AL Central

Once the hits started, they never stopped as the Twins pounced on one of Tampa Bay's top pitchers, James Shields, for 12 hits and 11 runs in just over four innings of work. Scott Baker meanwhile allowed another homerun, but it was the only damage done.

Some keys to the victory...

** Scott Baker's line: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 K.

Finally, a pretty nice outing for the team's Opening Day starter who recently has struggled a bit. The stats are irrelevant however; Baker moved closer to being ready for April 6th and probably has one more start to finish up the spring.

You've all had 20 minutes to look at this diagram. Does ANYONE think its correct? No? Good. Welcome to the University of Chicago, lesson one: hate everything—U of C Masters Student and Teaching Assistant.

Josh Ellis is far from the only person to believe this maxim, though he is the author. There seems to be a belief that to be a true fan of a team, you've got to hate it. Every coach is an idiot, no player is worth his contract, the owner is as cheap as it comes—no one is safe from the fury.

In my brief time as a writer on the Bleacher Report, I've made it my practice to write about my beloved Red Sox. They are the team that makes my heart palpitate. "Born and Bred Red Sox Red" is the unofficial mantra I've coined for myself.

After a four game series in Toronto to begin the season, the Tigers return to Comerica Park for a 1:05 p.m. showdown against the Texas Rangers to open the home schedule on Friday, April 10.

This year, April 10 might just be another day to some. For me, it is my 23rd birthday. For Tiger fans it is the home opener. To many others the prime importance of April 10 is that it is Good Friday.

I read an article earlier today that I linked to my Facebook profile. That post sparked a war of words amongst a few of my friends and inspired me to write this article.

It seems to be a two man race for the final spot in the rotation, as lefty Jeremy Sowers was optioned to Triple A Columbus.

The Vanderbilt grad pitched alright, posting a 4.91 ERA in 14 2/3 innings of work. Sowers will most definitely re-surface sometime in 2009.

The last remaining spot is down to Scott Lewis and Aaron Laffey. Shapiro had glowing things to say about Lewis yesterday, so don't be surprised to see Scotty in the No. 5 spot in the rotation to start the season.

I predict the Minnesota Twins will win the AL Central. The Twins have a very good mash of players that could produce good enough chemistry. Players like Carlos Gomez, Denard Span, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer all can do well in this lineup.

Keep an Eye on: Alexi Casilla, 2B

The White Sox will bounce back and make a run at the AL Central this year after a 89-74 record. The Whtie Sox will finish second to the Minnesota Twins and I really don't think they will win the wild card.

Keep and Eye on: Alexei Ramirez, 2B/SS
Ramirez's rookie season made showed that there is a new name in town when it comes to infielders. Ramirez batted .290 while hitting 21 homers and 77 RBI. He stole 13 bases last year too.

Projected Lineup
1. Jerry Owens, CF
2. Alexei Ramirez, SS
3. Carlos Quentin, LF
4. Jim Thome, DH

The Cleveland Indians, I predict, will finish third in the AL Central this year. They will have to ride the shoulders of Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore if they want to finish second of first in their division. Cliff Lee will have to have more wins as well.

Keep and Eye on: Kerry Wood, RP

So obviously not everyone agreed with the Yankees missing the '08 playoffs in my AL East predictions. We'll see if the AL Central draws as much ire, which, before reading this I'll just say, this was absolutely the hardest division to call. 

Without further adue, the AL Central for 2009 will shake down like this.

Division winner-

The Cleveland Indians

After a disappointing 2008 campaign, the Tigers will finish fourth in the AL Central this season. The Tigers need Justin Verlander to come through. In addition, Dontrelle Willis needs to come back healthy and ready to pitch. Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez need to be on their best game.

Keep An Eye On: Justin Verlander, sp