AL Central Predictions

For two consecutive seasons, the Kansas City Royals have been in the World Series. In 2015, they ran away with the division, and ended up winning the World Series. While they return as a favorite, this division has other teams who have had recent success. The Twins just missed the playoffs last year, and have a wealth of young talent. The Indians disappointed a bit last season, but have plenty of talent. The Tigers have had success in recent years, and made some big moves in the off-season. Even the White Sox are a team with some serious star-power. Here's my prediction on the division:

1. Kansas City Royals (92-70)- The Defending World Champions and two-time defending AL Champions ran away with the AL Central in 2015. No one seems to be predicting a repeat of that. I still just don't see another team in the division that ultimately hangs with them. The Royals remind me a lot of the Phillies from 2007-2011, in that the national media just never quite buys into how good they really are. Even in what is a very difficult division, I believe Kansas City gets it done again.
2. Cleveland Indians (89-73)- This team will pitch the lights out, but will they win? If Michael Brantley is back early, and plays well after off-season shoulder surgery, this team can hang in the race. Terry Francona's bunch is the pick of Las Vegas right now to win this division, but I think they fall a bit short. While they may have the best starting staff in the division, I have questions about the line-up and bullpen matching up with Kansas City. I think they will be very good though, so I put them in a close second.
3. Minnesota Twins (82-80)- Last year, the Twins were alive right to the very end. They played much better than anyone expected. Their top minor league talents have begun to arrive, and the future is really bright. I just don't see them doing quite as well as last year in 2016. A slight regression because of league adjustments will slow the Twins march towards a bright future in the AL Central.
4. Chicago White Sox (78-84)- While I'd love to see Jimmy Rollins play some post-season ball this year, I just am not buying into this team bouncing back yet. Yes, Chris Sale and Jose Abreu can play on any team, but they were good last year, and the team wasn't. They are a tough team to predict.
5. Detroit Tigers (72-90)- The Tigers were busy in the off-season, but they needed to be. While some will predict a better season for the Tigers, I'm not buying in yet.