In honor of the recent Valentines Day and upcoming 2011 MLB Season it’s time to show a little love to the foes of the AL Central. 

There are some likable players on your favorite teams rival and I’d like to pay a little attention to these guys.  After all, not everyone is AJ Pierzynski in this division. 

Over the last couple seasons the rivalries from the AL Central have been a case of the Good (Twins and Tigers and their managerial love-fest), the Bad (Royals and Indians battle for the cellar) and the Ugly (Sox brawling with everyone at one time or another).  

Since the five teams play each other for nearly an eighth of the season, you learn to hate the opposing players.

But every once in awhile you’ll find a guy on one of these teams that you can actually tolerate. 

I’ve provided a list of the top guy from each team in the AL Central that I love.  You could think of it like Romeo and Juliet but without the romance, suicide and reciprocal adoration. 

It might be the teams best player but isn’t always.  It’s usually a guy you’d see and say…”I’d love to have that guy on my team” or at least “I’d have a beer with him.”  That, and when you see him you don’t want to puke.

Before you say it, yes I am a Tigers fan, so to add a little more to the article I’ll even give my fellow AL Central fans a player on my hometown Tigers to root for.

In honor of this time of year, it’s time to share the love and hug your enemy.

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