2010 MLB AL Central Predictions, Picks

#1. Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers will recover nicely from their epic fall last year. The biggest improvements for the Tigers are not the trades they have made, but pitchers becoming healthy and productive once again. Zumaya, Bonderman, and Dontrelle Willis all look to be in good health and at the top of their game. Damon and Austin Jackson provide an increase in speed and base stealing ability greater than that of last years team. Magglio Ordonez looks like he has his swing back, which added to being next to Cabrera in the lineup, will be dangerous for all opposing teams. The Tigers will win the AL Central in 2010.

#2. Minnesota Twins
The loss of a high quality closer like Joe Nathan would devastate most teams, but the Twins have the bullpen to compete. Fill in closer John Rauch has done a fantastic job through the start of the years, and the Twins are starting off very strong. Morneau and Mauer will continue to slug away for the Twins and I expect Delmon Young to have his best season yet in the majors. The Twins will not win the division, but will come in second to the Tigers.

#3. Kansas City Royals
Don't look now, but the Royals are rapidly improving. Rick Ankiel, Yuniesky Betancourt, Scott Podsednik, and Jason Kendall are all great offensive additions that will pay dividends. Added to offensive improvements, the Royals pitching staff has CY Young winner Zack Greinke and one of the games nastiest closers in Joakim Soria. The Royals will be competitive this year and are just a couple starting pitchers away from being playoff contenders.

#4. Chicago White Sox
Ozzie Guillen and many writers believe the White Sox have what it takes to win the American League Central. The Twins tout the best starting five in the division, and will have to stay healthy if they want to have a chance at competing in the division. Offense will pose the largest problem for the Sox, as they are aging and have lost many of their potent weapons they have had in their previous playoff runs. Carlos Quentin will have a great year, but they will need production from everyone and consistency that they did not receive last year to win the division. The Sox will have a rough year, and will frantically try to make moves before the trade deadline to finish strong, but will fail.

#5. Cleveland Indians
The Indians are not in for a good season of baseball. I do not see any major strength from bullpen to starting lineup. Besides Grady Sizemore, Justin Masterson, and Hafner, the roster needs to be scrapped. I'm sorry Cleveland, but the Indians need a new start, and a new team to compete with the rest of the AL Central. The Indians finish dead last in the Central.