MLB: Predicting who will win each division
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
As the Twins rebuild, the Indians claw back to contention and the White Sox suffer an identity crisis, this division has been dominated by Detroit in recent years, with Miguel Cabrera almost singlehandedly elevating the Tigers to another level.
However, this year, the Tigers, under the stewardship of rookie manager Brad Ausmus and without a major contributor like Prince Fielder protecting a banged-up Cabrera, have failed to reach the same dizzying heights. Ian Kinsler (.288/.319/.429) has been good but not great, whilst Justin Verlander (4.76 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) has been fairly awful.
Undoubtedly, the acquisition of David Price (3.21 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 205K, 26BB in 185 IP) was a major coup for Detroit, but one which was offset by the recent loss of Anibal Sanchez and Joakim Soria to the disabled list. Even with these injuries, and Verlander’s down year, the a Tigers still have a very strong rotation, but one which may be overvalued slightly in mainstream perception.
Ultimately, Detroit’s biggest worry is Kansas City, a ballclub appearing to play with more energy, more hunger and more variety. Ned Yost, a master strategist, has the Royals manufacturing runs and victories in a unique manner, and the momentum is infectious.
On Monday, KC soared into first place after winning its eighth consecutive ballgame and, with a powerful mix of youthful exuberance and veteran know-how, seems ideally constructed for a tilt at October.
The Indians, meanwhile, continue to tread water, with Terry Francona somehow coaxing a steady stream of runs from his vastly under-performing roster. Michael Brantley (.324/.384/.518, 17 HR, 76 RBI) is a genuine stud, and Corey Kluber has developed into a frontline ace with nasty stuff, but, across the board, Cleveland lacks the consistency to compete with more well-rounded rivals.
PREDICTED DIVISION WINNER: Kansas City Royals
The Royals haven’t visited the postseason since 1985, the longest active drought in all of baseball. Moreover, prior to 2014, the organisation fielded only two .500+ teams in the previous twenty years. Basically, there’s very little historical precedent for the incredible events currently transpiring at Kauffman Stadium.
However, the Royals feel like a team of destiny. They don’t hit many home runs nor slug for a high average, but they steal bases, move runners over, and generate runs with intelligence. In James Shields, they have a big money ace who sets the tone, and who’ll steer the ship into uncharted waters in late September.
Kansas City hasn’t had a lot to cheer in recent years, and every baseball romantic wants to see the Royals finally take that next step. I really believe it’ll happen.