In 2005, the Chicago White Sox walked away as World Series champions after sweeping the Houston Astros. The following season, the Detroit Tigers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Then last year, the Cleveland Indians fell in the ALCS to the eventual champs, the Boston Red Sox.

This season, however, hope abounds for each of the division rivals in the American League Central. The Indians look to move past the championship series for the first time since 1995 and are hoping they can get a World Series title on the 60 year anniversary of their last title in 1948.

Detroit, who was the pre-season pick of several analysts to win the World Series, now will have to dig themselves out of an 0-6 start to their season if they want to make it back to the promised land of the October (now partly November) Classic. The White Sox just finished off a sweep of the Tigers and are hoping a rejuvenation to the heart of their lineup can return them to the 90 win plateau they have abandoned the past two seasons.

The Minnesota Twins are transitioning out of the Johan Santana/Torii Hunter days. They will be looking for growth and maturation from their young staff under the leadership of veteran Livan Hernandez while the perennial cellar dwelling Kansas City Royals now appear to be an up-and-coming squad with young talent like Alex Gordon and Billy Butler.

But who will take the pennant and represent the AL Central in the playoffs? Here are our previews and predictions for all five AL Central teams including last year’s records, key additions, key losses, projected starting lineup, projected rotation, overall outlook, fantasy impact players, and our prediction for this season:

2008 Cleveland Indians Outlook
2008 prediction: (94-68), 1st place
Team MVP: Grady Sizemore

2008 Detroit Tigers Outlook
2008 projection: (92-70), 2nd place
Team MVP:  Miguel Cabrera

2008 Chicago White Sox Outlook
2008 projection: (79-83), 3rd place
Team MVP: Jermaine Dye

2008 Minnesota Twins Outlook
2008 projection: (77-87), 4th place
Team MVP: Pat Neshak

2008 Kansas City Royals Outlook
2008 projection: (73-89), 5th place
Team MVP: Alex Gordon

Derek Rang
Rosenblogger
Shotgun Spratling

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