This team has sent Jeromy Burnitz, Richie Sexson and a cast of others away in search of a World Championship. The Royals have a fine young group of position players, but still are in search of pitchers to shoulder the load. Dan Reichert showed signs of having a live arm, but the Royals still need more pitching. They should be more competitive this season with the addition of closer Roberto Hernandez. The Royals have been a train wreck in the bullpen for the last several years.
Nothing kills young starters faster than a compromised bullpen.
The White Sox probably aren t as good as they were last season. Then again, the Indians are probably a little better. The Sox are still a young team, with a dynamic duo of the Big Hurt and Magglio Ordonez in the middle of the lineup. Chicago has a cupboard full of young pitching prospects waiting for a chance. The Tigers are still struggling to become comfortable with Comerica Park.