The AL Central Division has some new faces this year that have a chance at knocking off the Chicago White Sox as division champs. Here's a preview.

Chicago White Sox
The World Series Champions have made some changes. Getting rid of star center fielder Aaron Rowand, and obtaining Jim Thome, the injury prone first baseman, in return. Thome can be a good asset, but he will have to try hard to avoid injury and put up the monster numbers that he is capable of putting together. Paul Konerko was re-signed, a good move. Expect a bigger and better 2006 season from him. Another guy that should be good is third baseman Joe Crede. He is much underrated, a fine prize for any team at this day and age. Look for good stuff from him in ’06. The pitching staff should remain the same. Mark Buehrle has shown his talent, but don't expect the same numbers like last year. As for Jose Contreras, let's hope that last year was the starting point for something great to come in the future.

Cleveland Indians
Cleveland definitely deserved a playoff berth last season for that AL Wild Card. Underrated names like Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia have vastly improved the pitching staff over the last couple of years. Also, look for Jake Westbrook to have a solid 2006. Paul Byrd, a journeyman who can bring a lot to the table, was brought in this off season as well. In addition, Bob Wickman is a solid player and shouldn't disappoint this year. On the hitting front, Johnny Peralta is the stud to be de-studded. With 24 home runs last year, there should be some great things for this youngster in 2006. The thing that to really admire about these guys last year is that they were young and they still almost made the playoffs. This year, being a little bit older and more used to things, they should be even better. With guys like Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Ben Broussard, this club can win a World Series.

Detroit Tigers
Detroit can have a winning team this year. Their pitching staff needs to straighten up a little bit. With the addition of Kenny Rogers, this club is much stronger. Also, watch for Jeremy Bonderman, who had 14 wins last year and 13 losses. He should improve his numbers this year. Newbie Justin Verlander is being spotted as a possible Rookie of the Year candidate. Don’t expect great things from guys like Mike Maroth and Nate Robertson. Combining for 21 wins and 26 losses last year, they won’t improve to a great extent. The hitting should get this club the wins. The addition of Placido Palanco last year should have done more then it did. Look for that to happen this year. Magglio Ordonez will be much healthier this year and has the potential for a 20-10 season. Chris Shelton also has a lot of upside as well. Look for him to hit 25 homers this season.

Minnesota Twins
Minnesota has a lot of holes to fill. After last season’s 83-79 record, the Twins have a chance in 2006. Torii Hunter is coming off of that broken ankle last season, and should have a better year this year, but don’t expect a huge year, as he is aging. Another good acquisition by the Twins was Luis Castillo. He should be a big improvement at second base, especially since they’ve had trouble there for quite a few years. Joe Mauer is going to have a stellar season this year, even though he is not a power hitter. The key for him will be to stay healthy. As for the pitching, Johan Santana is still the man, going 16-7 last year. Brad Radke, however, is just not putting up those numbers like he used to, so he is a concern and maybe should consider retiring. On the other hand, Carlos Silva can be a great relief option, while Joe Nathan is always great, so expect nothing but the same from him this year.

Kansas City Royals
With Kansas City, they did some major upgrading this season. They picked up Mark Grudzielanek, Doug Mientkiewicz, Joe Mays, Reggie Sanders and Mike Redman. These guys will boost the club. However, they probably need a year to get used to each other, so expect a transition 2006 season for the Royals.

Final Order of Finish Prediction
1. Indians
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Royals
5. Twins