AL Central Predictions: Tigers In A Landslide
As we roll on with our AL division writer predictions, we turn our attention to the Central, which ironically could be renamed the AL Tigers’ division. As you’ll see below, every writer here at BSI is in sync with pretty much every baseball fan and critic in America in picking the Detroit Tigers to win the division. And not only win it, but win it with ease. Other similarities, Verlander and Cabrera are all but unanimous to win the Cy Young and MVP. But if last year taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen. After all, everyone had the Red Sox winning it all before April rolled around. Nuff said! On with the predictions.
Derek:
1. Tigers
2. Indians
3. Royals
4. Twins
5. White Sox
Barring an injury to Justin Verlander, Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, this division is over likely after April commences. The Tiger’s lineup does not have an easy out and with one of the best closers in the game, the pitching staff will enjoy an explosive offense while cruising to the division. Everyone else is playing for second. I like the Indians makeup of youth and experience and they had a nice run going last year only to fall short. If Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau can stay healthy, they could leap frog the Royals for third place, but that’s a big if. The Royals youth appears ready to break out but not quite ready to challenge for the title.
MVP – Miguel Cabrera
Cy Young – Justin Verlander
Conor:
1. Tigers
2. Indians
3. Royals
4. White Sox
5. Twins
This division is honestly not even close. The Tigers are so much better than everybody else right now that it’s ridiculous. Justin Verlander won the AL Cy Young and MVP last year and could contend for both again. However, the more likely candidate for MVP would be Miguel Cabrera who should rack up the RBIs with a good lineup around him and batting in front of Prince Fielder. The Indians and Royals could be good very soon, but 2012 is not their year. The White Sox and Twins, meanwhile, are getting worse by every move they make at this point. The White Sox lost Mark Buehrle this offseason and the Twins lost Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel.
MVP – Miguel Cabrera
Cy Young – Justin Verlander
Steve:
1. Tigers
2. White Sox
3. Twins
4. Royals
5. Indians
Detroit in a cake walk, period. Barring injuries to Verlander, Fielder or Cabrera, everyone else on day one will be playing for second place.
Rick:
1. Tigers
2. Indians
3. Royals
4. Twins
5. White Sox
This is a one team race, with Detroit easily outdistancing the competition. I think Detroit will lead the American league in total wins and be the number one seed. The addition of Prince Fielder teaming with Miguel Carbrera is a one-two knockout. Any team with Justin Verlander as the ace will always compete. Cleveland will continue to improve with our old friend Justin Masterson only getting better. Kansas City is one year away from making an impact but watch their youth movement grow. Minnesota and Chicago are a mess. Both teams will find wins hard to come by with the White Sox really struggling. They lost their heart and soul this off season.
MVP – Miguel Cabrera
Cy Young – Justin Verlander
Stephanie:
1. Tigers
2. Indians
3. Twins
4. Royals
5. White Sox
Admittedly, the Tigers feel like the obvious choice. In theory, maybe anywhere Prince Fielder is could open up a world of possibilities especially if you are grooming your roster to fit him. Also we all know that Jose Valverde is one of the most reliable closer there is. Winning! As for the Indians, what I like about them is they have some young guys getting into their swing and becoming great ball players. They haven’t won a division title since 2007 so, maybe it is their year. The Twins, I love a good rebellion. I am a big fan of Morneau and him fighting his way back. I know their pitching looks terrible, I know the odds here are not good but I say, TAKE A CHANCE! Good luck Twins! I am sure to anyone else the Royals should be in second or third. I say, NO. The have a lot of injuries they are going to be dealing with and I say take them down while they are weak and destroy what little confidence they have. Ahem, what I mean is lots of rookie’s looks lots of sketchy. As for my final spot the White Sox. Oh Chicago, Can you get back your glory with a new manager and so many young players still trying to find their spot and few people to look up to? There are two fantastic hitters with the White Sox with John Danks and Gavin Floyd hopefully these guys will help give you a winning season.
MVP- Prince Fielder
Cy Young- Jose Valverde
Finally, we will predict the AL East tomorrow. Buckle up, there are some wild predictions involving the Red Sox.
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