The AL Central is looking like a very turbulent division this season, and you can see almost any of those teams coming out on top.  Prior to last year the Tigers had been the cream of the top having one four consecutive division titles before the Royals won the division last year.  As a result of going from first to worst in their division the Tigers went out and spent big in free agency in an effort to bolster their roster ad come back on top.  

So who will win the division this year.  The Twins, and the Indians both have rosters capable of winning the division and the Tigers made some major improvements, but will it be enough to overcome the reigning World Series champions from Kansas City?

5. Minnesota twins

When push comes to shove the Twins simply don’t have the big time hitter or shut down pitcher that is needed in order to win a division that is loaded with talented teams.  The Twins made minor improvements this offseason with their big move being the signing of Byung-HO Park from Japan, but he is going to be a big question mark his first season, as he adjusts to major league pitching. 

When a team’s number one pitcher is Phil Hughes that is not a recipe for success.  With such a glaring hole at starting pitcher and very little pop in their lineup the Twins as still a year away from coppering while they wait for some of their top prospects to make it to the big league club.

4. Cleveland Indians

The Indians are going to be a hit or miss team this year.  They have a good top of the rotation and decent lineup that is headlined by Jason Kipnis, and Michael Brantley.  However outside of those two they have some serious question marks.  Yan Gomes has not reached expectations, and the left side of their infield is consisting of guys that are going to get their first taste of a full season in the big leagues.  Lindor was very impressive last year batting .313 with 12 homeruns, but he will have to adjust this season as major league pitchers have tape on him to expose any weaknesses he has at the plate.

If the Indians can bolster their bullpen behind Cody Allen they have the rotation, and a very good manager that is capable of leading them out of the basement and to the top of the division.

3. Chicago White Sox

Despite acquiring Todd Frazier in a trade with the Reds the White Sox may not have what it takes to get out of the cellar of their division.  Frazier has made back to back all star appearances but the Sox will need him to finish the second half the same way he hits in the first half if they expect to make it to the post season.

the Sox may have a deadly rotation this year with perennial CY Young Candidate Chris Sale leading the way followed by Jose Quintana, and Carlos Rodon who could have a monster season if he cuts down on the walks.  A slow offensive start last year really cost the White Sox, and they will need to avoid that again this year.  They have one of the better hitters in baseball in Jose Abreu, but with a lack of a supporting cast around him, and a bullpen that has some question marks after David Robertson it will be tough to compete with the Big Boys.

2. Detroit Tigers

While I’m not the biggest fan of some of the moves the Tigers made, I think they are just good enough to compete again, barring any injuries.  Miguel Cabrera only played in 119 games last year, and Victor Martinez only played in 120 games, but he was very ineffective even when in the lineup.  The Tigers ranked first in batting average, and second in OBP last year, but oddly enough only ranked 15th in runs scored.  That should change this year as the have a little more pop with Justin Upton in the lineup.

This year’s big move though was acquiring Jordan Zimmermann who had an off year last year, but should rebound nicely in the big confines of Comerica Park.  With Zimmermann, Justin Verlander, and Anibal Sanchez at the top of rotation they should be able to cover up a bullpen that is missing some pieces outside of their closer and setup guy.

1. Kansas City Royals

The Royals have one of the better all around teams, without having that one super imposing batter or starting pitcher.  With the exception of Omar Infante and Paulo Orlando the Royals, every hitter in that lineup is a threat in one way or another whether it be speed, power, or just the ability to put the ball in play consistently.  The chemistry that these guys have both in the field and at the plate is a large reason why they are so successful despite not having any true superstars.  

That pitching rotation could use some revamping after losing Johnny Cueto to the Giants in free agency.  As long as the pitchers can keep the ball in the yard they will remain relatively successful with such superb defense behind them.  it also helps that they don’t have to go deep into games with such a lethal bullpen behind them.  

Despite losing Greg Holland to season ending surgery they won’t miss a beat with Wade Davis now the closer.  With Kelvin Herrera, and Joakim Soria covering the seventh and eighth innings, teams are going to have a very tough time coming back on the Royals in the later innings.

Without acquiring another starting pitcher through a trade at the deadline, it will be tough to repeat as World Series Champions for the Royals, but they shouldn’t have much of an issue repeating as division champs.