MLB Previews: AL Central

From the looks of things, it's a one horse race...

1) Detroit Tigers:

To pick against the Tigers you have to be out of your mind here. With Verlander (above), Scherzer, Fister and Sanchez they have four starters that can go up against any four in the league. This team went to the World Series last year and guess what? They bring back Victor Martinez to add to Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. Their main problem will lie at the closer position, but realistically, they're good enough to win 90 games even with a closer by committee system, if it comes down to that.

2) Cleveland Indians:

Ubaldo Jimenez and Justin Masterson will lead a suspect rotation. But the additions of Nick Swisher, Mark Reynolds and Michael Bourne to Carlos Santana (above) and Asdrubal Cabrera will keep them in games because they'll score some runs. My main issue with the Indians is that I don't even know who's in that bullpen and they're most likely going to have to outscore every opponent to win games. They'll compete for a while but fade out towards the end.

3) Kansas City Royals:

James Shields and Ervin Santana give them good front of the rotation starters, and let's not forget about that Wade Davis guy. However, I don't really know what will happen with the bats. Eric Hosmer (above) and Billy Butler will lead the way but for them to contend those two are going to have to have monster years. Are they capable? I guess we'll see but I just haven't seen enough from those two to believe that it'll happen.

4) Chicago White Sox:

This one was a toss up between them and the Royals for me. Chris Sale (above) is an elite young arm but let's face the facts with this team, they're not just old, they're very old. How long can Paul Konerko keep being Paul Konerko? They really don't have much at the catching position and they're above average at best everywhere else. Barring something drastic, they add up to a .500 baseball team.

5) Minnesota Twins:

Just take a look at their roster. Outside of Joe Mauer (above) and Justin Morneau their roster is the epitome of mediocre. Sure Ron Gardenhire is a great manager but not even he can get this team to play .500 ball. That front office needs to give him some help.