Adding Prince Fielder puts them over the top. Oh, they were already there, at least in this division. Despite the fact that there really isn't anyone in the division I see competing with them this Summer, the Tigers still are a damn good team. The lineup has some holes, but Fielder and Miguel Cabrera should provide plenty of offense. The pitching staff has a chance to be quite special, and will carry them all year.
I must be crazy, right? Probably, but if I can pick the Pirates to win 83 and finish in 3rd place, surely the Royals can surprise some folks too. By the way, ever notice how 2008's #2 draft pick Pedro Alvarez' career arc seems to be mirroring 2005's #2 draft pick Alex Gordon? They both made a big splash, injuries and struggles derailed them, and faced demotion to the minors, and then resurrection in Gordon's case in 2011 and hopefully in Pedro's in 2012. This team should hit a ton, but because of their lack of starting pitching depth won't be able to stay close to the Tigers. Really, there isn't a team in this division I like more right now, so hell, let's give KC second place.
WINS 82 MVP Alex Gordon CY Jonathan Sanchez
You know, I wish Minnesota and Ryan Doumit all the best in their future together, but if Joe Mauer even sniffs an injury, I see this ending in tears. As long as Mauer and Justin Morneau stay healthy, the Twins should be relevant again, even if Carl Pavano is still their ace. If Francisco Liriano can bounce back to his 2010 form, then again, the Twins can be competitive again. I fear those ifs are too plentiful, and I'm just not buying them this year. But they won't be as bad as 2011's team.
WINS 80 MVP Joe Mauer CY Carl Pavano
Stop me if you've heard this before. The Indians are a good, young up-and-coming club, but are at least a year or two away. I was very tempted to switch them with the Royals in this post, since they finished second last year (really, they did), but they're still close. The rotation is actually pretty decent if Roberto Hernandez Heredia pitches, and Ubaldo Jimenez returns to form. My guess is one of the two doesn't happen.
WINS 78 MVP Carlos Santana CY Justin Masterson
Wow it's looking ugly on the South Side of Chicago. The White Sox should be due for a tumble soon, unless of course Alex Rios, Adam Dunn and Jake Peavy all return to form, in which case third place isn't out of the question. Despite the loss of Mark Buehrle, the rotation still could be quite good, but it won't be enough to mask a pretty paltry lineup. Time for rebuilding mode I think.
WINS 64 MVP Paul Konerko CY John Danks
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