Al Central

AL Central

Tigers

Strength - The Tigers lost some pieces however they still have a tremendous 3-4 combo in the lineup with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. The Tigers also acquired Yoenis Cespedes. This team will not be short on power as all three players had at least 100 RBI. The Tigers also have a solid 1-3 with David Price , Anibal Sanchez , and Justin Verlander in the rotation.

Weakness - The Tigers bullpen is a major question mark once again. It looks like the Tigers will stick with Joe Nathan to close. The Tigers are shaky throughout and it hurt them once again in the playoffs last season.

Wild Card Players - Justin Verlander is a former CY Young and MVP winner. He has to be better than he was last year if the Tigers are to return to the playoffs. Max Scherzer is gone and Verlander has to be back to what he was in 2013. He may never be the guy with an era under 3 but his 2013 numbers have to be closer to that season.

Royals

Strength - The Kansas City Royals went to the World Series thanks to a dominant bullpen. The Royals have one of the best closers in baseball in Greg Holland and Wade Davis had one of the best seasons as a set up man. The Royals bullpen is filled with flame throwers.

Weakness - The Royals lineup is never the strongest. They parted ways with one of their longest

tenure veterans in Billy Butler. The Royals need production from their young players. They can't afford for any more inconsistent seasons. Eric Hosmer needs to truly break out into the star we have seen in the past.

Wild Card Players - I think Eric Hosmer can truly break out into a star baseball player this season. We have seen it in the past and if Hosmer can stay at his best he will be an all star. The Royals need him
to be their top hitter and replace Billy Butler in every way.

Indians

Strength - The Indians have a very power full lineup. The Indians will be looking for Nick Swisher and Jason Kipnis to bounce back. They also acquired Brandon Moss.  They also have Michael Brantley coming off an MVP type year. Carlos Santana and Yan Gomes also had powerful seasons.

Weakness - The Indians have a bullpen with a lot of players we are not sure about. Cody Allen showed us he can pitch In the ninth but you have to question who is going to get the baseball to him. You have to also see if he will have another good year because he is unproven.

Wild Card Players - Nick Swisher had a miserable year however he has had some big seasons in the past. The Indians are not short on power but imagine if Nick Swisher can bounce back and belt 20-25 home runs it makes the lineup that much deeper.


White Sox

Strength - The White Sox made some impressive moves this off season but perhaps the Pitching staff
was bolstered the most. The White Sox who already have Chris Sale and Jose Quintana , added Jeff Samardzija. The White Sox rotation will be very strong as Chris Sale is one of baseballs best pitchers.

Weakness - The Sox are relying on some un known talent at 2nd and 3rd base. The Sox have Carlos Sanchez and Conor Gillaspie at those positions. The Sox put a lot into the team and need both guys to contribute for this team to play well.

Wild Card Players - Sanchez and Gillaspie will need to be productive for this team. They also have Emilio Bonifacio. He can play many positions and can bring speed to the table. The mix of the three infielders can be good if they all play up to potential.

Twins

Strength - The Twins have plenty of veteran presence on this team. Joe Mauer is a former MVP primed for a big season and Tori Hunter makes his return to the Twins lineup. They also have Phil
Hughes and Kurt Suzuki.


Weakness - The Twins are still weak in some spots in the starting rotation. Ricky Nolasco had a terrible year. They also have some holes in the lineup and even the bullpen. The Twins will rely on some bounce back players and some breakout players.

Wild Card Players - Joe Mauer had a down year for really the first time in his career. This can be the year that Mauer is back to All Star status. Mauer was still getting used to not catching and I think that move will ultimately benefit him in every form of the game. Kenny Vargas showed off some power last year. A full season of him can be a big one for the Twins.


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By Peter Vitella
@realpete13