AL Central Wrap Up

You know the rules - unless there's major upheaval, there's no reason to pick against the champs. Same rules apply here, even if I'd sooner play foosball with a self-severed testicle than watch another White Sox World Series victory.

However, the White Sox went out and got better this year, dropped one of the potential powderkegs in Crazy Carl Everett and got rid of Grandpa Frank Thomas, who hasn't had a productive season in Chicago since there's been a Republican in the White House. There's only room for one mascot per clubhouse and the Big Skirt didn't have a cool, foam suit.

The pitching is stacked. The lineup is stacked. The only question is center field, but the trading deadline isn't until August. If you are a White Sox fan, there is no one who can run you down in the AL Central. Chicago will need to trip or get off to a slow start for Cleveland to get the drop on them, it's that simple. Minnesota and the Indians quite simply lack the horses in a wide open race to catch Chicago.

Cleveland is closer than the Twins, however and brings plenty to the table to compete with. While Minnesota will hang in as in previous years, look for a repeat of 2005, where they are within single-digits of the lead most of the year, but never seriously contend. Look for Cleveland to play with a 2005-related chip on their shoulder.

Quite simply, the Indians are the most dangerous young team in the AL this season and with the White Sox already playing with a bullseye on their collective back, the showdowns versus Cleveland should be a lot of fun to watch.

When the dust settles, though, I see it like this:

American League Central
1.) Chicago White Sox
2.) Cleveland Indians
3.) Minnesota Twins
4.) Detroit Tigers
5.) Kansas City Royals