The Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers played the last two World Series, and the Minnesota Twins won the American League Central in 2006 for the fourth time in five years. You can anticipate a terrific three-team race in the AL Central this year, but that would be overlooking the Cleveland Indians. Yes, the Indians, who went 93-69 in 2005 before the bullpen failed miserably last season.

If Jhonny Peralta rebounds from an off year and plays more like the promising prospect who stroked 35 doubles and 24 homers in 2005, Cleveland will have a solid quartet of run producers in Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Victor Martinez and Peralta. Keep in mind that Peralta will be just 24 on Opening Day, and his middle-infield partner is another gifted 24-year-old, Josh Barfield, who has a bright future in Cleveland after changing leagues in an offseason trade. Ryan Garko is a terrific young hitter, as well, and both he and Barfield should make substantial contributions in 2007. The lineup will be deeper with veterans David Dellucci and Trot Nixon joining the club over the winter.

The starting pitchers posted the third-best ERA among AL rotations in 2006. It’s a young group that could get a breakout season from the likes of C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee or Jeremy Sowers, and the highly regarded Adam Miller should join the starting five soon.

The pen will have to be better, and it may be, aided by the signings of Joe Borowski, Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz. That’s not the most inspiring group, but Borowski and Hernandez are coming off decent seasons. The Indians expected to have Keith Foulke in the mix to close, but he retired earlier this month because of lingering arm trouble. If the Indians stay in the race, a closer can be acquired along the way.

There are plenty of “ifs” that must work in Cleveland’s favor to be competitive in the AL Central, but if the Indians need inspiration this spring, the 2006 performance of the surprising Tigers should provide it.