AL Central Division Betting Preview
2009 is going to be a season with a big shift in MLB standings compared to last year. Some teams improved via trade and free agency and others didn’t change up much in the off season. There could be a couple teams with massive fire sales mid-year.
Here is how I see this division playing out in 2009.
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Chicago White Sox (2008 1st place finish with a 89-74 record)
Chicago is an aging team trying to get younger. Ken Griffey Jr. and Joe Crede are 2 players that will need to be replaced by youngsters. Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome could all be moved mid to later in the year if they are not in the hunt. Those 3 players are also the main offensive threats the White Sox possess. They will lean on Carlos Quentin to duplicate or improve on last year’s breakout season. Josh Fields is one of the main youngster they expect great things from in 09. The pitching staff ace is Mark Buehrle. Jordan Danks and Gavin Floyd are the next in line. All 3 of them have battled inconsistency and injuries lately. Pitchers 4 and 5 in the rotation are well below average, aging arms in Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon.
2009 Prediction – 4th place finish with a 78-84 record.
Minnesota Twins (2008 2nd place finish with a 88-75 record)
The Twins are closing down the Metrodome in 09 and I expect them to do it by winning the division. They are led by relatively young stars Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer. They will look to carry the team once again offensively. They have a ton of speed and talent roaming the outfield in Carlos Gomez and Denard Span. Off-season acquisition Joe Crede should become an asset and hold down 3rd base. The pitching staff is probably the best in the division. Four of the five are solid and Francisco Liriano was once thought of as potentially the closest thing to Johan Santana. He has battled injuries but if he can stay healthy, look out. Joe Nathan closes games down with ease.
2009 Prediction – 1st place finish with a 88-74 record.
Cleveland Indians (2008 3rd place finish with a 81-81 record)
Injuries and a breakout year by Cliff Lee was the story in 08 for Cleveland. Overall they were a disappointment. Travis Hafner will need to return to 07 form if the Indians plan on making a run for the pennant. Grady Sizemore continues to be one of the league’s best players. His leadership role needs to grow but that is the only complaint anyone has when it comes to Sizemore. Cliff Lee, the 08 AL Cy Young award winner will not be able to duplicate his 22-3 record.
Fausto Carmona has the potential for improvement but the rest of the rotation leaves fans wanting more. Without some big improvement within the staff I don’t see a pennant for Cleveland in 09.
2009 Prediction – 3rd place finish with a 80-82 record.
Kansas City Royals (2008 4th place finish with a 75-87 record)
Kansas City is my surprise team in 09. Since hiring Dayton Moore as GM the Royals have improved every year by 6 or 7 games. This improvement looks to continue in 09. This year’s acquisitions include starting CF, CoCo Crisp and 1b/DH Mike Jacobs. They will look for Alex Gordon to carry over his hot spring throughout the summer. Starting SS Mike Aviles received several votes for ROY honors in 08. The rotation has not changed but will improve with experience. Gil Meche and Zach Greinke have proven to be consistent in 08. I am not comfortable with Ponson at the #5 guy but he should quickly be replaced by a more confident Luke Hochevar. They also possess one of the best young closers in the league in Joakim Soria.
2009 Prediction – 2nd place finish with a 82-80 record.
Detroit Tigers (2008 5th place finish with a 74-88 record)
Detroit will be cellar dwelling once again in 09. They have a huge payroll but lack results. I expect a mid season fire sale that might have already begun in the spring with the release of Gary Sheffield. Magglio Ordonez could bring in several nice prospects for the Tigers later in the year. On paper Detroit should be great offensively but can’t seem to produce consistently. The rotation is not bad on paper either, but failed to live up to expectations. Verlander was once a Cy Young candidate but went 11-17 last year. Bonderman is hurt right now so they will rely on potential. Those arms include Edwin Jackson, Armando Galarraga and 2007 1st round pick Rick Porcello.
2009 Prediction – 5th place finish with a 75-87 record.
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Chris Hahn is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. He’s a Wichita State Shockers season tix holder! But don’t hold that against him ok? He flat out loves his college HOOPS! Got a comment? In the mood to run a little smack? Chris wants to hear from you, so comment below!
One reply on “2009 AL Central Predictions”
The AL Central should be an interesting race right down to the wire as three or four teams should be in the hunt. I have Cleveland winning by a game or two as they seem to have the best all around talent.