1998 Set - AL Central

On to the AL Central next, and boy is this an overall poor division. Only one team over .500 with the Cleveland Indians destroying everyone and running away with it by 9 games. The Tigers, Twins, and Royals are all very sub-average teams with pieces that could be useful given a some talented people around them. A couple of notable cards in here is Jeff's favorite Doug Brocail, Carlos Beltran's late season call up (went on to win the AL RoY in 99), submariner Chad Bradford being amazing for the White Sox, and Farucci's boy Robin Ventura as a +6 third baseman (Luke would never draft him because infield defense is overrated).

Cleveland Indiana - 89-73 - 1st

This is one of the first post-seasons I actually remember very, very clearly, as I was going into the 5th grade and my teacher was fresh out of grad school and from Cleveland. A lot of trash talking in the post-season needless to say. This team is loaded with bats and talent, making them one of the overall most potent teams in the entire set. Brian Giles, David Justice, Jim Thome, Kenny Lofton, Manny Ramirez, plus Vizquel, Wilson, Sexon, Cora, Whiten, and Fryman.

Starting pitching is ok but the bullpen is pretty good to hold on to the lead.

Chicago White Sox - 80-82 - 2nd

Here is a great example of a tale of two teams. Elite hitting and pitching with extremely average to below average hitting and pitching. Albert Belle is an absolute stud card (10 ob and doubles at 14). Ray Durham is a great leadoff hitter and Frank the Tank provides another solid bat (with Ventura of course). 3rd in RoY voting Mike Caruso is featured, along with one of the worst Mike Cameron cards I've ever seen.

Pitching for the White Sox has an unbelievable bullpen. So many top arms to choose from, including an incredibly fun Chad Bradford card.

Kansas City Royals - 72-89 - 3rd

If you could only build a lineup with 8 ob players (which I highly suggest anyone who hasn't played this way to try some time), this is one of the best in the set. Carlos Beltran's triple range is amazing. Dean Palmer adds a bat with some nice pop, Johnny Damon is an awesome chart to play with, and I personally love the Shane Mack card for 270. Jose Offerman at the keystone rounds things out as the only above 9 ob. And lastly, Mike Sweeney as a catcher before shifting to first base.

Pitching wise Jose Rosado puts up another fun card similar to his OG version from 00. Matt Whisenant in the bullpen has a very similar card to his as well. Ricky Bones is a solid card as a 4-16 2 ip and walks at an 18. Belcher is the only 7 ip on this team and with only 1 6 ip, the bullpen (which is weak) has to shoulder a lot of innings.

Minnesota Twins - 70-92 - 4th

Not a lot to write up here on a positive note. Brad Radke putting up a typical 4-16 card, a young Big Papi, and an aged Otis Nixon (still with the speed). Probably my favorite card on this squad is the foil of Matt Lawton, who can play anywhere in the OF. Marty Cordova also has a card, just a couple of years removed from his RoY back in 95. I also really like the Steinbach card for the price, power, and arm at catcher.

Obviously Radke is the highlight of the pitching staff, but Tewksbury has a fun card as well. The bullpen is brutal though, with Rick Aguilera having to carry a huge weight in late games. Hector Carrasco is actually a good valued card when playing with strats for allowing no doubles.

Detroit Tigers - 65-97 - 5th

Rounding out the bottom of this poor division are the Tigers. Fun fact, Tiger Stadium actually opened the same day as Fenway Park with Shoeless Joe Jackson scoring the first run in stadium history. Unfortunately for the original Tiger Stadium though, they tore it down to make room for Comerica Park. There are actually a lot of cards I like on this team, with appearances from Luis Gonzalez, Bobby Higginson, Tony Clark, and Damion Easley.

As everyone knows I am a sucker for 4-16 guys so Brian Moehler is on my short list, but the best guy is Jeff's boy Doug Brocail (the lone foil on this squad).