2014 AL Central Preview

CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The White Sox struggled in 2013, looking to rebound in 2014.  Leading the way for the White Sox includes outfielder Adam Eaton, who was acquired in the Mark Trumbo trade.  Joining Eaton in the lineup is veteran 1B Paul Konerko, Gordon Beckham, Alexei Ramirez, Alejandro De Aza & Jordan Danks.  The pitching staff includes Chris Sale, John Danks & Jose Quintana.  The White Sox, managed by Robin Ventura, will be better this year, but still in a rebuilding phase which could take awhile.

CLEVELAND INDIANS
The Indians, managed by Terry Francona, made it to the AL Wildcard play-in game in 2013, losing to Tampa Bay.  This team looks to turn things around and improve their playoff spot this season.  The Tribe lost pitchers Joe Smith (went to LAA) and Scott Kazmir (OAK) and picked up outfielder David Murphy and re-signed Jason Giambi to another extension.  The Indians young lineup includes catcher Carlos Santana, shortstop Mike Aviles, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, 1B Nick Swisher, and outfielders Nyjer Morgan and Michael Brantley.  Justin Masterson (who could be a free-agent after this season) leads a pitching staff that also includes Josh Tomlin, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Zach McAllister.  Tito's team could very well play in a mix for a spot at a division title come September.

DETROIT TIGERS
The Tigers will be a completely different team as Jim Leyland decided to retire after the 2013 playoffs.  Former MLB catcher Brad Ausmus is the new skipper and this is his first managerial role and brings a new coaching staff with him, including former MLB infielder Omar Vizquel, Mike Rojas and Dave Clark.  The Tigers traded Prince Fielder to Texas, acquiring 2B Ian Kinsler in return.  Also, the Tigers have traded to acquire shortstop Alex Gonzalez, while signing closer Joe Nathan, relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain and outfielder Rajai Davis to 2-yr deals (Joba gets 1-yr, plus incentives).  Kinsler leads a lineup that includes catcher Alex Avila, 1B Victor Martinez, 3B Miguel Cabrera and outfielders Torii Hunter & Austin Jackson.  Cy Young winning pitcher Justin Verlander is featured in a pitching rotation that also includes Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello and Anibal Sanchez.  The Tigers are still a division contender, but I'm not sure if they will come out on top.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Royals are the 2nd most surprising team in 2013 (behind Pittsburgh), coming up short for a playoff spot.  For a team that continues to build year after year, this team does surprise me still.  A very young, inexperienced lineup that includes Pedro Ciriaco, Alcides Escobar, Alex Gordon, Norichika Aoki, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas & Justin Maxwell will provide an offensive spark to this franchise.  James Shields (free-agent after 2014), leads a pitching staff that includes Wade Davis, Jeremy Guthrie, Bruce Chen & Glen Holland.  The Royals will be over .500 for a 2nd straight year, but is a playoff chance  possible?

MINNESOTA TWINS
The Twins have had a few struggling seasons and unforunately, I don't see it getting any better.   The pitching staff includes Phil Hughes (former NY Yankee),  Kevin Correia, Kyle Gibson, Scott Diamond, Ricky Nolasco, Mike Pelfrey and closer Glen Perkins (signed extension in offseason).  The lineup is young, but led by veteran 1B Joe Mauer and features Kurt Suzuki, Trevor Plouffe, Aaron Hicks and Josh Willingham.  Manager Ron Gardenhire continues to develop the team in the right direction, but still needs improvement.

AL Central Pick: Cleveland