AL Central preview
February 27, 2017
Opening Day is on the horizon, and over the course of spring training we at Wolf Tracks will be doing a division by division breakdown of all 30 MLB teams, continuing with the American League Central.
1. Cleveland Indians
After suffering an absolutely heartbreaking loss in the World Series, Cleveland went into the offseason looking to add a key piece to get the club over the hump. They found that piece in former Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion, whose potent bat makes Cleveland the favorite to repeat as AL Central champions.
2. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers narrowly missed the playoffs last season after being eliminated on the season’s final day. Despite such a close call, the Tigers inexplicably did not make any major moves in the offseason. The Tigers are an inbetween team, one that could enter the playoff picture with the right moves or one that could rebuild should the front office decide to go that route. Instead, the Tigers front office stood pat, and while the club may enter the wild card race once again, it’s hard to see them making much noise.
3. Kansas City Royals
Kansas City is one of the more interesting teams in baseball. After winning a pennant in 2014 and a World Series in 2015, the Royals took a huge step backwards last season, barely reaching .500. Now, with many key figures from that championship team like Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer entering their final year before free agency, the team’s window is almost closed. Despite the loss of closer Wade Davis, the Royals may still have one more run in them due to a weak division (see team above).
4. Minnesota Twins
After surprising many by finishing above .500 in 2015, the Twins struggled in 2016, finishing with the worst record in baseball. Despite the rough finish, the Twins had a relatively quiet offseason, signing mediocre catcher Jason Castro and surprisingly holding on to all-star second baseman Brian Dozier. The Twins should improve on a rough 2016 season with a group of young, talented players who should mature in 2017.
5. Chicago White Sox
After trading star pitcher Chris Sale and solid center fielder Adam Eaton in the offseason, the White Sox are in full rebuild mode. Chicago has replaced almost everything of value in their lineup with young, unproven players. Coming off a season where the won only 78 games, it should be another rough season on the South Side. Chicago’s problems will be exemplified this year with the Cubs getting all the attention on the other side of town. While the White Sox could be in for an obscure few seasons, all hope is not lost- they have six players on MLB.com’s top 100 prospects list.