AL Central Trouble

Focus on the American League Central

 

The American League Central is a toss up at the moment with almost all teams stumbling out of the gate.  With un-winning beginnings and Royal success, the central has become the surprise of the league.  The departure of stars from teams has affected it somewhat but teams that picked up superstars aren’t doing the best they can.  The Royals, Indians, Tigers, White Sox and Twins have become the laughing stock of the Majors this season.

            The first place team as of April 29 shows the Chicago White Sox in first place.  They have a winning percentage of just over .500 and are the only team in the central with this mark.  They have gotten off to success, if that’s what you would call it, from their pitching mainly with Javier Vazquez throwing gems in each of his starts.  Their hitting has yet to reach its potential but players like Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye and Orlando Cabrera have heated up in the past eight games.  The Sox will have a tough schedule coming up with games against the Orioles and Angels coming up.

            Coming in behind the White Sox is a tie between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians.  WHAT?!?!?!?!  Are the Royals really in second?  I thought the Royals would come around soon after so many years of “rebuilding.”  With loads of young talent, I expect them to finish like usual but they will end up in fourth at the end of the season.  Who are some of these players?  Have you ever heard of Alberto Callaspo or Jimmy Gobble?  Although they are 2-8 in their last 10 games, they will rebound and become the Royals of old real soon.  The Cleveland Indians at their new Progressive Field are failing to be resilient from last seasons collapse may I say, to the Red Sox in the ALCS.  They will make the playoffs with their pitching from CC Sabathia and Fausto Carmona who are struggling to pick up wins, will come around and be themselves.

            The Twins follow them and they have nothing to look forward to with their losses of Johan Santana and Torii Hunter.  They have traded away their only real talent in order to become the Royals and rebuild.

            Looking at the Detroit Tigers off-season transactions you would think they would have possibly undefeated start.  With the additions of players such as Miguel Cabrera, Edgar Renteria and Jacque Jones and phenomenal pitching from Kenny Rogers, Justin Verlander, and Jeremy Bonderman, you would expect them to be winning constantly.  Well that happened, after they lost seven in a row to start the season.  The Detroit Tigers have gotten off to their worst start in years. Yes and even this seasons beginning is worse than their 119 loss season in 2003.  The Tigers turned the corner and won a couple games and are wiggling their way into third, but they are only 12-15.  They will finish second in the division as I predicted and have a good second half of the season.

            The AL Central shake up was unsuspected by many with three great teams and two mediocre ones.  With an average winning percentage of only .474, the central is a joke and will not have two wild card teams like they have had in past seasons.