This is second part of 2011 Baseball Season.In the central ,the team includes Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals.
1. Minnesota
The Twins have a better overall pitching staff than the White Sox do, especially with the return of closer Joe Nathan. Ron Gardenhire’s club will play better defense with the addition of new second basemen, Japanese import Tsuyoshi Nishioka since Orlando Hudson left for the Dodgers. Joe Mauer is back behind the dish and Justin Morneau should be healthy after not playing since July 7 from a concussion. The key player to watch is pitcher Francisco Liriano. If he can return to Cy Young form the Twins will compete for the AL Cenrtal crown.
2. Chicago
The team from the South Side is a close second to the Twins. Ozizie Guillen’s team now has a better offense after resigning Paul Konerko and free agent Adam Dunn over the offseason. Pitching will be the question mark with Jake Peavy missing out on all of April with a shoulder injury. The player who could have a big year on this team is shortstop Alexei Ramirez.
3. Detroit
Miguel Cabrera’s arrest for DUI on his way to camp has slightly overshadowed what could be a very competitive Tigers team. Manager Jim Leyland predicted Cabrera’s best year ever, but Cabrera should have some help this season with Magglio Ordonez back from a broken ankle. Ace pitcher Justin Verlander will need to avoid his habitual early season woes, which include a 7-11 record and 5.06 ERA in 26 career starts in April. DH Victor Martinez was the big pickup in the offseason, but the player who needs to have the best season is the young pitcher Rick Porcello, who struggled last year after his 14-win rookie season of 2009.
4. Cleveland
The Indians strongpoint this season is youth as well as a respected offense, but their pitching staff is unproven and will most likely keep them in the back of the pack. The bullpen is anything but strong, but young closer Chris Perez is the main bright spot. Grady Sizemore, Matt LaPorta, and Shin-SooChoo are all recognizable names, but everyone will need to keep any eye on the young catcher Carlos Santana coming back from a horrific knee injury.5. Kansas City
The Royals may be the one team in this division that hasn’t improved over the offseason. KC lost their best hitter in David DeJesus, and then they traded away Zack Grienke, their franchise player and ace of their staff. Two players to look out for on the roster that could make some noise are Billy Butler and Joakim Soria. Young shortstop Alcides Escobar could still prove to be a good ballplayer but only time will tell.
