AL Central preview: Can White Sox or Indians overcome Twins' powerful lineup?

AL Central preview: Can White Sox or Indians overcome Twins' powerful lineup?
Projected order of finish in 2020: Twins, White Sox, Indians, Tigers, Royals. The Twins slugged their way to an American League Central championship in 2019 with 307 home runs. Their lineup may even be more dangerous in this shortened season. The Twins signed Josh Donaldson, who hit 37 home runs for the Braves, in the offseason. Donaldson, 34, will be an upgrade defensively at third base over Miguel Sanó, who moves to first base after C.J. Cron (25 home runs) wasn't offered a contract. The...

Indians hope rotation depth will tilt balance their way in AL Central

Indians hope rotation depth will tilt balance their way in AL Central
The Indians have won three consecutive American League Central titles on cruise control. There wasn't a need to win a critical series in the final weeks. In 2016, Cleveland beat second-place Detroit by eight games. In 2017, the Indians beat the second-place Twins by 17 games. Last season, they finished 13 games ahead of the Twins. Any wonder then that Indians pitcher Mike Clevinger said the final weeks of the last three seasons have felt like glorified spring training games? No intensity...

Is Tribe pitching strong enough to withstand challenge from Twins?

Is Tribe pitching strong enough to withstand challenge from Twins?
The Indians rotation is one of the best in baseball, and because of that, they are the pick to win their fourth consecutive American League Central championship. But unlike other years, the Indians' chances are at their most vulnerable. Their bullpen is weaker and their offense took a hit. They have a no-name outfield, although former Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez signed late a minor league contract with Cleveland. So which team has the best chance to catch them? The Twins are that team....

Dynamic rotation boosts Indians, makes things difficult for rest of AL Central

Dynamic rotation boosts Indians, makes things difficult for rest of AL Central
The Cleveland Indians rotation is one of the best in baseball, which makes life difficult for the other four teams in the American League Central, so that makes them the favorite. Minnesota has the most improved team, but will the Twins rotation help them make up 13 games in the division race? For drama to happen in the AL Central, the Twins need a consistent rotation. Kansas City is banking of health for Danny Duffy and a bounceback from Ian Kennedy. The White Sox will have at least two former...

Indians taking run at third consecutive AL Central title

Indians taking run at third consecutive AL Central title
After losing the 2016 World Series in seven games and the 2017 Division Series to the Yankees in five games, the Cleveland Indians hope to take a run at a third consecutive American League Central championship. But their biggest competition comes from the Twins, a wild card team in 2017 that has added six players, including five pitchers, two of them starters. The White Sox and Tigers are in rebuild, although the White Sox are, unlike the Tigers, beyond the first step. The Royals lost two key...

Tigers might be Indians' only competition in AL Central

Tigers might be Indians' only competition in AL Central
Stranger things have happened, but if Cleveland doesn't win the American League Central, it's an upset. The Indians have gone the longest - 68 years - without winning a World Series. Detroit has a dangerous offense. They have Justin Verlander, Jordan Zimmermann and Michael Fulmer leading their rotation. And the Tigers, despite not having a healthy Zimmermann, were in the playoff hunt until the final day of last season, when they were beaten 1-0 by Atlanta pitcher Julio Teheran. Kansas City...

Indians' pitching staff expects to dominate AL Central

Indians' pitching staff expects to dominate AL Central
The Cleveland Indians, who lost the World Series to the Cubs in Game 7 last season, have the scariest rotation and the deepest bullpen in the American League Central. Who has the best chances to catch them? Maybe the Detroit Tigers, assuming health in their rotation and growth with their young guys. Former National Jordan Zimmermann had a strong start with his new team in 2016, but neck injuries slowed him the rest of the way. By all indications, Cleveland will run away with this...

Divisional preview: American League Central

Divisional preview: American League Central
With Cy Young-type starters and a punishing lineup, the Detroit Tigers have been the best team in the American League Central - if not the entire league - for four consecutive years. But that's all changing. The Tigers have taken a step back, especially with their rotation. The Kansas City Royals, defending AL champions, are without pitcher James Shields, but they added power bats to a strong bullpen, speedy lineup and tight defense. The Chicago White Sox added to their rotation, lineup and...