MLB 2011 Previews and Predictions – AL Central
The Minnesota Twins came away with the AL Central title last season with a record of 94-68, but that was as far as they got after getting swept by New York 3-0 in the ALDS. Chicago came in second with a record of 88-74; six games in back of the Twins. Detroit’s first half run fizzled after the All-Star break as the Tigers finished third at 81-81. Cleveland managed to out-duel Kansas City by two games to take fourth-place in the division with a record 69-93, leaving the Royals to bring up the rear at 67-95.
Here is a brief preview of all the teams in the AL Central along with their future odds to win the division as posted by BetUs.com.
Minnesota Twins +160
The Twin’s are hoping that having a healthy Joe Nathan as their closer will add a few more victories to an already impressive 94 wins in 2010. The addition of Paul Bargas and Tsuyoshi Nishioka should help keep this team near the top in the division, but the health of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau could be two big question marks for this team.
Chicago White Sox +175
The Addition of Adam Dunn will undoubtedly help, but the White Sox will have do a much better job at producing some offense if they are to have any chance to compete in the Central. Not helping matters, it remains to be seen if an aging Paul Konerko can put up the kind of numbers he did last season. One thing in Chicago’s favor is a starting rotation that is shaping up to be one of the best in the division.
Detroit Tigers +200
The Tiger’s 2011 campaign got off to a shaky with the whole Migual Cabrera fiasco but this still looks like the team to beat in the Central this season. The starting rotation, led by ‘ace’ Justin Verlander is deep enough to carry this team, but they also have depth in the batting order with the addition of Victor Martinez to go along with Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez.
Cleveland Indians +1800
The Indians have a couple of rising stars in Matt LaPorta and Carlos Santana but there are still too many holes on this team to win more than 70 games this season. The only proven starter is Fausto Carmona and the health of Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera always remains an issue. Cleveland should show some improvement as its young talent begins to gel, but will still battle to stay out of the division basement.
Kansas City Royals +2500
The Royals will go with a youthful batch of prospects in hopes of changing their fortunes, but this is shaping up as a two to three year project. The loss of Zach Greinke to Milwaukee will certainly not help their cause as their starting rotation is one of the weakest in the league. Offensively, Kansas City has a couple of solid pieces in place, but it is still a couple of years away from competing for a division title.
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