| Douglas Benton. 27th March, 2007 - 8:50 pm
 The Kansas City Royals just can?t catch a break in their rebuilding plan. Not only are they constrained financially and are vastly under talented, but they are in a division with four other teams who can all logically win the World Series. With so much quality depth, the American League Central is the best division and will be the most fun to watch come late September.
Here are the projected finishes:
1. Detroit Tigers:
The Tigers were the best story in baseball last season and even though that team won the American League, this year?s addition could be better. With more experience and the addition of power hitting designated hitter Gary Sheffield, the offense should be much better as he teams with rising stars in shortstop Carlos Guillen and outfielder Curtis Granderson. Pitching is also key for the Tigers, but there are questions whether Justin Verlander will have a sophomore slump and if the ageless Kenny Rogers will continue to be productive. The top four teams in this division are very close, but manager Jim Leyland puts the Tigers on top come October.
2. Cleveland Indians:
The Indians could be the Arizona Cardinals of baseball in that they always have so much hope with their young talent, but always fall way short of expectations. This year though will be a little different as outfielder Grady Sizemore will continue to develop into a five-tool player, catcher Victor Martinez will finally put all of his talents together for a full season and designated hitter will make the jump into the power hitting levels of Boston?s David Ortiz. Pitching is a question mark though with C.C. Sabathia a question mark with his weight and no proven starter behind him. Also, the bullpen is a mess once again this year and their inability to close games will be this club?s eventual downfall.
3. Chicago White Sox:
Manager Ozzie Guillen is the star of this team and his knack of handling a club throughout the six months of a season is the best in baseball. However, when you don?t have the players, it doesn?t always work and the overall talent in Chicago has dropped since they won a World Series. A downfall can be expected for both first baseman Paul Konerko and designated hitter Jim Thome, but newer stars in outfielder Jermaine Dye and third baseman Joe Crede will keep this offense potent. However, starting pitching is above average with Jose Contreas being a proven star and Javier Vazquez a nice complement, but the rest of the rotation isn?t strong enough to hold up and could lead to some long losing streaks and a non-playoff season on the south side.
4. Minnesota Twins:
When you have a pitcher like Johan Santana on your side, to go along with great hitters in catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman Justin Morneau, you will always be competitive. The Twins though lack the punch after these three stars and with the season-long injury to starter Francisco Liriano, the Twins could be one of the top six teams in the American League, but the strain on these stars will become too much after the All-Star break and will eventually lead the Twins to fall out of the race by September 1.
5. Kansas City Royals:
In this division, they might be in last place for a long time, but the Royals do appear to be turning a corner in pure talent levels. They are pathetic on offense with their only legit power threat being unproven first baseman Ryan Shealy. Their best hope on offense is when they call up third baseman phenom Alex Gordon and give him a chance. Pitching is a little better with the addition of Gil Meche and closer Octavio Dotel, but in this division, they will still get pounded regularly and hit 100 losses by mid-September.
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