by Scott Rickenbach
Thursday, Mar 23, 2023AL Central Division Preview for MLB 2023
Chicago White Sox – When you look at this roster it looks like one of the strongest ones in the league but yet these team seems to have some internal issues. Clubhouse issues can be tough over the long course of an MLB season and this could ultimately be the downfall of Chicago again this season. Something just seems a bit off with team atmosphere. But decent lineup and solid starting pitching should insure at least a shot at a wild card berth for this team.
Cleveland Guardians –This team should top the division and, unlike the White Sox, solid clubhouse atmosphere here overall and that is a difference maker. Cleveland also made a couple of solid off-season adds with Bell and Zunino. The latter is not much of a hitter at all but is solid behind the plate and that can help and already strong pitching rotation be even stronger this season.
Detroit Tigers – Two seasons ago in 2021 it looked like the Tigers might be turning things around but then they regressed again. Looking at their lineup and the fact they have some question marks in the starting rotation too, just very hard to trust this team to bounce back this season. They have made some front office changes that should breath new life into the organization but it is still a rebuild project here that is going on this season.
Kansas City Royals – Similar to Tigers, Royals had a more respectable season the year before last but, also similar to Detroit, they then regressed again last season. Kansas City just does not quite have enough to make much of a move yet. You look at their lineup and they have too many holes and too few guys like Bobby Witt who they could use more of for sure. Then you look at the rotation and there is just not a lot there to get excited about. They will battle the Tigers to stay out of the division basement.
Minnesota Twins – Catcher is a more important position than many realize and the fact is that the addition of Vazquez is significant for this team. To me this is the one team that is a bit of an unknown in this division. If things fall well enough into place and Vazquez helps get the best out of this pitching rotation from his spot behind the plate, this could be big for this team and they could challenge the Guardians and also move in front of the White Sox. Solid rotation, decent lineup, this team will be interesting to watch this season as they could surprise.
Chicago White Sox – When you look at this roster it looks like one of the strongest ones in the league but yet these team seems to have some internal issues. Clubhouse issues can be tough over the long course of an MLB season and this could ultimately be the downfall of Chicago again this season. Something just seems a bit off with team atmosphere. But decent lineup and solid starting pitching should insure at least a shot at a wild card berth for this team.
Cleveland Guardians –This team should top the division and, unlike the White Sox, solid clubhouse atmosphere here overall and that is a difference maker. Cleveland also made a couple of solid off-season adds with Bell and Zunino. The latter is not much of a hitter at all but is solid behind the plate and that can help and already strong pitching rotation be even stronger this season.
Detroit Tigers – Two seasons ago in 2021 it looked like the Tigers might be turning things around but then they regressed again. Looking at their lineup and the fact they have some question marks in the starting rotation too, just very hard to trust this team to bounce back this season. They have made some front office changes that should breath new life into the organization but it is still a rebuild project here that is going on this season.
Kansas City Royals – Similar to Tigers, Royals had a more respectable season the year before last but, also similar to Detroit, they then regressed again last season. Kansas City just does not quite have enough to make much of a move yet. You look at their lineup and they have too many holes and too few guys like Bobby Witt who they could use more of for sure. Then you look at the rotation and there is just not a lot there to get excited about. They will battle the Tigers to stay out of the division basement.
Minnesota Twins – Catcher is a more important position than many realize and the fact is that the addition of Vazquez is significant for this team. To me this is the one team that is a bit of an unknown in this division. If things fall well enough into place and Vazquez helps get the best out of this pitching rotation from his spot behind the plate, this could be big for this team and they could challenge the Guardians and also move in front of the White Sox. Solid rotation, decent lineup, this team will be interesting to watch this season as they could surprise.
