Kansas City Royals Still the Class of the AL Central

Last year, the Kansas City Royals ended a thirty year drought between division titles. Can they remain atop the American League Central for a second consecutive year?

2015 was a truly magical season for the Kansas City Royals. Through much of the year, they had the best record in the American League, and fairly easily won their first division title since 1985. Armed with the number one seed and home field advantage throughout the postseason, the Royals went on to capture their second consecutive American League pennant in comeback fashion. That come from behind approach continued in the World Series, as the Royals brought home their first title in thirty years.

Now, as we approach Spring Training, the Royals are on the verge of creating a bit of creating a potential dynasty. With two consecutive appearances in the World Series, and last season’s victory, Kansas City is poised to remain as the royalty of the American League. However, the first step to retaining their crown is to win the Central once again.

Can the Kansas City Royals stay on top of their division? Virtually every team in the Central made changes in an attempt to pull closer to the Royals and usurp the crown. So, let us go around the American League Central and look at the competition in our preseason rankings.

Next: These Tigers have been declawed

5. Detroit Tigers

Over the past few years, the Tigers had been walking a tightrope, relying upon aging veterans and having a bullpen that could be considered mediocre at best. Even though those bullpen issues would rear their head in the postseason, the Tigers still managed to have excellent regular season performances. At least, until last year, when the bottom fell out.

With those issues in mind, the Tigers focused on getting younger, more athletic and rebuilding a bullpen that could best be referred to as a dumpster fire. David Price, who was sent to Toronto at the trade deadline, was replaced by Jordan Zimmermann. Justin Upton was signed to solidify left. Four relievers were either signed or traded for, headlined by new closer Francisco Rodriguez. They have certainly paid attention to the failures of past seasons.

However, these additions just do not seem to be enough. The Tigers are still relying upon Miguel Cabrera, who missed 43 games last season, Victor Martinez, who missed 42 games, and Ian Kinsler, who is not exactly considered an iron horse. The rotation, behind Zimmermann, is filled with question marks. The Tigers, for all of the flashy moves they made this offseason, have the look of a team that is in the midst of a complete overhaul.

With questions about their starting pitching and health, the Detroit Tigers just do not appear to be a true threat to the Kansas City Royals this season. There is still quite a bit of work to be done here.

Next: Will they ever actually rebuild?

4. Chicago White Sox

Heading into the 2015 season, the Chicago White Sox were the trendy pick to overtake the Detroit Tigers and win the American League Central. Instead, everything that could have gone wrong for the White Sox did, as they struggled in virtually every facet of the game.

To prop up an offense that finished last in the American League in runs scored and slugging percentage, the White Sox brought in power hitting third baseman Todd Frazier and the Kansas City Royals old friend, Brett Lawrie. With both players batting around Jose Abreu, the middle of the White Sox lineup should be better, but they are still looking at major contributions from players like Avisail Garcia and Tyler Saladino.

On the pitching side, Chris Sale is still one of the best pitchers in the game and Jose Quintana may be one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball. However, teh White Sox need the back end of their rotation to step forward next season, led by Carlos Rodon. While Rodon is only 23, they need him to be able to build on a 3.75 ERA and 1.443 WHiP. If he can harness his fastball, cutting down on his 4.6 BB/9 rate last season, the White Sox could be a dangerous team.

As interesting as the White Sox will be this season, they still have the appearance of being a year away. The further maturation of Rodon and an improved offense will make them a dangerous foe, but there does not appear to be enough in Chicago to threaten the Royals at this point.

Next: An intriguing offense

3. Minnesota Twins

Last season, the Minnesota Twins finished a surprising second in the American League Central with an 83-79 record. Although they did not make many moves, their offense may have the most upside in the division.

Even though Joe Mauer still has the name recognition, he has become a shell of his former self, producing a .270/.348/.376 batting line over the past two seasons. Instead, the Twins offense is carried by power hitters Brian Dozier and Trevor Plouffe. Miguel Sano, who could eventually be a forty home run hitter, will have a full major league season. Byung-Ho Park, who hit 105 home runs in the Korean Baseball Organization over the past two years, will be manning first. The Twins lineup could have some serious pop, even with Mauer no longer being the All-Star caliber player he had been.

The biggest question for the Twins will come on the pitching side. Even though the Twins will be getting Ervin Santana back for a full season, he may not be enough. Phil Hughes was below average last season, and the Twins need far more from their second starter. The rest of the rotation hardly inspires any confidence, at least until Jose Berrios is brought up. In the bullpen, Glen Perkins is a solid closer, and Trevor May excelled in a relief role, but the Twins relievers have far more of a contact based approach tha tcan land them in trouble.

If everything goes well for the Twins, they may be able to hit their way into contention and threaten the Kansas City Royals for the American League Central title. However, they need a great deal to go right for that to happen.

Next: Can they hit enough?

2. Cleveland Indians

Last season, the Cleveland Indians may have been one of the more disappointing teams in baseball. This year, they may be one of the more intriguing.

Much like the White Sox, the Indians had trouble scoring runs. Despite a .325 on base percentage that ranked third in the American League, Cleveland finished eleventh with 669 runs scored. Yan Gomes had a horrendous year as he battled through injuries, and the Indians had a black hole at third base. With Mike Napoli being their biggest free agent signing, Cleveland needs to hope that Gomes and Carlos Santana can produce once again, and that Michael Brantley will return sooner rather than later.

Where the Indians become intriguing is with their pitching staff. Ace Corey Kluber had what seemed to be a down season, but his 1.054 WHiP and 245 strikeouts were both good enough for third in the American League. Danny Salazar, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer all had their moments, and if they can put everything together, the Indians could have quite the formidable rotation. The bullpen needs work, but Cody Allen had a strong performance as the Tribe’s closer last year, and Tommy Hunter should help solidify the relief corps.

Much like the Twins, if everything breaks right for the Indians, they could threaten the Royals this season. With a young pitching staff that appears on the verge of a breakthrough, that could happen this year.

Next: The defending champions