Betting on Baseball: MLB American League Central Preview

by Bodog Sportsbook | Mar 5 2008

The AL Central is going to be a two-team race between the defending champs Cleveland Indians and the fully loaded Detroit Tigers.

Detroit Tigers
Odds to win the 2008 AL Central Division Title    5/6
Detroit Rock City is back in a big way by landing two of the biggest players available in the offseason. The addition of former Marlins Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to an already formidable team makes the Tigers the team to beat in the AL Central. Willis had a down year last year but has shown enough brilliance in his young career to suggest it was just a blip and not foreshadowing of a future of mediocrity. If Jeremy Bonderman, Willis and Nate Robinson pitch as well as they can, the rotation will be strong enough to let the Tigers bats win games for them. 
The Tigers lineup is the best in the majors; five of their nine everyday players were All-Stars in 2007. The addition of legit MVP candidate Cabrera only strengthens their pop. If you had to pick a weak spot for the Tigers it would be the bullpen. If nothing changes this season, the bullpen could be what keeps them from a Central Division title.
Ace: Jeremy Bonderman
Fantasy Studs: Miguel Cabrera/Curtis Granderson

Cleveland Indians
Odds to win the 2008 AL Central Division Title    7/5
The defending champs didn’t change much over the offseason and that will hurt them. They will still win 90 games but it may not be enough to win the wild card in the ultra-competitive American League. The Indians bring balance: They’ll crush teams with their bats one game and then shut them down with their pitching the next. You can expect another big year from C.C. Sabathia. One big question mark is Fausto Carmona – sure, he had an incredible year last year but the batters will have had a year to figure him out. Also, after only pitching 90 innings in 2006, he threw 215 last season; can his arm hold up? The offense is lead by Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Grady Sizemore so the runs should still come for the Indians this season.
Ace: C.C. Sabathia
Fantasy Stud: Travis Hafner

Chicago White Sox
Odds to win the 2008 AL Central Division Title    7/1
The Sox are two years removed from having won the World Series but it seems to be a long time ago after disappointing in the last two seasons. The South Side Chicago team did pick up Nick Swisher, who should have a big year, as well as Orlando Cabrera, who came at a steep cost; the Sox had to give up Jon Garland, further weakening a rotation that tails off considerably after Mark Buehrle and Javier Vazquez. José Contreras saw his ERA balloon to 5.57 last season, which is likely a sign of things to come for the aging Cuban.
The Sox could surpass expectations but it’s unlikely they’ll be on the same level as the Tigers or Indians.
Ace: Mark Buehrle
Fantasy Stud: Paul Konerko

Minnesota Twins
Odds to win the 2008 AL Central Division Title    12/1
The Twins went through a dramatic change in the offseason, losing their three best hitters, including Johan Santana, arguably the best pitcher in the game, as well as Gold Glover Torii Hunter, who signed with the Angels. All is not lost for the Twins this season; they still have 2006 MVP Justin Morneau, as well as sweet-swinging catcher Joe Mauer. Minnesota also added Delmon Young, who along with an explosive temper has the talent to be an All-Star. The rotation will welcome back Francisco Liriano who was out after having Tommy John surgery. Boof Bonser and Scott Baker are two young pitchers who will be asked a lot of in 2008; the big question is, can they answer the call? Look for the Twins to challenge the White Sox for third in the division but not much more.
Ace: Francisco Liriano, if his arm holds up
Fantasy Stud: Justin Morneau

Kansas City Royals   
Odds to win the 2008 AL Central Division Title    50/1
The Royals made improvements in the offseason but they are a few years away from competing in the highly competitive AL Central. They’ve hired Dayton Moore, a competent GM with a keen eye for talent. KC has a few building blocks in place for the future. Consistently finishing in the bottom of the league gives you great draft picks that should eventually turn your team around. Remember the Tigers in 2004 – still losing but showing some promise? The Royals aren’t there yet, but give it another year or two.
Ace: Gil Meche
Fantasy Stud: If you have a Royals bat on your team, ask for a redraft.