The Chicago White Sox are one of baseball's elite teams. They feature a high powered offense and strong pitching. 1b Frank Thomas has returned to the form that made him one of the most feared players in the game. 2b Ray Durham is a dangerous batter and a good base stealer. New SS Royce Clayton could provide another bat at the bottom of the order that will produce runs. 3b Herbert Perry has to produce big power numbers at the corner. New C Sandy Alomar was added from the rival Indians to bring playoff experience to this young team. In the outfield, RF Magglio Ordonez is one of the best players in baseball and a threat at the plate every time he comes up. CF Chris Singleton is a solid player with a lot of upside. LF Carlos Lee could be primed for a solid season. The White Sox also have a solid rotation. James Baldwin is the ace of the staff and has enjoyed great success this season, although he slumped at the end. Newcomer David Wells adds tremendous playff experience and a great attitude. He will win many big games for the White Sox and wants the ball when it matters most. Jim Parque and Cal Eldred will be counted on to supply some good pitching at the end of the rotation. Closer Keith Foulke and setup man Bob Howry form one of the best tandems in the game.
WWW.CHISOX.COM


The Cleveland Indians still have one of the best offensive teams in baseball. 1b Jim Thome is a powerful hitter and a big run producer. 2b Roberto Alomar is the best player in the AL at his position and combines speed and power with a great glove. SS Omar Vizquel is the best fieliding shortstop in baseball and hits for a high average. 3b Travis Fryman is still a good run producer and rookie Russell Branyan has a tremendous power stroke. The new outfield still has a lot of punch. Juan Gonzalez, one of the best hitters today, was added from Detroit to take the place of Manny Ramirez. CF Kenny Lofton is still a great leadoff hitter. LF Ellis Burks drives in a lot of runs and will prosper in the Cleveland lineup. New C Einar Diaz will have big shoes to fill with the departure of Sandy Alomar. The starting rotation is the best it has been in years. Chuck Finley and Bartolo Colon are two of the best power pitchers in the game. Dave Burba is a consistent winner. Charles Nagy has always been one of the better pitchers in the game. Jaret Wright is improving in an attempt to reclaim his standings as a solid starter. Steve Karsay will get a shot to start after spending his time in the pen last year. Dave Burba is one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball as he continually wins 15 games but doesn't get the credit that he deserves. In the bullpen, closer Bob Wickman has become dominant and a reliable reliever for the Indians.
WWW.INDIANS.COM


The Tigers made a late run in 2000 but ended up without a playoff berth for yet another season. Now, without Juan Gonzalez, they must look to other players to improve and take them back where they left off at the end of last season. 1b Tony Clark is a powerful hitter who has always been a top run producer for the Tigers. 2b Damien Easley, once an All Star, is still a threat at the plate. SS Deivi Cruz is developing into a solid player for the Tigers. 3b Dean Palmer is one of the best power hitters in baseball and the Tigers' best hitter. LF Bobby Higginson hit over .300 with 30 HR's and 100 RBI and could have another strong season if he decides to dedicate himself to getting better. CF Juan Encarnacion is a young player from the farm system who could blossom into a star. RF Roger Cedeno brings a lot of speed to the lineup, something that this slow team needs. New C Mitch Meluskey, once an Astro, must prove that he can help improve the pitching staff. The rotation lacks a dominant pitcher. Dave Mlicki has improved since his days with the Mets and can be counted on to win some games. Brian Moehler and Jeff Weaver showed signs that they could become very good pitchers in the near future. Chris Holt, a perennial loser, will try to resurrect his career with the Tigers. The bright spot for Detroit is closer Todd Jones, one of the best closers in baseball.
WWW.DETROITTIGERS.COM


The Kansas City Royals are one of the best offensive teams in baseball. Although the nation might not know the players, this team has a lot of offensive talent. 1b Mike Sweeney became one of the best 1b in baseball and in the last few seasons he has outplayed several more notable players at his position. 2b Carlos Febles is one of the better players at his position in baseball as he has become a reliable hitter. SS has always been a concern for KC, although Rey Sanchez did play well last season there. At third, Joe Randa is an improving player. In the outfield, the Royals pack punch. Jermaine Dye, the right fielder, came into his own in 1999 and played very well in 2000, making the All Star team. The loss of CF Johnny Damon to Oakland was a major blow. 1999 Rookie of the Year Carlos Beltran will attempt to replace him As a rookie Beltran hit .293 with 22 HR, 108 RBI, and showed good speed by stealing 27 bases but was slowed by injury last season. LF Mark Quinn is another hitter with potential and he could also develop into a solid player. The starting rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Jeff Suppan had a strong second half of the season and could become a good starter after being tabbed as a good player with potential. Blake Stein won 7 of his last 9 decisions, proving that he may become a reliable pitcher. Brian Meadows, Dan Reichart, and Mac Suzuki have to become decent pitchers for this team to go anywhere. The addition of closer Roberto Hernandez could be huge for the Royals, who had a propensity for blowing saves.
WWW.KCROYALS.COM


The Minnesota Twins are one of the least talented teams in all of baseball. Since the team is financially strapped, they cannot sign talented players to improve their roster. The team does have some young talented players though. 1b Doug Mientkiewicz was one of their best run producers last season. New 2b Luis Rivas is young but could become a decent player in time. SS Christian Guzman was a bright spot last season, hitting 20 triples, an unheard of amount, while displaying a cannon for an arm. 3b Corey Koskie is a solid third baseman with a lot of potential. The outfield of Jacque Jones, Matt Lawton, and Tori Hunter is young but there is potential. Jones led the team in home runs last season. SP Brad Radke is considered by some to be an ace but recently has not shown dominant skills. Eric Milton has all the makings of a superstar pitcher in the future and can dominate a game at any time. Joe Mays and Mark Redman have shown signs of potential. LaTroy Hawkins becomes the closer and will look to continue on the success that he had last year.
WWW.TWINSBASEBALL.COM