With Opening day coming this weekend, Sports World News is kicking off our MLB 2014 season preview starting and todays edition is the American League Central. The Central is a division in transition with the top team going through changes. The Tigers remain the top dog, but can the Royals and Indians make noise.
1. Detroit Tigers (89-73): This could very well be the year the Tigers miss the playoffs. They have been crushed by injuries and have some question marks. I pick them because all the other teams are unproven to this point. Jose Iglesias is out for the season with stress fractures in his legs and the lineup is too righty heavy. The pitching is top notch and look for Rick Porcello to finally break out, but with many players in contract years the window is closing in Detroit.
2. Kansas City Royals (87-75): The Royals push to win the central, but fall short due to lack of experience. With Omar Infante playing second base the infield is finally solidified, but hitting can be an issue at times with the likes of Alcides Escobar, Lorenzo Cain, and Mike Moustakas. The rotation is topped by James Shields and has consistent play from the rest. the season depends on if the young bats can develop into consistent players and not platoon bats that hinder the team.
3. Cleveland Indians (87-75): The great lineup almost fully returns to action and Lonnie Chisenhall could be developing into a much better hitter than he was in 2013. The Indians benefit from the experience they gained last season and could be primed to take the central, but things have to fall their way. Danny Salazar could be the breakout player of the year to match with Justin Masterson in the rotation and along with up and coming young arms the Indians are prime for the future. If the arms can make the jump this year they will be a favorite in the central
4. Chicago White Sox (76-86): Jose Abreu, Cuban bat was the big grab for the White Sox winter rebuild and he will be the player to watch. This team isn't built to win anytime soon and could have a fire sale around the trade deadline for the likes of Gordon Beckham and others. Chris Sale is the heart of the rotation and he is a top five AL pitcher right now. After him however there are a lot of “ifs” and not enough “now”. All the arms need to develop and thats no guarantee. Check back in 2015
5. Minnesota Twins (70-92): Aaron Hicks is the reason people will watch any game in Minnesota and until Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton make their return/debut the Twins are in purgatory. Some surprises could come out of the lineup, but Hicks’ development is key to the teams future. The rotation is much better with the additions of Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes, but after that, again, the younger guys need to develop and contribute before the team can be anything.
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