Predicting the AL Central

      In predicting the AL Central, I have gone completing against Pecota.  My eyes tell me something is different than their computers tell them.  

AL Central

                    Pecota        Wins                                                        Cru's Corner        Wins

1.                K.C.            84.6                                                        1.    Detroit            87

2.                Detroit        83.7                                                        2.    K.C.                83

3.                Min            79.8                                                         3.    White Sox       76

4.                Clev            75.5                                                        4.    Clev                75

5.                White Sox    69.0                                                       5.    Min                71

     The Detroit Tigers have the best pitching staff in the division by far.  The additions of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander to team up with Tarik Skubal make the Tigers the team to beat here.  Quite honestly, that rotation might compete for the American League crown if they stay together all year.  Their outfield is dynamic with Parker Meadows, Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, and Wenceel Perez providing power, speed, and defensive prowess everyday.  Spencer Torkelson and Gleybar Torres have proven to be offensive weapons as well.  With Colt Keith at the top of the order the Tigers will provide excitement for their fans.  Their only weakness might be at shortstop where Zach McKinstry and Javier Baez will share duties.  I think they have too much fire power for the Royals and will likely be the divisional winner.

     The Kansas City Royals have been slowly improving over the last few years are many peoples favorite to surprise.  Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. at the top of the order should remind Cub fans of the famous "Daily Double" of Bobby Dernier and Ryne Sandberg in the 80's.  These two are table setters and run producers both.  Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone give the Royals unbelievable power.  And Salvador Perez is a hall of fame catcher.  That being said, I don't love their outfield.  Isaac Collins and Kyle Isbel are un proven question marks and lane thomas off the bench seems a stretch.  Their pitching staff is good in Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and kyle Bubic.  They may be closer by committee if Carlos Estevez falters at all.  They have the bats to compete in the central and possibly pick up that last wild card spot, but I don't agree with Pecota that they beat Detroit.

     My surprise team in the Central is the Chicago White Sox.  Chase Meidroth and Kyle Teel will provide more offense at the top of the order than the Sox have had in a long time.  Meidroth is cut from the same cloth as a Phil Garner or a Bobby Grich, just dirty old fashion baseball.  Teel may be the best young catcher in baseball by the end of 2026. Munetaka  Murakami has to produce for this team to catch stride and keep improving and I am sure he will.  Colson Montgomery is a star left-handed bat in this league and Miguel Vargas is above address defensively.  The real question for the Sox will be pitching. Seranthony Dominguez and Jordan Hicks has solidified the back end of the bullpen, but the Sox will struggle to get them the ball with the lead.  The White Sox brass has decided to go with veteran starters Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Sean Burke, and Eric Fedde, while the young guns in the minors get more seasoning.  I would prefer to see Noah Schultz, Hagan Smith, Jonathen Cannon, and Tyler Schweitzer learn at the major league level.   Be patient White Sox fans, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

     As for the Guardians, I feel a bit sorry for /steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez.  These two guys are the perfect professionals, but every year the talent in Cleveland seems to get worse. Bo Naylor is a solid catcher but pitching around Ramirez seems to be the game plan to beat these guys.  Their rotation of Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi isn't scary to major league hitters.  I first pick Cleveland last in the division, but i have too much respect for Ramirez and Kwan.

     The Minnesota Twins are predicted by Pecota to finish third in the AL Central, but I can't find enough wins in their line-up.  They have added Josh Bell at first base and are counting heavily on Byron Buxton to be healthy for an entire season.  I haven't seen that in a few years.  Where are they going to get runs?  Luke Keaschall and Matt Wallner in the middle of the line-up doesn't exactly say production.  I still like Royce Lewis at third, but again can he stay healthy?  Simply put, the Twins fans are in for a tough year.

     The American League Central is a two horse race.  I'm taking the Tigers pitching over the Royals hitting.  Both might make the playoffs.