2015-16 MLB Predictions: AL Central Picks – Royals, Tigers, Twins
It’s easy to ignore the chaos that consumed the AL Central last year and look only at the Kansas City Royals and their success. The Royals were projected by many, myself included, to take a step back last year. They did not. More surprisingly, the Minnesota Twins finished above .500, the Detroit Tigers tanked, and the full mediocrity of this division was absolutely astonishing. This year, who will emerge?
1. Kansas City Royals (90-72): It’s hard to put your finger on the Kansas City Royals. They have serviceable, young pitching and a coach that understands what they are trying to do. More importantly, the Royals have speed and a full lineup of contact hitters. The way this team is built lends to continued stability and consistency. It’s hard to see that falling apart all of a sudden this year.
2. Detroit Tigers (83-79): It’s also hard to see the Detroit Tigers being this bad again, two years in a row. The middle of this lineup can mash with the best of them, and I expect them to solve some of their pitching issues. I think the Tigers will bounce back a little in a division that is begging for someone new to emerge from this pack of mediocre teams.
3. Minnesota Twins (82-80): I like the Minnesota Twins as a small market club that sustained success for almost a decade of baseball. Though nothing came of it, you knew the Twins would be there at the end of the year. Now, you look at them as a roster of minor leaguers trying to fight through their own lack of star power. While last year impressed me, I just don’t know if they are ready to take the next step forward.
4. Cleveland Indians (80-82): For years we have looked at the Cleveland Indians as a team on the cusp of legitimacy. Now, I’m ready to give up on them. There is something about this organization that is just missing. I cannot see them overtaking the Royals, but I think they’ll be right in this bubble of garbage a tier below the division winners.
5. Chicago White Sox (76-86): At this point, you have to feel bad for Chris Sale. I even feel bad for David Robertson, but not too much because he and his high socks never should have left New York (even if it wasn’t his choice). The White Sox are still bad and I don’t see that changing anytime real soon.
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