Ranking Parity in the AL Central

We’ll see if the talk of parity is based on reality, or if it’s just an excuse for the National Media to gloss over the division quickly so they can move on to something sexier. We’ve had a week to review, so let’s rank ‘em up by their more important parts.

You’re only as good as your best player

Nothing’s more important than an impact player out there every day getting it done.

1. Tigers: Miguel Cabrera — Triple Crown candidate, capable of carrying a team for long stretches.
2. Indians: Grady Sizemore — A serious 40—40 threat in the prime of his career.
3. White Sox: Carlos Quentin — 36 home runs and 100 RBI before losing last month of 2008 to injury.
4. Twins: Justin Morneau — Solid and consistent hitting machine, a former AL MVP.
5. Royals: Alex Gordon — Could be a star, if he can cut down on the strikeouts.

Staff Ace

Just give them the ball and chalk up a win.

1. Indians: Cliff Lee — Complete and total domination of the AL in 2008 couldn’t have been a fluke. Or could it…?
2. Twins: Franciso Lirano — Is in the two years removed from elbow reconstruction sweet spot. His confidence will determine whether it’s a Cy Young award or more AAA bus rides.
3. Royals: Zack Grinke — Puts the "K" in the renovated Kauffman Stadium. He could be putting tons of them up all over the American League.
4. Tigers: Justin Verlander — Shows flashes of greatness, and not-so-greatness. 2009 will make or break Verlander’s career in Detroit.
5. White Sox: John Danks — Lefty with control who could rack up the wins with the Sox run support.

Third Best Starter

Count on this guy to sew up one or two of those much needed divisional sweeps.

1. White Sox: Gavin Floyd — Fourth pick in the 2001 draft. plenty of upside.
2. Twins: Scott Baker — Another young Twins pitcher who throws strikes. Especially good in the Metrodome.
3. Tigers: Edwin Jackson — Was squeezed out of the Rays rotation, the Tigers will gladly make room for a 14 games winner.
4. Indians: Anthony Reyes — A Rule-5 pickup by the Indians looking to build on last season’s strong finish.
5. Royals: Kyle Davies — Solid outing in his opener to build on a decent end to 2008.

Manager

A steady hand is needed to guide your team to the playoffs.

1. Twins: Ron Gardenhire — Never makes mistakes, wins by exposing those of the opponent.
2. White Sox: Ozzie Guillen — Most of Ozzie’s crazy outbursts are well orchestrated and pure genius.
3. Tigers: Jim Leyland — Most comfortable when everyone’s against him. He’ll love it in the hot-seat this year.
4. Royals: Trey Hillman — In 2006 he led a scrappy group of Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters to their first title in 25 years. Then, he did it again the next season too.
5. Indians: Eric Wedge — Major managerial accomplishments consist of handing the ball to C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee.

Wildcard

When everything else is going wrong, we look for one of these guys to make it right.

1. Royals: Joakim Soria — Might be the best closer in the American League. If the Royals can get it to him with a lead, the game’s over.
2. Indians: Travis Hafner — “Pronk” played more like a donkey last year. Still has game-changing power.
3. Tigers: Brandon Inge — Has the left side of the Tiger infield locked down. Anything he does at the plate is gravy.
4. White Sox: A.J. Pierzynski — Still plays with an edge as hard as his name is to spell.
5. Twins: Delmon Young — If he stays healthy, Young could add life to the Twins’ clubhouse. Whether that’s a good thing remains to be seen.

The Score

Do some math to find the winner: Lowest score wins.

• 1. Tigers: 14 Points
• 1. Twins: 14 Points
• 1. Indians: 14 Points
• 4. White Sox: 15 Points
• 5. Royals: 18 Points

Crap, that looks like a lot of parity. Might as well play the games.