The American League Central began with a surprising start, and an exciting finish. Last April, everyone expected the Tigers to dominate. With the addition of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis in a trade with the Marlins, the Tigers seemed set to reclaim fame in 2008. Well, within months of the season, Dontrelle was sent down to single A, and Miguel Cabrera was only having a decent season (unlike the monstrous numbers he had put up in seasons past). The Indians did no better as they were also a huge dissappointment in 08. While these teams were dissappointing, a team was catching the eyes of baseball fans everywhere: the Kansas City Royals. The Royals started the season infront of the rest of the AL West looking down. But, so did the Rays and Orioles. The only thing is, is that only one of these basement dwellers stayed on top, and we all know where that story goes.
Everyone knew that the White Sox would have a decent season. Midseason, everyone was calling for a Chicago World Series with the Cubs and White Sox facing off. However, the Sox would be challenged by another semi-surprise in the Minnesota Twins who seemed to have it all after losing their ace, Johan Santana, to the New York Mets. How will they fare this season against a division that can very well be a 3-team race? Maybe this will help…

Cleveland Indians
2008 Record: 81-81, 3rd Place
2009 Projection: 91-71, 1st Place
Key Additions:
- Kerry Wood
- Mark DeRosa
- Joe Smith
Key Loss(es)
- Franklin Gutierrez
Key Young Player(s)
- OF Matt LaPorta
Projected Rotation
1) LHP Cliff Lee
2) RHP Fausto Carmona
3) RHP Carl Pavano
4) RHP Anthony Reyes
5) LHP Aaron Laffey
Who and What to Watch For:
- Mark DeRosa: Mark had one of his best seasons last year with Chicago. It is yet to be seen if he can come anywhere close to the numbers he produced last season.
- Travis Hafner: With a hopefully healthy Hafner back in the Tribe’s lineup, they have a re-established fear in their lineup.

The Indians had an off season last year as they and the Tigers dissappointed their fans. With Hafner back, and Kerry Woods added to the 9th inning, the Indians can easily be back to winning form. Keep an eye on Grady as he has a definate ability to go 40/40.

Chicago White Sox
2008 Record: 89-74, 1st Place
2009 Projection: 88-75, 2nd Place
Key Additions:
- Wilson Betemit
- Bartolo Colon
- Brent Lillibridge
Key Loss(es)
- Nick Swisher
- Javier Vasquez
- Boone Logan
Key Young Player(s)
- 2B Jayson Nix
Projected Rotation
1) LHP Mark Buehrle
2) RHP Gavin Floyd
3) LHP John Danks
4) RHP Barolo Colon
5) LHP Clayton Richard
Who and What to Watch For:
- Gavin Floyd and John Danks: They both had stellar 2008 seasons, so look for them to continue to improve.

The White Sox had to beat the Twins in the play-in game to get into the playoffs. Mark Buehrle needs to win at least 16 wins for the White Sox to contend. Expect Danks and Floyd to combine for 30 wins.

Minnesota Twins
2008 Record: 88-75, 2nd Place
2009 Projection: 85-78, 3rd Place
Key Additions:
- N/A
Key Loss(es)
- N/A
Key Young Player(s)
- 2B Trevor Plouffe
Projected Rotation
1) LHP Francisco Liriano
2) RHP Scott Baker
3) RHP Kevin Slowey
4) RHP Nick Blackburn
5) LHP Glen Perkins
Who and What to Watch For:
- Minnesota Twins Rotation: The Twins have a very interesting rotation. Slowey posted a 3.99 ERA and 12 wins last season. Expect Slowey to add to the win column and work on decreasing his ERA. Baker is another huge sleeper this season. As the number 2 starter, expect Baker to step up big for the Twins this season.
- Carlos Gomez: Everyone laughed at the Twins’ end of the Johan Santana deal. Well, Gomez doesn’t have many laughing anymore. The quick youngster caught the eyes of many last season. But, you can’t steal 1st base–so watch as Gomez matures as the Twins need their leadoff man to get on base.

The Minnesota Twins surprised many last season, but, they made no moves to improve this offseason. In a division that is so tightly contended, not making necessary moves can be the difference this season.

Kansas City Royals
2008 Record: 75-87, 4th Place
2009 Projection: 78-84, 4th Place
Key Additions:
- Mike Jacobs
- CoCo Crisp
- Kyle Farnsworth
Key Loss(es)
- Leo Nunez
Key Young Player(s)
- 1B Kila Ka’aihue
Projected Rotation
1) RHP Gil Meche
2) RHP Zack Greinke
3) RHP Brian Bannister
4) RHP Kyle Davies
5) RHP Luke Hochevar
Who and What to Watch For:
- Alex Gordon: People are waiting for Gordon to break out. Well, he’s been slowly warming up, and this year could be the year we see the real Alex Gordon, and he is talented.
- Gil Meche: Gil had a very underrated season last year and topped 200 innings for the first time. Expect Gil to be a stand-out pitcher this season.

The Royals are a very interesting team. Many are wondering when the time will come that they “pull a Tampa Bay”. It won’t be this year, but expect them to continue to improve.
Detroit Tigers
2008 Record: 74-88, Last Place
2009 Projection: 78-84, Last Place
Key Additions:
- Gerald Lair
- Juan Rincon
- Brandon Lyon
- Edwin Jackson
Key Loss(es)
- Matt Joyce
- Edgar Renteria
- Kenny Rogers
Key Young Player(s)
- P Rick Porcello
Projected Rotation
1) RHP Justin Verlander
2) RHP Armando Galarraga
3) RHP Jeremy Bonderman
4) RHP Edwin Jackson
5) LHP Dontrelle Willis
Who and What to Watch For:
- Dontrelle Willis: Dontrelle needs to step up huge this season. After being sent down to the minors last season, Dontrelle has a lot to prove.
- Justin Verlander: Verlander had a terrible season by his standard last season. Many argue that he was tired, but who is to say that he won’t be just as tired this season?

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