2012 AL Central Odds to Win
(The Spread) – After making one of the biggest splashes this past winter, the Detroit Tigers are favored to win the American League Central in 2012.
The Tigers have odds of –400 while the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals have the next best odds at +700, respectively. The two long shots to win are the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, whoa re each +1500, respectively.
TWINS: After winning the division in 2010 the Twins fell flat on their faces last season while finishing fifth. That was due in large part to the health issues of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Mauer hit just .287 with three home runs and 30 RBI, while Morneau was brutal while collecting four home runs and 30 RBI to go along with his paltry .227 batting average. With Michael Cuddyer now in Colorado, if the Twins don’t get big production out of Mauer and Morneau they’ll once again be starring at the rest of the Central from the basement of the division.
WHITE SOX: In showing efforts to rebuild, general manager Ken Williams parted ways with veterans Mark Buehrle, Carlos Quentin, Omar Vizquel, Juan Pierre, Jason Frasor and Sergio Santos. Also gone is manager Ozzie Guillen (who took over as skipper of the Marlins), who was replaced by former White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura. There’s scattered talent on this roster but the Sox will have trouble keeping pace with the top teams in the American League.
INDIANS: Thanks to Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo, there’s definite talent on this roster. Whether or not it’ll all come together at the same time remains to be seen. Jimenez needs to bounce back from his ugly 2011 campaign in which he went 10-13 with a 4.68 ERA, especially if the Tribe will be without Roberto Hernandez Heredia, otherwise known as Fausto Carmona. Heredia was arrested in January on false identity charges and was placed on baseball’s restricted list. Thus, it remains to be seen if the Indians have enough pitching to make a run this year.
ROYALS: Kansas City fans have been waiting a long time for something to cheer about and good times seem to be on their way. The Royals are absolutely loaded with young talent, from Eric Hosmer to Alcides Escobar to Jarrod Dyson and Derrick Robinson. The roster also has a good mix of veteran talent in Billy Butler, Jeff Francoeur, Alex Gordon and Kason Kendall. Whether the Royals compete or not will largely depend on their pitching. They traded Melky Cabrera to the Giants this offseason in exchange for Jonathan Sanchez, who is loaded with natural talent but who is also very erratic. The Royals also signed Jonathan Broxton, who was a rising star before injuries and confidence issues took their toll in L.A. This is one team to keep an eye on from here on out.
TIGERS: This is far and away the best team in the AL Central and it may even be the best team in the American League after adding slugger Prince Fielder to their already dangerous lineup. Losing Victor Martinez (knee surgery) for the season was a huge blow but the addition of Fielder will certainly make up for the loss. The younger slugger will be paired with Miguel Cabrera, who is coming off a monstrous season while batting .344 with 30 home runs, 105 RBI and 48 doubles. AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander returns as the ace of a club that should challenge for the AL pennant this year.
2012 American League Central Odds to Win
Chicago White Sox +1500
Cleveland Indians +700
Detroit Tigers –400
Kansas City Royals +700
Minnesota Twins +1500
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