The American League Central race is about to heat up. With all of the teams within five games of each other, anything could happen.
Detroit Tigers:
The Tigers ship is sinking hard and fast, and their biggest problem is definitely in their bullpen, which ranks last in ERA. Detroit closer, Joe Nathan, has been miserably bad, with a 6.57 ERA and four blown saves so far. If the team expects to contend for a championship, they need to invest in some good relief pitching. As of now, they have no chance of winning unless they get some help in the bullpen.
Kansas City Royals:
Kansas City is hot right now. Not long ago the Royals were sitting in last place, and fans were losing hope. After being swept by the lowly Astros most fans probably wondered, “Will it ever be better?” Now, two and a half weeks later, KC is just a half game away from AL Central lead, and charging hard. The offense is clicking, and the pitching is better than ever. The Royals are on fire, and right now it is a great time to be a Royals fan.
Cleveland Indians:
Cleveland is fighting hard and is within reach at just 2.5 games back of the AL Central lead. Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall have been raking for the Tribe. Brantley, in his last 28 games, is hitting .384 with four HRs, and Chisenhall is batting .375 with seven HRs. Earlier this season the Indians were swept in a 2-game series in Kansas City, and lost two in Boston right after that. They have turned it around, and are now on a bit of a hot streak, having won three in a row. However, I don’t think Cleveland’s efforts will be enough to fend off the Royals or the Tigers.
Chicago White Sox:
Chicago is probably feeling really down on themselves at this point. After just being swept by Kansas City, and losing seven of their last ten games, the White Sox are starting to fall apart. The Sox have allowed four or more runs in all four of their last four games. Chicago is tied for last place, but is only five games back with plenty of baseball left to be played.
Minnesota Twins:
The Twins are once again in the cellar. While I’m not counting them out, I don’t think they stand a chance. The Twins are way too inconsistent to compete for a pennant with all of these teams in the AL Central playing so well. While only five games out, and tied for last with the White Sox, I don’t see them making very much noise down the stretch.
It’s hard to make predictions this early in the season, but I think this division will be a dog fight between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals. When it is all said and done, I think the Royals will emerge victorious, with the Detroit Tigers grabbing one of the two wildcard spots. It should be an interesting race to watch during the latter half of the season. Gear up, baseball fans; the best is yet to come.
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