AL Central preview

1. Detroit Tigers

Owners of the division's most complete starting rotation and reigning two-time AL MVP Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers should finally be capable of running away with their third straight AL Central title after two consecutive years of cutting it close. The trade which brought in Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder ought to be an upgrade overall, and Joe Nathan gives them a reliable ninth-inning man again. Count on Detroit playing well into the postseason again.

2. Kansas City Royals

After finishing above .500 for the first time in a decade, the bar has been raised for the team with the longest active postseason drought -- they last made it when they won the World Series in 1985. They'll miss Ervin Santana and his impressive 2013 performance, but the lineup is better with Norichika Aoki and the currently-ailing Omar Infante in it. Ace James Shields is in his walk-year, so he should be terrific. The Royals will be relevant in September.

3. Cleveland Indians

After surging to a postseason berth last season, the Indians will have trouble repeating their 92 wins. They're talented enough to be above .500 again, at least, thanks to solid but unspectacular lineup led by second baseman Jason Kipnis. Justin Masterson will carry the rotation after Ubaldo Jimenez bolted in free agency, and manager Terry Francona has to be hoping either Corey Kluber or Danny Salazar fills Jimenez's void.

4. Chicago White Sox

This team has nowhere to go but up after 63 wins in 2013. That said, the Chisox are going for a youth movement and figure to have trouble cracking the top three in the division. Chris Sale remains a top-flight lefty ace who gives them a great chance to win every fifth game. Jose Abreu's signing will pay off right away for this lineup, but this team will struggle to score runs on a regular basis.

5. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota wisely ended Joe Mauer's days as a catcher to prolong his career. Watch him win a batting title again as he gets the chance to play every day at first base. Adding Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes to the rotation is a big boost for a team that had no starters of note before. Even top prospect Byron Buxton, a possible midseason call-up, will begin the season on the disabled list.