Here is how I see this division playing out in 2009.<\/p>\n
View The MLB Cappers Leaderboard For 2008 \u00a0– Picks Packages for 2009 On Sale Now! \u2014\u2013><\/strong><\/p>\n Chicago is an aging team trying to get younger.\u00a0 Ken Griffey Jr. and Joe Crede are 2 players that will need to be replaced by youngsters.\u00a0 Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome could all be moved mid to later in the year if they are not in the hunt.\u00a0 Those 3 players are also the main offensive threats the White Sox possess.\u00a0 They will lean on Carlos Quentin to duplicate or improve on last year’s breakout season.\u00a0 Josh Fields is one of the main youngster they expect great things from in 09.\u00a0 The pitching staff ace is Mark Buehrle.\u00a0 Jordan Danks and Gavin Floyd are the next in line.\u00a0 All 3 of them have battled inconsistency and injuries lately.\u00a0 Pitchers 4 and 5 in the rotation are well below average, aging arms in Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon.<\/p>\n 2009 Prediction – 4th place finish with a 78-84 record.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Twins are closing down the Metrodome in 09 and I expect them to do it by winning the division.\u00a0 They are led by relatively young stars Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer.\u00a0 They will look to carry the team once again offensively.\u00a0 They have a ton of speed and talent roaming the outfield in Carlos Gomez and Denard Span.\u00a0 Off-season acquisition Joe Crede should become an asset and hold down 3rd base.\u00a0 The pitching staff is probably the best in the division.\u00a0 Four of the five are solid and Francisco Liriano was once thought of as potentially the closest thing to Johan Santana.\u00a0 He has battled injuries but if he can stay healthy, look out.\u00a0 Joe Nathan closes games down with ease.<\/p>\n 2009 Prediction – 1st place finish with a 88-74 record.<\/strong><\/p>\n Injuries and a breakout year by Cliff Lee was the story in 08 for Cleveland.\u00a0 Overall they were a disappointment.\u00a0 Travis Hafner will need to return to 07 form if the Indians plan on making a run for the pennant.\u00a0 Grady Sizemore continues to be one of the league’s best players.\u00a0 His leadership role needs to grow but that is the only complaint anyone has when it comes to Sizemore.\u00a0 Cliff Lee, the 08 AL Cy Young award winner will not be able to duplicate his 22-3 record. 2009 Prediction – 3rd place finish with a 80-82 record.<\/strong><\/p>\n Kansas City is my surprise team in 09.\u00a0 Since hiring Dayton Moore as GM the Royals have improved every year by 6 or 7 games.\u00a0 This improvement looks to continue in 09.\u00a0 This year’s acquisitions include starting CF, CoCo Crisp and 1b\/DH Mike Jacobs.\u00a0 They will look for Alex Gordon to carry over his hot spring throughout the summer.\u00a0 Starting SS Mike Aviles received several votes for ROY honors in 08.\u00a0 The rotation has not changed but will improve with experience.\u00a0 Gil Meche and Zach Greinke have proven to be consistent in 08.\u00a0 I am not comfortable with Ponson at the #5 guy but he should quickly be replaced by a more confident Luke Hochevar.\u00a0 They also possess one of the best young closers in the league in Joakim Soria.\u00a0<\/p>\n 2009 Prediction – 2nd place finish with a 82-80 record.<\/strong><\/p>\n Detroit will be cellar dwelling once again in 09.\u00a0 They have a huge payroll but lack results.\u00a0 I expect a mid season fire sale that might have already begun in the spring with the release of Gary Sheffield.\u00a0 Magglio Ordonez could bring in several nice prospects for the Tigers later in the year.\u00a0 On paper Detroit should be great offensively but can’t seem to produce consistently.\u00a0 The rotation is not bad on paper either, but failed to live up to expectations.\u00a0 Verlander was once a Cy Young candidate but went 11-17 last year.\u00a0 Bonderman is hurt right now so they will rely on potential.\u00a0 Those arms include Edwin Jackson, Armando Galarraga and 2007 1st round pick Rick Porcello.<\/p>\nChicago White Sox (2008 1st place finish with a 89-74 record)<\/h3>\n
Minnesota Twins (2008 2nd place finish with a 88-75 record)<\/h3>\n
Cleveland Indians (2008 3rd place finish with a 81-81 record)<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>\u00a0 Fausto Carmona has the potential for improvement but the rest of the rotation leaves fans wanting more.\u00a0 Without some big improvement within the staff I don’t see a pennant for Cleveland in 09.<\/p>\nKansas City Royals (2008 4th place finish with a 75-87 record)<\/h3>\n
Detroit Tigers (2008 5th place finish with a 74-88 record)<\/h3>\n