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Joe Mauer and the Minnesota Twins won't be unchallenged in the AL Central this season.

Cleveland Indians
The Indians struggled mightily in 2009, going 65-97 to tie for last place with the Kansas City Royals. It’s possible they’ll be even worse this season. I feel bad for Cleveland fans, who must watch their franchise rebuild after losing Cy Young winners (CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee) in consecutive seasons. It’s probably going to get worse before it gets better.

On the pitching side of things, there is a lot of opportunity for young hurlers as this staff has no obvious ace to lean on. Jake Westbrook, Fausto Carmona and Justin Masterson are the likeliest candidates to lead the rotation, but none of them have found consistent success. The bullpen has some talent in closer Kerry Wood and setup man Chris Perez, who arrived from St. Louis in the Mark DeRosa trade, but like the rotation, there is a lot of unproven youth in this group.

The infield is young but has some nice potential with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, third baseman Jhonny Peralta, second baseman Luis Valbuena and first baseman Matt LaPorta. Center fielder Grady Sizemore is, of course, the key for this team. He is a five-tool player and one of the most exciting players to watch in all of baseball. He was slowed by injuries last season and the Indians hope he’ll be at full strength this spring.

Another talented young player is right fielder Shin-Soo Choo, who hit .300 with a .394 on-base percentage, 20 home runs and 86 RBIs last season. Left field is pretty open.

It’s a whole new look for the Indians, and could be a pretty rough season for rookie manager Manny Acta.

Kansas City Royals
The Royals have perhaps the best pitcher in baseball in Zack Greinke, but they could really use some help from other young pitchers in their rotation. There is potential, and now it’s time for youngsters like Luke Hochevar, Kyle Davies and Brian Bannister to join Greinke and Gil Meche to form a solid rotation.

There is plenty of opportunity for a lot of new faces in Kansas City. They just have to step up. Rick Ankiel is the new center fielder, likely joining Scott Podsednik and David DeJesus. Jose Guillen, who has been a disappointment in Kansas City, will likely hold down the DH position.

The Royals have a budding star in Billy Butler to play first base. And shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and second baseman Alberto Callaspo are likely starters in the middle infield. Jason Kendall is the new catcher, and he brings a lot of experience in handling a pitching staff.

The Royals have improved their ballclub on paper, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team compete with the Tigers for third place in the division. They’re still a ways away from competing for a playoff spot.

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