2006 Predictions = AL Central

The Central Division! Home to the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox. The team that no one (that I know of any way) predicted would succeed as well as they did in 2005. Much of that can be credited to Ozzie Guillen. Personally, I think the Sox played above their heads last year, almost blowing a double-digit lead and winning the division by the skin of their teeth. But, it was well deserved and they were the best team in the bigs last year. But it's a new year, and the question is can they do it again?
1)Cleveland Indians: The hottest team at the end of '05. Another team made up of excellent young talent. Hafner will have a monster year. Sizemore and Peralta. Jason Michaels will be an adequate if not better replacement for Coco Crisp. Lee, Westbrook and CC are all poised to have big years. If Victor Martinez and Aaron Boone can get off to better starts than last year, the Tribe will be extremely dangerous. Andy Marte will get the call if Boone falters. Either way, he'll likely see some time (just don't get called up until I get your autograph).
2)Chicago White Sox: The Sox have bettered themselves with the additions of Vazquez and Thome. With Buerhle, Garland, Vazquez, Garcia and Contreras as the starting five, the Sox have arguable the best rotation in baseball. I don't foresee the same success for the staff as seen last year in the playoffs. Again, I think the Sox had a magical year where everything went right. They will go the way of the 2005 Red Sox. They'll contend, but won't have the same success.
3)Minnesota Twins: A line-up with some potential if healthy and an impressive staff always make the Twins a dangerous team to contend with. Any team with Johan Santana always has the potential to make waves. Expect rookie Francisco Liriano to have a high-impact rookie season. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the Indians and White Sox are in their division so they'll finish in the middle, again.
4)Detroit Tigers: Another team with expanding potential. Bonderman is on the cusp of being Cy Young worthy. They'll need great years from Magglio and Pudge to make the climb up the ladder. Pudge's numbers dropped significantly in 2005 (decline due to the 'roids?) and could be candidate for Comeback Player of the Year . He can't do much worse than his .290 OBP in 2005, his lowest since his rookie season. Will likely finish with similar record to 2005.
5)Kansas City Royals: Even with the signings of Grudzielanek and Sansders, the Royals will still be the Central Division bottom feeders. The big story in KC is the mental stability of Zack Greinke. The only good news for the Royals is that the wife and I will be visiting their park in August.
Tomorrow, I'll wrap it up with the AL East and maybe even finish it all off with postseason predictions and major award winners. If not tomorrow, by game time Sunday.
Stay hot!
J