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Scott Miller's Starting 9: Road to World Series Runs Through AL Central

Mark Cunningham/Getty Images

LAKELAND, Fla. — Central Park, Central Office, Central Champions….

1. Of Beer, Changing Stripes, Mr. I and Sunset Clauses

Three consecutive American League pennant winners, and four of the past five, have come from the rugged AL Central.

"We're hoping it's five out of six this year," Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus says. "And we're hoping this year, it's somebody different."

The Tigers started the division's sprint to October with their 2012 World Series appearance under Ausmus' predecessor, Jim Leyland. Before they get too old and gray, they're aiming to make one last bit of noise.