I read a recent piece on Dugoutcentral.com which stated that the Kansas City Royals could be the team to beat in the American League Central division.

The author made reference to the one-two punch of Gil Meche and Zach Greinke, saying they were probably the best one-two in the division. Nice thought, but they aren't. The Chicago White Sox have Gavin Floyd (17-8, 3.84 last season) and Mark Buehrle (15-12, 3.79), the most durable pitcher in baseball today. Add in Jon Danks (12-9, 3.32), the Kenny Williams steal from the Texas Rangers, and the White Sox have THREE pitchers better than the Royals top 2.

Also, the Minnesota Twins staff is pretty darn good, too. Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker are better as a duo than Meche and Greinke. Add in second year pitcher Glen Perkins (12-4 in 2008) and Nick Blackburn and there are arguably four pitchers on the Twins better than Meche-Greinke. Don't forget the Cleveland Indians, who have reigning Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee and former 19 game winner Fausto Carmona. After a 2008 season full of injuries, they appear to be primed to challenge again for the AL Central.

I believe the author let the salary figures of Meche and Greinke cloud his judgment about pitching effectiveness. 

The author also mentioned the Royals could "be this year's Rays."

I have never seen that written anywhere, but "this year's Rays" could be the Cincinnati Reds, who have the perfect combination of young hitters and young pitchers. The Royals hitters have the pedigree, but haven't shown any consistency yet. 

The Royals do have a solid nucleus of young talent with former 1st round picks Greinke, Billy Butler, Alex Gordon and Luke Hochevar all figuring prominently in the Royals 2009 season. Figure prominently, yes, but that doesn't mean they will be successful. Hochevar has yet to produce even a decent season in the minors, let alone major league success. Also, How long do

I like the concept the Royals promoting by having young kids develop together, but give them time. One of the unsung keys with the 2008 Rays was they had some veteran presence with Gabe Gross, Carlos Pena, Eric Hinske, Jason Bartlett and Cliff Floyd to help led the contingent of young kids. Even with veterans Dave DeJesus and Coco Crisp on the team, I do not see that veteran presence with the Royals helping in the way the Rays veterans did.  

The Detroit Tigers will be better than last year, a lineup with Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera and Curtis Granderson will produce more than they did last season. The White Sox and Twins have far superior pitching and better lineups top to bottom.

Granted, the Royals are going to be a little better, but so are the other teams in the division. Give them time. If the young players improve, then 2010 could be their year, but in 2009? Not a chance.