Mad_Trappers 2018 preview of the AL Central

I will start of with my prediction of how the AL central will end up at the end of the year, and then give a little preview of each team.


1. Detroit 94-68
2. Kansas 89-73
3. Cleveland 86-76
4. Minnesota 79-83
5. Chicago 78-84

DETROIT TIGERS 2017 recorded 84-78

Ranks

Offense 1^st

Defence 5^th

SP 2^nd

RP 3^rd

Prospects 3rd

The Tigers have the best hitting lineup by far in the AL central. The offense alone should carry this team far and will be lead by 1B Lars Anderson (137 RBI last year). Detroit’s SP is solid with a top 3 that can compete with anyone in the Central. The SP will be lead by Yovani Gallardo (14-9 4.13 era last year). RP will be Detroit’s weakness this year. Borrero (3.62 dice last year) will close out games but without Masato to start the year this bullpen will struggle. Detroit could also add a little more depth and there defence will cost them a few games, but should be the top dog in the central this year.

Kansas City Royals 2017 recorded 93-69

Ranks

Offense 4^th

Defence 2^nd

SP 1^st

RP 2^nd

Prospects 5th

The Royals have the best starting pitching staff in the AL central. The Royals ace is King Felix (12-11 2.86 dice last year) he is the best pitcher in the AL central. The Royals weakness will be there offense, but with a bunch of veteran players should hold there own and are lead by RF Quinton McAbee (.811 ops last year). Joakim Soria (42 SV 1.73 dice last year) is the best closer in the Central. The rest of the rp is ok but could use a little upgrading. The Royals have the best depth in the central and should battle for the central lead with Detroit all year.

Cleveland Indians 2017 recorded 91-71

Ranks

Offense 2nd

Defence 1st

SP 3rd

RP 4^th

Prospects 1st

The Tribe has the best defence in the AL central. The Indians also have a good Offense lead by Matt McArthur (98 runs scored last year). Cleveland’s SP is lead by Boris Turner (18-6 3.12 era last year) who will become the best starter in the Central soon. Cleveland’s RP is a little weak and is lead by Goose (36 SV last year). Cleveland’s depth is solid and had an amazing run last year but they are missing a few pieces to compete with the big boys

Minnesota Twins 2017 recorded 70-92

Ranks

Offense 5th

Defence 4th

SP 5th

RP 1st

Prospects 2nd

Minnesota has the best bullpen in the AL central. The Twins Offense is lead by Aaron Hicks (.287 avg in 26 games last year). Minnesota’s SP is lead by Kyle Gibson (10-6 last year) and has a young but solid staff. The Twins have the most solid bullpen in the central lead by Scott Little (2.94 life time era). Minnesota will have another down year while waiting for specs to develop.

Chicago White Sox 2017 recorded 79-83

Ranks

Offense 3rd

Defence 3rd

SP 4th

RP 5th

Prospects 4th

Chicago has a sold lineup with good defence. The Sox Offense is lead by Pedro Baez (106 RBI last year). Chicago’s SP is lead by Evan Frederickson (6-1 when he joined the Sox last year) and has a solid but aging staff. Chicago’s bullpen could use a few upgrades too and are lead by Bard (26 SV last year). Minnesota and Chicago will battle for the basement all year