The Windy City reigned supreme in both Central divisions in Major League Baseball a year ago. However, both the Cubs and White Sox were sent packing in the first round of the playoffs, leaving some question marks atop the divisions entering 2009.

It's impossible to predict what's going to happen over the course of a six-month season. Injuries, call-ups and disappointing players will have an impact on every race in baseball, so what follows is the most likely outcome based on how the 11 teams in the AL Central and NL Central look today.

AL Central

1. Kansas City Royals
2. Cleveland Indians
3. Minnesota Twins
4. Detroit Tigers
5. Chicago White Sox

The Royals are talented enough to make a run at stealing the division crown behind the two best starting pitchers in the division: Gil Meche and Zack Greinke. Look for young third baseman Alex Gordon to make huge strides and lead the offense, with newly acquired Coco Crisp serving as a catalyst at the top of the order.

As always, the Indians have the potential to get to the postseason, but a lot will depend on the back end of the rotation in Cleveland. Minnesota has a solid rotation and the division's best bullpen, but Joe Mauer is already an injury concern and his bat is needed in the lineup if Minnesota is going to make noise.

Detroit has the division's best offense but pitching is again a concern, while Chicago's squad is getting old and may have seen its window slam shut.

NL Central

1. Chicago Cubs
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Houston Astros
6. Pittsburgh Pirates

We should see a repeat performance of last season's regular season magic in Chicago this season. Lou Piniella's team will score a lot of runs and won't give up leads late in the game because of a strong bullpen. Those combined factors make the Cubs a big favorite over the other five teams in the division.

The Reds are equipped to make a surprise run behind an under-the-radar pitching staff and an always solid offense. Look for big seasons from Edinson Volquez on the mound and Joey Votto at the plate to lead the squad to the best season in recent memory.

The Cardinals will be in the race because of Albert Pujols and return of Chris Carpenter, but the bullpen could be the team's downfall. Milwaukee has been a great story the past two seasons, but the Brew Crew doesn't have the pitching to contend with the top of this division.

The Astros have been projected as a solid team by some this year, but after Roy Oswalt there's no one decent in the starting rotation and that's a recipe for disaster. The Pirates should be the worst team in baseball...by a long shot.