Consider the source, but one writer has stated for the record that he expects the Cleveland Indians to finish ahead of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central this season.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has the Tribe pegged for first place, pointing to several players on last year's squad - such as Travis Hafner, David Dellucci, Cliff Lee, and Jeremy Sowers - who disappointed last year, and should provide a boost if they perform to expectations.  He goes on to pick the White Sox, Twins, and Royals to finish behind the Tigers in that order.

In a separate article, Hoynes makes a position-by-position comparison between the Indians and Tigers, giving Detroit the edge at four spots on the field, while calling three even.  He gives Cleveland the nod at starting pitching and the bullpen.