1. Detroit Tigers
Positives: While losing Curtis Granderson in the off-season won't be easy to overcome, the additions that they've made to the roster should outweigh the subtractions. Johnny Damon will bring speed on the base paths, be a solid source of on base percentage, and perhaps most importantly, be a leader in the clubhouse. Max Scherzer should nicely compliment Verlander and Porcello as yet another power pitcher in the rotation, and Jose Valverde is certainly an upgrade over Fernando Rodney as the team's closer.
Negatives: Jeremy Bonderman, Dontrelle Willis, Magglio Ordonez, and Carlos Guillen will all be counted on as big contributors to the team's success, yet none of them have been consistently productive in recent years. The Tigers will need all of these guys to turn back the clock to their past successes, so to speak, to win this division.
X-Factor: In addition to the group mentioned above, the rate of Austin Jackson's development as Granderson's replacement will go a long way in determining whether or not Detroit can stave off the White Sox and Twins.
Record Prediction: 89-74
2. Chicago White Sox
Positives: Alexi Ramirez and Gordon Beckham are an extremely gifted middle infield combination, especially with the bat. In addition, they have one of the most underrated and underappreciated starting rotations in the American League, especially with Jake Peavy in camp from the beginning. I think that people have largely forgotten just how dominant he was when he was in San Diego, when he was often seen single handedly beating opponents on a light-hitting Padres team. Why can't he be that good in Chicago?
Negatives: I wasn't a huge fan of the Mark Teahen deal, and having Andruw Jones as their everyday D.H. can't possibly be seen as an ideal situation.
X-Factor: Can a talented, albeit aging and injury-prone outfield trio produce big numbers on the South Side? If so, Ozzie's crew could certainly push Detroit for the division title.
Record Prediction: 88-75
3. Minnesota Twins
Positives: The Twinkies have the best catcher in the game, both offensively and defensively, another former MVP in Justin Morneau, a solid hitting outfield and an up and coming star in the rotation in Scott Baker. This team also has the confidence of knowing that they've made huge comebacks in this division late in the season, so even if they get off to a slow start, they certainly won't panic.
Negatives: Their everyday lineup is definitely above average on both sides of the ball, but their pitching as a whole leaves something to be desired, particularly with the loss of Joe Nathan at closer due to Tommy John surgery. How the "closer by committee" idea works out will be a huge part of Minnesota's success or failure in 2010.
X-Factor: If reports of Francisco Liriano's demise have indeed been greatly exaggerated, then he could provide a huge boost to an otherwise shaky rotation.
Record Prediction: 87-76
4. Kansas City Royals
Positives: K.C. has more talent than you may think, both on offense (DeJesus, Butler, Aviles) and in the pitching staff, where they can boast a true ace in Zach Greinke, and one of the most dependable closers in baseball, Joakim Soria.
Negatives: The Royals will start the season with some very important pieces on the disabled list (Meche, Alex Gordon, and Josh Fields). It could be hard for them to overcome these early injuries, which will most likely make it almost impossible to compete for the division crown.
X-Factor: The ability of Bannister, Hochevar and Davies to compliment Greinke in the rotation and make up for the temporary loss of Gil Meche will go a long way in determining whether or not this team has any chance to stay in it this season.
Record Prediction: 68-94
5. Cleveland Indians
Positives: Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo are both capable of putting up all-star caliber numbers with the lumber, and Michael Brantley has flashed a lot of upside in left field as a rookie this spring. Chris Perez should be a more than adequate fill in for Kerry Wood at closer.
Negatives: Their starting rotation is barely sufficient for a AAA ballclub, Travis Hafner remains a shell of his former self, and something named Lou Marson is allegedly breaking camp as their starting catcher. But hey, enjoy LeBron for a few more months, right?
X-Factor: If Matt LaPorta can take the first base job and run with it, this team just might have a shot at respectability. But probably not.
Record Prediction: 65-97
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