2015 AL Central Standings Predictions
Here we are, 38 days away from the Minnesota Twins pitchers and catcher reporting to sunny Fort Myers for Spring Training. The 2015 Major League Baseball regular season is quickly approaching, and with that, there is a new-found hope for the Twins. After another 90 loss campaign, fans around Twins Territory are left scratching their heads in wonderment when it comes to just how the Twins will look this year.
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In 2015, it might be fair to argue that the AL Central will be one of baseball’s most competitive divisions. With most teams taking significant steps forward, and the rivalries running deep enough to fuel constant competition, the should be expected. As projections have started to hit the market, we are ready to unveil our 2015 AL Central Standings.
Let’s get into it, from worst to first, here we go…
Oct 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon hits a RBI double against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning during game seven of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
5. Kansas City Royals
The unfortunate worst to first scenario plays out for the boys in baby blue. After falling just short in the World Series a season ago, the Kansas City Royals take major steps back this season and finish last in the AL Central division. That’s not to say their record will be abysmal, I believe the division will be relatively close as a whole, but the roster losses have mounted.
Ned Yost loses his ace in James Shields, and while he remains unsigned, all indications point to a return to the Royals seeming unlikely. Billy Butler moves on from a place he has long called him, and the Royals only are able to replace him with the likes of Kendrys Morales. Nori Aoki doesn’t appear to be headed back to The K either.
Kansas City remains young and has some great pieces however. Yordano Ventura is going to be electrifying, and Edinson Volquez should be relied upon. The bullpen should again be solid, and the outfield should remain fast. Look for the Royals to take steps backwards, but to remain on the map.
Sep 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) hits a two run triple during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Twins won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
4. Minnesota Twins
After finishing yet another year with 90 losses, it’s in 2015 that the Twins break the spell. Thanks to some key offseason moves, as well as an organizational shift as a whole, the Twins look poised to take the next step in their rebuilding process.
During the offseason, the Twins lost very little of substance. Despite parting with some fringe players that provided minor league depth, Minnesota just got better. Key additions like Ervin Santana, and Torii Hunter should help elevate the Twins. A bounce back year for Ricky Nolasco, and the resurgence of a player like J.R. Graham could be just what the Twins need to compete in the competitive AL Central.
With some of the most exciting prospects set to make their debut in 2015, Minnesota has plenty to be excited about. Expect a record right around .500, with an outside chance to challenge late for a wild card berth.
September 6, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Brandon Moss (37) bats during the third inning against the Houston Astros at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
3. Cleveland Indians
The Indians have arguably one of the most impressive rotations in the division. After a Cy Young winning season by Corey Kluber, he will once again be out to prove it was no mistake. Another year for Trevor Bauer and Danny Salazar could allow both players to reach new heights as well.
Over the winter, the Indians made a key move in acquiring Brandon Moss from the Oakland Athletics. His bat should instantly pose a bigger threat in the lineup, and he will likely only increase his home run total being out of the Oakland Coliseum. Expect T.J. House to take steps forward, and a rebound year from Jason Kipnis, and the Indians could find themselves right in the thick of things.
While they may not have the ceiling of the top two teams in the division, it’s also worth noting that the Indians likely don’t have the floor of the bottom two either. Look for Cleveland to be a tough opponent all season long.
Sep 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) doubles against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
2. Detroit Tigers
A year after winning the division and falling apart in the playoffs, many of the same questions remain for the Tigers. This offseason didn’t see some problem areas get addressed, and it could come back to hurt the club.
David Price is going to be a key cog once again in the rotation, and it should be expected that Justin Verlander returns to form. That said, the health of Anibal Sanchez is a question mark, and Rick Porcello is gone. Alfredo Simon looks more like a one year wonder than a reliable starting piece, and that could spell disaster for the Tigers. They are going to hit, and bringing in Yoenis Cespedes only makes the lineup that more dangerous. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees, something Boston found out all too well.
Look for the Tigers to lead the division for much of the season, but despite having the pieces to win it, bullpen and lack of consistency might be what ends up catching up to them in the long run.
Sep 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
1. Chicago White Sox
What a turnaround for the White Sox. After finishing near the bottom of the division a season ago, Chicago got aggressive this offseason, and it should pay significant dividends for them in the season ahead.
The question is where didn’t the White Sox get better? David Robertson strengthens the bullpen, while Jeff Samardzija slots in well behind Chris Sale. Melky Cabrera solves a revolving door in the outfield, and Adam LaRoche brings even more pop to a lineup that saw Jose Abreu launching long balls left and right. Emilio Bonifacio gives Chicago some flexibility in the infield, and the White Sox look like one of the most dangerous teams in the American League.
Although we’ve seen the offseason spending spree crash and burn before (ahem Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays), it appears Kenny Williams executed this one flawlessly. It just remains to be seen if things play out as well on the field.
As the season kicks off, it will be interesting to look back and see how our pre-season projections hold up. At any rate, one thing is for certain, the AL Central is going to be a gauntlet in 2015, so make sure you’re strapped in for the ride.
Next: Five Bold AL Central Predictions
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