams didn't make many big moves this offseason. It's hard to believe that the Indians started last season with Joe Borowski at closer. He was released at midseason and quietly retired in February. Wood gives the Indians their most talented closer since Jose Mesa in the mid-1990s.
Rookie to watch
Chris Getz, White Sox: He won the starting job in sptring training and will hit second in the order, a lot of pressure for a rookie on a playoff team last season.
By no means is Getz a can't-miss pick, but he has potential to hit for a fairly high average and play a decent second base.
Predicted order of finish, with links to team previews:
What you you think? Make your AL Central picks here and compare them with the group.
Three storylines
- Five are all alive: This is probably the only division in baseball in which every team has a legitimate shot to win it. The White Sox and Twins were the class of the division last year, but the Indians made some strides in September, the Tigers underachieved last season and the Royals have an underrated young pitching staff.
- Can young aces reclaim their place?: Detroit's Justin Verlander was a popular preseason choice for AL Cy Young last year, and lost 17 games. Cleveland's Fausto Carmona was coming off a 19-win season, and his ERA rose from 3.06 to 5.44 and he walked more batters than he struck out. It's a big year for both.
- Royals flush?: If you can pick one team in the majors ready for a Rays-like surge in 2009, it might be Kansas City. They have young talent all over the place, especially on the mound, and a little bit of luck could go a long way in this division.
Player in spotlight
Travis Hafner, Indians: From 2004-2006, there were few hitters more feared than Hafner. In 2006, he hit .308 with 42 homers and 117 RBI. But he lost all his power because of a debilitating shoulder injury, and Cleveland's hopes depend largely upon "Pronk" becoming a force again.
Best acquisition
Kerry Wood, Indians: This is almost by default, as the other four teams didn't make many big moves this offseason. It's hard to believe that the Indians started last season with Joe Borowski at closer. He was released at midseason and quietly retired in February. Wood gives the Indians their most talented closer since Jose Mesa in the mid-1990s.
Rookie to watch
Chris Getz, White Sox: He won the starting job in sptring training and will hit second in the order, a lot of pressure for a rookie on a playoff team last season.
By no means is Getz a can't-miss pick, but he has potential to hit for a fairly high average and play a decent second base.
Predicted order of finish, with links to team previews:
- Kansas City Royals: Why not? Let's go out on a limb.
- Cleveland Indians: They have the talent, but the back end of the rotation is iffy.
- Minnesota Twins: If Joe Mauer is fine, move them up a notch (or two).
- Chicago White Sox: First to fourth? South-siders didn't improve themselves in offseason.
- Detroit Tigers: That bullpen is still problematic.
What you you think? Make your AL Central picks here and compare them with the group.
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