Jim Leyland: People need to stop picking on the American League Central

Jim Leyland, who managed the Detroit Tigers for eight seasons before stepping down last winter, is among those thrilled to see the Kansas City Royals in the World Series - and he hopes it'll change the unflattering perception of the American League Central.

"Everybody criticizes the Central Division all the time," Leyland told the Detroit Free Press. "I mean, Minnesota was in the playoffs when we were (managing), along with us. Cleveland was in the playoffs when we were there, along with us. … Kansas City and (Detroit) were both in it again, two teams from the Central Division. One is going to the World Series. We went twice.

The division is often derided among baseball pundits, having produced just one World Series championship since 1991. Parity has also been an issue within the American League Central for the past several years, as the Tigers have won four consecutive division titles while the Twins have finished in last place three of the past four seasons.

"I think people need to get off picking on the Central Division. I think this is kind of proof in the pudding. 'Hey, wait a minute. Maybe the Central Division is better than we think it is.' I'm happy for the Royals. I'm proud of them."