Last year featured an intriguing fight-for-first between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers for much of the season.  Obviously the Tigers eventually won out and moved on to the World Series, and along the way Miguel Cabrera was able to win the MVP and Triple Crown awards.  The Kansas City Royals showed a lot of promise and are chock-full of young talent this year, the Cleveland Indians have brought in a talented new coach and beefed up the roster; and the Tigers and White Sox are ready to make another run for the division.  The Twins appear to be the only team headed in the wrong direction in the American League Central and we should be in for a great year of baseball from a division that hasn’t had more than 2 talented teams at a time for quite a while.  That said, let’s take a look at the top-10 fantasy players from the American League Central for the 2013 season. 

1.  Miguel Cabrera, Third Base, Detroit Tigers

Cabrera had an amazing season last year; winning the first Triple Crown Award in 45 years, the American League MVP award and he led the Tigers to the World Series.  While it’s a bit ridiculous to expect Cabrera to put up similar numbers to last season; he will have another great year, and once again compete for the AL MVP award.  Cabrera should be considered along with Ryan Braun and Mike Trout by most fantasy owners with the No. 1 pick, and anyone sitting at No. 2 or 3 will be lucky to land Cabrera. 

2.  Prince Fielder, First Base, Detroit Tigers

Fielder made the most of his first year in Detroit, putting up a career best .313 batting average and 84 strikeouts; despite getting off to a slow start adjusting to a new division and league.  Now with a full year under his belt, Fielder is set to dominate opposing pitchers this season; and will join teammate Cabrera in the AL MVP race. 

3.  Justin Verlander, Pitcher, Detroit Tigers

Verlander has established himself as the best pitcher in Major League Baseball.  Over the last two seasons he’s racked up a 41-13 record in 489 innings, with a 2.52 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 489 strikeouts.  Verlander is just coming into his prime and will not be slowing down anytime soon.  Look for him to dominate the American League again this year and contend once again for the AL Cy Young award. 

4.  Billy Butler, DH, Kansas City Royals

Butler has been one of the best DH’s in baseball over the last four seasons and has only missed 11 games since 2009.  He made a significant statistical jump from 2011 to 2012 and at just 26; Butler isn’t done improving yet.  As he enters his prime, Butler will continue to mash the ball but will need to show better patience and discipline at the plate if he hopes to reach his full potential.  

5.  Austin Jackson, Center Field, Detroit Tigers

At just 26, Jackson has established himself as the best center fielder in the AL Central.  After missing part of last season due to injury, Jackson has had extra time to prep for 2013 and is poised to have a great fourth season. 

6.  Jason Kipnis, Second Base, Cleveland Indians

2013 will be Kipnis’ third season with the Indians, and his second as a starter.  He’s shown a ton of promise with his slick fielding and amazing speed.  Last season he stole 31 bases and was only caught seven times; combine that with 14 home runs and 76 RBIs and you have yourself a very nice first season as a starter.  Now with a year-plus of experience under his belt, Kipnis will make an even bigger splash this season. 

7.  Chris Sale, Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

After spending part of 2010 and all of 2011 as an effective reliever/closer for Chicago, the White Sox decided to move Sale into the starting rotation in 2012 and it turned out quite well.  Sale posted a 17-8 record in 192 innings with a 3.05 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 192 strikeouts.  Now with a year of experience as a starter under his belt, Sale looks to dominate the AL Central this year as the White Sox make a push for the division. 

8.  Alex Rios, Center Field, Chicago White Sox

Despite getting up there in age at 32, Rios has continued to produce for the White Sox.  Last season at the age of 31 he was still able to steal 23 bases (was only caught stealing 6 times), as well as hit .304 with 35 home runs and 91 RBIs.  Rios is an above-average defender and will have another solid year hitting fifth in Chicago’s lineup. 

9.  James Shields, Pitcher, Kansas City Royals

Shields has been a dominant workhorse since coming into the league in 2007, pitching less than 215 innings just once.  Last season Shields posted a 15-10 record in 227 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 223 strikeouts.  This year he’ll have to adjust to a new division, but luckily for him; it’s the much easier American League Central.  Shields won’t take long to adjust and will do a good job of shutting down the divisions’ best hitters. 

10.  Joe Mauer, Catcher/DH, Minnesota Twins

As Mauer gets ever-so-close to 30, questions about his health are only going to increase.  In his six season at the big league level, Mauer has yet to play in more than 147 games.  When he is healthy and on the field, Mauer is one of the best hitters and better defensive catchers in baseball and will likely be one of the only bright spots to the Twins’ 2013 season.