MLB Predictions: AL Central

This division is really a toss up, I know last years World Series winner is from the AL Central, but each of these teams has some great weapons that could have the year to get them into the postseason. The big difference between teams is the level of pitching, as only one team has the starters to take them far. Everyone else picked up or resigned offensive weapons, but it will come down to how effective each team can be on the mound.
The city of Cleveland has gone a while without being able to raise a trophy, as jersey burning seems to be their annual tradition, with Mr. Manziel being the most recent addition. But I really like what I think the Indians will be able to do this coming season, as Brantley looks to be healthy and they got the arms. With Kluber, Carrasco, Salazar, and Bauer these Indians are going to tough to hit off of. They should each post an ERA under four and will be putting up the W's needed to come away with the division. The challenge they will face is going deep enough into the game, as I don't trust their bullpen very much. Don't get me wrong, Cody Allen is a great closer but they will need to made an acquisition or two to beef up their bullpen to bring home the last season wins. I really like Lindor. This kid has an amazing glove and can hit for average while also providing occasional power. He is a big piece of their future and will be a difference maker this season, as they hope Kipnis and Santana can stay healthy and have their All-Star seasons to support Brantley. The Royals and Indians will be battling for the number seat all year, but I think Cleveland comes away with it in the end.
Kansas City is coming off a great World Series victory, beating one of the best rotations in baseball. They brought back power hitting outfielder Alex Gordon, but weren't able to keep the big weapons in their rotation. They tried to make up for it with a good amount of signings including Kennedy and Medlen, but they don't have an ace or even someone I would consider to be a strong number two in the rotation. Volquez has been around and is now declining in his career, while Kennedy isn't what he used to be either. Ventura definitely has a future, but right now he still isn't hitting the zone enough to take that ace role. This team does excel in both hitting and bullpen though, as Wade Davis and is one of the best if not the best in baseball. Don't get me started on what their lineup can do, with Cain, Perez, Hosmer, and Moustakas this team will put up great offensive numbers. The question is will those be enough to support their rotation when they may be facing pitchers such as Kluber and Zimmermann regularly. Kansas City will have a good season and will go far if they are able to pick up and big name pitcher at some point in the season. Look for them to fight for the division and if they come up short there, one of those wildcard seats. They have the confidence right now and know they can go far which will be beneficial all season.
The Tigers are coming off a disappointing year, as they signed a couple big names to try and get back in the picture. With the addition of Upton, this team has got some good pop, but the question is if they can stay healthy, as a couple guys are already having injury issues. Like usual Victor Martinez is dinged up and may start the year on the DL, while Cameron Maybin took a ball off the wrist and looks to be out as the season starts. Word was he was getting batting practice in, but they have Anthony Gose to cover center while he is out. With J.D. Martinez and Miguel Cabrera, Upton will see pitches batting in the number two spot, so we will see how much of a difference he can make. Health is another issue out on the mound as well, as with a healthy Verlander and Sanchez this rotation looks dangerous. But I wouldn't count on them to avoid the DL all season. Zimmermann was a great pick up, but I think he will be the only starter with consistent numbers this year. The bullpen has some good tools, but blown saves wont be rare for the Tigers. I thin Detroit has a chance to make the playoffs, but only if they stay healthy and Cabrera reminds all the arms in his division why they should fear him at the plate.
The White Sox were busy in the offseason acquiring some bats to support Abreu, as they picked up Todd Fraizer, Brett Lawrie, Alex Avila, Austin Jackson, and Jimmy Rollins. I think Fraizer is a great pick up, as his pop will be looking good in their ballpark. Lawrie will probably have a career high in homers, especially after leaving a place like Oakland were homers seem impossible. This team will be putting up much different offensive numbers and I would put Abreu in MVP talk with the pitches he will be seeing and runs he will be driving in. These guys weakness will be out on the mound. Chris Sale is a beast, by far one of the best in baseball and though I thought he might get traded last year, they couldn't rebuild while both him and Abreu are in their prime. This team needs to win now, but they will need to pick up another starter or get an amazing season out of a couple other guys in the rotation. Quintana could finally have a winning season, as he puts up great innings but can never seems to get the wins. Rodon could be a huge weapon this season, as he does have a great career ahead of him. We will see if they can lock it down and come through this season. With Robertson in the bullpen they just need some good starts to give their offense a chance to put up enough runs. It is possible to make the playoffs, but their pitching will have to prove it to me before I get my hopes up for Chicago.

The Twins lack one thing that would really make a good difference for them, leadership as they are a team full of skill but not much confidence. They will get some good pop out of bats like Dozier, Sano, and hopefully Park. But we will see how well Byung Ho Park adjusts to baseball in the states, as there is a lot of expectation put on him. Mauer isn't the guy with power anymore, but he will hopefully get some good RBI numbers. Their rotation is really questionable, as no one is a number one type starter and Hughes and Santana numbers haven't really been impressive. This team is definitely improving coming into this season, but it will be a long shot for them to make the playoffs. Some surprising seasons would be necessary, along with a couple trades to bring in some dominant help on the mound.

AL Central Records:

1. Indians 87-75

2. Royals 85-77

3. Tigers 82-80

4. White Sox 79-83

5. Twins 72-90