Chicago White Sox
2008: 89-74, first place
Manager: Ozzie Guillen, 6th year
Projected lineup: CF DeWayne Wise, 2B Chris Getz, LF Carlos Quentin, DH Jim Thome, RF Jermaine Dye, 1B Paul Konerko, SS Alexei Ramirez, C A.J. Pierzynski , 3B Josh Fields
Rotation: LH Mark Buehrle, RH Gavin Floyd, LH John Danks, RH Jose Contreras, RH Bartolo Colon or LH Clayton Richard
Closer: RH Bobby Jenks
Hot spots: The White Sox have been trying to resolve their center field situation since 2006. Now, Wise gets his chance to hold down the job. Ex-Canyon del Oro High School and UA player Brian Anderson will probably play center and bat leadoff against lefties, however.
Minnesota Twins
2008: 88-75, second place
Manager: Ron Gardenhire, 8th year
Projected lineup: CF Denard Span or Carlos Gomez, 2B Alexi Casilla, C Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau, RF Michael Cuddyer, DH Jason Kubel, LF Delmon Young, 3B Joe Crede, SS Nick Punto
Rotation: RH Scott Baker, LH Francisco Liriano, RH Kevin Slowey, RH Nick Blackburn, LH Glen Perkins
Closer: RH Joe Nathan
Hot spots: Catcher and outfield. Mauer had surgery in the offseason to repair a blockage in his kidney, but hasn’t played all spring because of pain in his lower back. The Twins likely will have to lean on veteran backup Mike Redmond until Mauer works his way back.
Cleveland Indians
2008: 81-81, third place
Manager: Eric Wedge, 7th year
Projected lineup: CF Grady Sizemore, 3B Mark DeRosa, DH Travis Hafner, C Victor Martinez, SS Jhonny Peralta, RF Shin-Soo Choo, 1B Ryan Garko, LF Ben Francisco, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera
Rotation: LH Cliff Lee , RH Fausto Carmona, RH Carl Pavano, LH Scott Lewis, RH Anthony Reyes
Closer: RH Kerry Wood
Hot spots: DH – and a rotation loaded with question marks. Can Lee, so dominant last year, come close to matching his gaudy numbers now that he’s the staff ace? Carmona must stay healthy and Pavano has gotten a new lease. Hafner had offseason surgery on his right shoulder.
Kansas City Royals
2008: 75-87, fourth place.
Manager: Trey Hillman, 2nd year
Projected lineup: CF Coco Crisp, SS Mike Aviles, LF David DeJesus, RF Jose Guillen, 1B Mike Jacobs, DH Billy Butler, 3B Alex Gordon, C Miguel Olivo, 2B Alberto Callaspo or Willie Bloomquist
Rotation: RH Gil Meche, RH Zack Greinke, RH Kyle Davies, RH Sidney Ponson, LH Horacio Ramirez
Closer: RH Joakim Soria
Hot spots: First and second base. The Royals might go with a rotation at second between Callaspo, Bloomquist and converted third baseman-outfielder Mark Teahen. First base also is crowded, but Jacobs has the inside track. Olivo will be pushed by John Buck.
Detroit Tigers
2008: 74-88, fifth place
Manager: Jim Leyland, 4th year
Projected lineup: CF Curtis Granderson, 2B Placido Polanco, RF Magglio Ordoñez, 1B Miguel Cabrera, LF Carlos Guillen, DH Marcus Thames , C Gerald Laird, 3B Brandon Inge, SS Adam Everett
Rotation: RH Justin Verlander, RH Edwin Jackson, RH Armando Galarraga, RH Zach Miner, RH Rick Porcello
Closers: RHs Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney
Hot spots: Rotation and bullpen. Jeremy Bonderman’s shoulder problems opened the door for Porcello, 20, to win a spot in the rotation. Ex-D’back Lyon replaces the retired Todd Jones, but Rodney will get a chance to close