Ranking the AL Central lineups

Stephen M. Dowell, Mct

Curtis Granderson, who will begin the season on the disabled list, is the motor that makes the Tigers lineup run.

By JIM SOUHAN, Star Tribune

Last update: March 29, 2008 - 2:56 PM

RANKING AL CENTRAL LINEUPS

1. Tigers Leadoff man Curtis Granderson had 23 homers and 26 steals. He will start the season on the DL and probably won't match last year's production, but all he has to do is get on base in front of the sluggers.

2. White Sox Orlando Cabrera and Nick Swisher arrive at the top of the lineup. How about this: Cabrera, Swisher, Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, A.J. Pierzynski, Joe Crede. Could be scary.

3. Indians Leadoff man Grady Sizemore, like Travis Hafner, had a disappointing season last year, at least in terms of strikeouts (155). His work ethic and savvy make that unlikely to happen again.

4. Twins Need to find a leadoff hitter, get production out of the designated hitter slot and overcome a dearth of offense at shortstop.

5. Royals Stop me if you've heard this one before: still a work in progress. Billy Butler and Alex Gordon could be fun to watch at the plate, though.

RANKING THE HEARTS OF THE ORDERS

1. Tigers The trade for Miguel Cabrera, left, might have won them the division. He makes a deep lineup fearsome in the middle, and people in Detroit are predicting a Triple Crown.

2. White Sox The team stunk last year, but one of the great challenges in baseball is navigating Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko when they are hot and healthy.

3. Twins Wouldn't be surprising to see Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, Justin Morneau and Delmon Young all have better years than last year.

4. Indians Travis Hafner, left, needs to rebound for Cleveland to keep up with Detroit.

5. Royals Signing Jose Guillen helps, but Billy Butler, Alex Gordon and Mark Teahen need to be the big sticks.

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