MLB

Filed:March 23rd, 2009

Micah Hoffpauir (left), with Henry Blanco and Koyie Hill (Cubbie Nation/File)

No, I'm not going to pile on.

The general consensus around fantasy circles is that second base is a deep position. To a degree, I understand the sentiment—the top tiers of players are crowded with guys who stuff the stat sheet to the gills. However, when you look at the overall draftable players, the position is almost as thin as the catchers...

THE SECOND BASEMEN

The Mariners have a very young staff stepping forward. Felix Hernandez is the sure-fire ace but people have to watch out for Brandon Morrow is the key youngster that could make a name for himself in the rotation. Also Erik Bedard is lurking in the shadows as the number two on the staff. The Mariners also get a blast from the past with Ken Griffey Jr. who will more than likely play outfield.

I predict the Minnesota Twins will win the AL Central. The Twins have a very good mash of players that could produce good enough chemistry. Players like Carlos Gomez, Denard Span, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer all can do well in this lineup.

Keep an Eye on: Alexi Casilla, 2B

The White Sox will bounce back and make a run at the AL Central this year after a 89-74 record. The Whtie Sox will finish second to the Minnesota Twins and I really don't think they will win the wild card.

Keep and Eye on: Alexei Ramirez, 2B/SS
Ramirez's rookie season made showed that there is a new name in town when it comes to infielders. Ramirez batted .290 while hitting 21 homers and 77 RBI. He stole 13 bases last year too.

Projected Lineup
1. Jerry Owens, CF
2. Alexei Ramirez, SS
3. Carlos Quentin, LF
4. Jim Thome, DH

The Cleveland Indians, I predict, will finish third in the AL Central this year. They will have to ride the shoulders of Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore if they want to finish second of first in their division. Cliff Lee will have to have more wins as well.

Keep and Eye on: Kerry Wood, RP

So obviously not everyone agreed with the Yankees missing the '08 playoffs in my AL East predictions. We'll see if the AL Central draws as much ire, which, before reading this I'll just say, this was absolutely the hardest division to call. 

Without further adue, the AL Central for 2009 will shake down like this.

Division winner-

The Cleveland Indians

After a disappointing 2008 campaign, the Tigers will finish fourth in the AL Central this season. The Tigers need Justin Verlander to come through. In addition, Dontrelle Willis needs to come back healthy and ready to pitch. Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez need to be on their best game.

Keep An Eye On: Justin Verlander, sp

After sitting out for the 2008 season, Curt Schilling decided it was best to hang up the spikes.

Schilling will forever be remembered as one the most clutch pitchers of his generation.

Although as recently as a few weeks ago he said he would like to pitch for the Cubs or Rays in 2009, to help them win a championship, he decided it was time for him to take a bow after an emotional 20-year ride in the show.

I do not think the Kansas City Royals will escape the clutches of last place. They don't have the right mix of players on the team to get the job done in the AL Central.

Keep An Eye On: Mike Aviles, ss/2b