Breaking Down the 2011 MLB Season- Part 2 AL Central

Today I continue my discussion of the upcoming MLB season by predicting the AL Central. So who is going to emerge on top in the AL Central? Will the much maligned Indians or Royals finally stand a chance (short answer: no)? Finally, does this division matter, or is its winner destined to be once again beaten by an AL East team in the first round of playoffs? Read on...

AL Central

The addition of Adam Dunn should finally be enough to help the White Sox pass the Twins for AL Central dominance.


1. Chicago White Sox

OFFENSE- B+

Without a doubt this is the White Sox's strongest point. Konerko should be able to fend off old age for one more year, and Rios, Quentin and new super slugger Adam Dunn will crush the ball. Juan Pierre and Alexei Ramirez are prime contributors too. Look for this offense to make or break their chances at winning the division.

STARTING PITCHING- C

Their rotation is average with good depth. Buehrle is a poor excuse for an ace at the front end, but starters Edwin Jackson, John Danks and Gavin Floyd will post average numbers and keep the offense in most games. If Peavy can return to form, this rotation gets a huge boost.

BULLPEN- B+

Matt Thornton has posted good numbers throughout his career and shouldn't have a problem filling in for the shaky Bobby Jenks. Other relievers like Chris Sale and new addition Jesse Crain have good numbers as well.

2. Minnesota Twins

OFFENSE- B-

Morneau, Mauer, Kubel and Cuddyer prove the Twins have some talented bats in their lineup, but most of the other guys are average role players. Look for Span to serve as an effective table setter for the offense and keep an eye on Japanese import Niskioka, but apart from them this unit should perform sufficiently, not exceptionally.

STARTING PITCHING- B

Liriano, after many years of being delayed by injuries, seems to finally be establishing himself as a top-of-the-rotation starter. If Pavano and youngster Brian Duensing can keep up last year's success, this should be a pretty good rotation.

BULLPEN- C

Ultimately, the fate of the Twin's bullpen comes down to the health of their closer, Joe Nathan. If he's right, their bullpen should be great. If backup Matt Capps is forced to close for an extended portion of the season, the bullpen becomes average.

3. Detroit Tigers

OFFENSE- B-

If Miguel Cabrera can stay out of trouble and get focused, his bat and the efforts of fellow hitters Victor Martinez, Austin Jackson, and Magglio Ordonez should result in a respectable offensive attack. Not great, but respectable.

STARTING PITCHING- B+

Justin Verlander can match up against any other starter in the game. Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello are talented, and a team could choose far worse starters to round out a rotation with than Brad Penny and Phil Coke. The starting rotation should be solid in Detroit this year.

BULLPEN- B-

Jose Valverede usually finds a way to get the job done at closer. A key figure to watch in this bullpen is Joaquin Benoit, who was offered a huge multiyear from the Tigers to serve as the setup man. If he can be successful in that role, the bullpen will fare well.

4. Cleveland Indians

OFFENSE- D+

Shin Soo Choo can provide some offense, but its unrealistic to expect elite years from Travis Hafner or Grady Sizemore anymore. If youngsters like Matt LaPorta or Carlos Santana could take big steps forward this year, the unit could become acceptable.

STARTING PITCHING- D

I hold out hope that Carmona will return to ace form. The rest of the rotation, however (with guys like Justin Materson and Mitch Talbot) would cause fans of the Indians to shake their heads in frustration...that is, if they knew who any of these guys are. Still, some young guys (like Carlos Carrasco) might inspire hope for later seasons. I suppose stranger things have happened.

BULLPEN- C-

If closer Chris Perez can build off of last year's success, then he and setup man Rafael Perez should form an effective duo.

5. Kansas City Royals

OFFENSE- D-

The Royals best hitter is Billy Butler, a good average guy who lacks the elite first basemen type power this team desperately needs. Guys like Mike Aviles and Jeff Francouer might hit a little, but barring incredible development by a ton of young guys (I'm looking at you, Alex Gordon) their offense will be poor.

STARTING PITCHING- D-

When Bruce Chen was one of your best starters last year, you know you're in trouble. Couple that with the loss of ace Zach Greinke, and you have a pretty hopeless starting rotation. The only reason they don't get an "F" is because of the addition of Jeff Francis. If he can return to past form, and thats a huge "if", they might find an ace.

BULLPEN- B

There is one strength in KC; it lies in ace closer Joakim Soria, who somehow managed 43 saves on this team last year. With adequate setup man Robinson Tejada, the bullpen should be the only thing that isn't a problem for the Royals in 2011.