American League Central 2018:
Upset Special
Because MLB perpetuates the myth of ‘small-market’ teams,
every year a certain number of filthy rich owners don their hobo clothes and
offload high-priced talent. In truth, it’s the size of the owner’s wallet that
matters, not the size of the market. An inordinate number of these
poor-in-their-own-minds-only owners operate in the middle of the country.
For this reason, I am not
picking the Cleveland Indians to
repeat; this is the year the Twinkies (Minnesota
Twins) take advantage of Cleveland’s budget-cutting.
Will Win: The Minnesota Twins are the only team that
added much to their budget. Mauer doesn’t have much left in the tank, but he’ll
look rejuvenated given the addition of Logan Morrison to go with Dozier, Sáno,
Kepler, and Escobar. I still think Buxton is a bust, but he at least flashes
great leather. They also added Lynn and Odorizzi to the staff and Ervin Santana
will soon come off the DL. Pineda also, but I know he’s a fraud.
Dark Horse: Cleveland
Indians. It’s odd to call them that because they’re favored, but losing
Carlos Santana, Bruce, Napoli, and Allen is a big toll. They added Alonso to go
with Lindor, Kipnis, and Ramirez so we’ll have to see how that works out. Ditto
catcher Mejia and whether Encarnacion can ward off decline. Kluber, Carrasco,
and Bauer head a formidable staff, with Miller waiting to bail any pitcher out
of trouble. They also have the best manager in MLB. So why pick them to falter?
Chemistry and a hunch.
Predicted Finish:
1. Minnesota Twins: I
might look foolish very early on this one, but the stars seem to be aligning.
2. Cleveland Indians:
This is a playoff-bound team one way or another.
3. Chicago White Sox:
Quietly rebuilding and have a nice core to go with Kopech, Moncada, and a
few other kids in the wings. They won’t be a pushover this year. Or the next,
or in the foreseeable future.
4. Kansas City
Royals: They won the World Series in 2015 and made money. Then their owner
decided he was too poor. Enough left to be decent, but not enough to get back
to the playoffs.
5. Detroit Tigers: Held
a fire sale and they’re probably not done yet. Like the city, things are
looking grim for the tabby cats.
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