Imagine a world where there is no such thing as free agency. This is a world where arbitration does not exist, and there are no such things as trades. The only way to acquire players is through the First Year Player Draft or through the international free agent market. Would the Yankees and Red Sox still be the dominant teams? Would the Nationals or Royals actually be able to compete?

Back by popular demand is the return of the Hypothetical Major League Baseball (HMBL). During the 2008 season, the Cleveland Indians reigned, but it is a whole new year and fresh new faces in baseball. Oh yeah, I should probably mention that YOU get to choose the winner (last year I chose the winner myself).

It is time for you to VOTE for the Hypothetical Major League Baseball American League Central Division Winner. Check out the HMBL Rosters and use them to vote vote vote. Check out the league page for other POLLS and more information and updates.


DETROIT TIGERS




STRENGTHS: Rotation potential
WEAKNESSES: Power, Infield

LINEUP
1. Curtis Granderson - CF
2. Omar Infante - SS
3. Brandon Inge - 3b
4. Tony Clark - 1b
5. Cody Ross - DH
6. Matt Joyce - LF
7. Gabe Kapler - RF
8. Anderson Hernandez - 2b
9. Mike Rivera - C

BENCH
Dusty Ryan C
Cameron Maybin OF
Ryan Raburn UTL
Ramon Santiago MI
Jeff Larish CI

ROTATION
1. Justin Verlander
2. Jair Jurrjens
3. John Smoltz
4. Rick Porcello
5. Andrew Miller

BULLPEN
Jesse Carlson LHP
Jason Frasor RHP
Brian Mohler RHP
Fernando Rodney RHP
Joel Zumaya RHP
Francisco Cordero CL

CHICAGO WHITE SOX




STRENGTHS: Pop in the lineup,
WEAKNESSES: Getting on base, Rotation, Bullpen

LINEUP
1. Chris Getz - 2b
2. Chris Young - RF
3. Alexei Ramirez - SS
4. Carlos Lee - LF
5. Magglio Ordonez - DH
6. Joe Crede - 3b
7. Aaron Rowand - CF
8. Brandon Allen - 1b
9. Miguel Olvio - C

BENCH
Josh Fields CI/OF
Humberto Quintero C
Mike Cameron OF
Greg Norton UTL
Andy Gonzalez MI

ROTATION
1. Mark Buehrle
2. Kip Wells
3. Clay Richards
4. Gio Gonzalez
5. Brandon McCarthy

BULLPEN
Bobby Seay LHP
Boone Logan LHP
Chad Bradford RHP
Jack Egbert RHP
Matt Guerrier RHP
Jon Rauch CL

CLEVELAND INDIANS



STRENGTHS: Power, Outfield
WEAKNESSES: Bullpen

LINEUP
1. Willy Taveres - CF
2. Kevin Kouzmanoff - 3b
3. Victor Martinez - C
4. Manny Ramirez - LF
5. Jim Thome - DH
6. Russell Branyan - 1b
7. Jhonny Peralta - SS
8. Ryan Church - RF
9. Marco Scutaro - 2b

BENCH
Brian Giles OF
Ryan Garko CI
Luke Scott OF
Maicer Izturis MI
Chris Gimenez C

ROTATION
1. CC Sabathia
2. Jeremy Guthrie
3. Fausto Carmona
4. Bartolo Colon
5. Jeremy Sowers

BULLPEN
Alan Embree LHP
Brian Tallet LHP
David Riske RHP
Tony Sipp RHP
Rafael Perez RHP
Jensen Lewis CL

KANSAS CITY ROYALS




STRENGTHS: Lineup filled with starting players
WEAKNESSES: Power, Depth

LINEUP
1. David DeJesus - RF
2. Johnny Damon - LF
3. Billy Butler - 1b
4. Carlos Beltran - CF
5. Alex Gordon - 3b
6. Mitch Maier - DH
7. Mike Aviles - SS
8. Mark Ellis - 2b
9. Matt Treanor - C

BENCH
Kile Ka'aihue CI
Mario Lisson INF
Mike Sweeney C/CI

ROTATION
1. Zack Greinke
2. Jimmy Gobble
3. Luke Hochevar
4. Chard Durbin
5. Billy Buckner

BULLPEN
Tim Byrdak LHP
Jeremy Affeldt LHP
Brian Bass RHP
Carlos Rosa RHP
Devon Lowery RHP
Kiko Calero RHP
Tom Gordon RHP
JP Howell CL


MINNESOTA TWINS




STRENGTHS: Defense, Balance
WEAKNESSES: Long Relief

LINEUP
1. Denard Span - RF
2. Jason Kubel - LF
3. Joe Mauer - C
4. Justin Morneau - 1b
5. Torii Hunter - CF
6. AJ Pierzynski - DH
7. Jack Hannahan - 3b
8. Alexi Casilla - 2b
9. Trevor Plouffe - SS

BENCH
Luke Hughes MI
Chad Moeller C
Matt Tolbert MI
Doug Mientkiewicz CI
Michael Cuddyer UTL

ROTATION
1. Matt Garza
2. Scott Baker
3. Nick Blackburn
4. Kevin Slowey
5. Glen Perkins

BULLPEN
Eddie Guardado LHP
JC Romero LHP
Grant Balfour RHP
Jesse Crain RHP
LaTroy Hawkins RHP
Pat Neshek CL

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