American League Central 2008 Baseball Preview

The defending division champion Indians and the Tigers appear to be the teams to beat in the AL Central in 2008. It will be a major surprise to see any of the other teams even contend for a wildcard berth.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX 2008 PREVIEW

This was one of the most disappointing teams in baseball last year. Have they gotten too old, or was 2007 just a bad-luck year after back-to-back 90-win seasons? This year will be crucial in determining if the franchise can compete for another World Series title in the near future or if it is truly in decline.

Manger - Ozzie Guillen

Starting Pitching:

Mark Buehrle - LHP
Javier Vazquez - RHP
Jose Contreras - RHP
John Danks - LHP
Gavin Floyd - RHP

Bullpen:

Bobby Jenks - RHP
Scott Linebrink - RHP
Octavio Dotel - RHP
Matt Thornton - LHP

Infield:

A.J. Pierzynski - C
Paul Konerko - 1B
Danny Richar - 2B
Joe Crede - 3B
Orlando Cabrera - SS
Jim Thome - DH/IB

Outfield:

Josh Fields - LF/3B
Nick Swisher - CF
Jermaine Dye - RF
Carlos Quentin - LF/RF

CLEVELAND INDIANS 2008 PREVIEW

The organization didn't make many changes in the offseason. That's understandable for a team that fell just one win short of the World Series. Pitching should once again be a strength.

Manager - Eric Wedge

Starting Pitching:

C.C. Sabathia - LHP
Fausto Carmona - RHP
Jake Westbrook - RHP
Paul Byrd - RHP
Cliff Lee - LHP

Bullpen:

Joe Borowski - RHP
Rafael Betancourt - RHP
Rafael Perez - LHP

Infield:

Victor Martinez - C
Ryan Garko - 1B
Asdrubal Cabrera - 2B
Casey Blake - 3B/OF
Jhonny Peralta - SS
Travis Hafner - DH/1B

Outfield:

Jason Michaels - LF
Grady Sizemore - CF
Franklin Gutierrez - RF

DETROIT TIGERS 2008 PREVIEW

The starting rotation is deep and there a plenty of big bats in the lineup. The bullpen appears to be the primary weakness.

Manager - Jim Leland

Starting Pitching:

Justin Verlander - RHP
Jeremy Bonderman - RHP
Kenny Rogers - LHP
Dontrelle Willis - LHP
Nate Robertson - LHP

Bullpen:

Todd Jones - RHP
Joel Zumaya - RHP
Fernando Rodney - RHP
Bobby Seay - LHP

Infield:

Ivan Rodriguez - C
Carlos Guillen - 1B
Placido Polanco - 2B
Miguel Cabrera - 3B
Edgar Renteria - SS

Outfield:

Jacque Jones - LF
Curtis Granderson - CF
Magglio Ordonez - RF
Gary Sheffield - DH/OF

KANSAS CITY ROYALS 2008 PREVIEW

The organization seems to be taking small steps in the right direction, especially with their young pitching. A finish higher than in the basement of the division, where they have resided for the past four years, would be a major accomplishment for the rebuilding club.

Manager - Trey Hillman

Starting Pitching:

Gil Meche - RHP
Zack Greinke - RHP
Brian Bannister - RHP
Jorge De La Rosa - LHP
Kyle Davies - RHP

Bullpen:

Joakim Soria - RHP
Jimmy Gobble - LHP
Joel Peralta - RHP
Ron Mahay - LHP

Infield:

John Buck - C
Ross Gload - 1B
Mark Grudzielanek - 2B

Outfield:

Jose Guillen - LF
David DeJesus - CF
Mark Teahen - RF
Billy Butler - DH

MINNESOTA TWINS 2008 PREVIEW

Pitching should be a strength, however that strength now lies in the bullpen instead of the starting rotation. The middle of the lineup is good.

Manager - Ron Gardenhire

Starting Pitching:

Livan Hernandez - RHP
Francisco Liriano - LHP
Boof Bonser - RHP
Scott Baker - RHP
Kevin Slowey - RHP

Bullpen:

Joe Nathan - RHP
Pat Neshek - RHP
Matt Guerrier - RHP

Infield:

Joe Mauer - C
Justin Morneau - 1B
Brendan Harris - 2B
Mike Lamb - 3B
Adam Everett - SS

Outfield:

Craig Monroe - LF
Delmon Young - CF/LF
Michael Cuddyer - RF
Jason Kubel - LF/DH