For the rest of the week, four of our staff writers will go division by division to make our playoff predictions, while looking at a major storyline for each team.
Our four-man panel includes —
Travis Berardi — Pirates beat writer
Gar Bercury — Co-Pitt beat writer
Michael Waterloo — Co-Owner/Columnist
Matt Welch — D-2 coverage/The Times West Virginian.
Yesterday, we took a look at the American League West. Today, it’s the AL Central.
Chicago White Sox —
“Will Jose Abreu have the same early success that fellow Cubans Puig and Cespedes had?”
Berardi – Abreu will have an outstanding rookie season and should finish in the top three in ROY voting, but I don’t see him having the year Cespedes had in his rookie year.
Bercury – Considering the fact that the Pirate fan in me screamed for the Pirates get Abreu, yes, I think he’s going to make a significant impact. Unfortunately, it will instead be for the White Sox, who got themselves a tremendous contact hitter that has significant power potential. Did I mention I love Abreu? Sure, theres a risk of how he will adapt trying to hit against pitchers he has not faced, and he’s not going to remind anyone of Vince Coleman running the bases, but he can hit, period, end of story.
Waterloo – It won’t get the hype of the other two, but Abreu can definitely have the type of season they had, if not better. Did you know he had a .986 slugging percentage when he was named MVP in Cuba in 2010-2011? He even missed 23 games that year. Yeah, he’s that good. Some experts worry about his bat speed, but expect Abreu to finish with a .280 average with around 28 home runs.
Welch – He has the capability, sure.
Detroit Tigers —
“At the end of the year, who will be the better pitcher for the Tigers – Verlander or Scherzer?”
Berardi – This is the type of question Tigers fans love to hear. Both will post solid numbers and compete for the Cy Young if they stay healthy.
Bercury – This is a great question. I am one of the biggest Verlander admirers you will find, but Scherzer was flat out nasty last year. Add the fact that Scherzer is in a contract year, and you have to wonder, will Scherzer out pitch the great Justin Verlander? My answer? No, they will both be outstanding, but Verlander is the best pitcher in the AL in my opinion. Nobody gets the ball over him in a must win game in my eyes, at least in the AL.
Waterloo – It’s Verlander. He had an off-year last season, but his velocity and control are back. Scherzer is pitching for a new contract, but it won’t be in Detroit. He’s a worker and a good pitcher, but major regression is due for the right-hander.
Welch – Scherzer. Verlander’s name has gotten too big and brings bigger expectations.
Kansas City Royas –
“Is Yordano Ventura a realistic AL Rookie of the Year candidate?”
Berardi – This is a name that Royals fans have been waiting for a long time for. They were able to stay within three games of the Wild Card with a week left in the regular season and could have a chance to finally break through with him.
Bercury – This young pitcher is pretty ridiculous. Triple-digit velocity and a fearless demeanor on the mound, few prospects have been more praised that the Royals prized rookie. The Royals could struggle, and that might mean wins could be hard to come by. Based on simple potential and talent, yes, absolutely he is a realistic candidate.
Waterloo – Without a doubt, yes. He’s the real deal. Barring injury, Ventura will turn heads early. The only thing that can keep him from reaching the award is if the Royals put him on a 180-inning limit.
Welch – At the start of the season, sure. Down the stretch? I’m not so sure.
Minnesota Twins –
“Can Joe Mauer put together a full, healthy season with his move to first base?”
Berardi – A move to first base is the best situation possible for Mauer. There won’t be as much stress placed on his body which should allow his numbers and his health to rise. This is a move the Twins needed to make in order to succeed.
Bercury – Sadly, I am afraid Mauer’s best days are behind him. Injuries, age and a lack of support are all making it hard for Mauer. Its a shame for all involved, the hometown hero has saddled his team with a albatross of a contract, and there does not look like the future will be much better for Mauer.
Waterloo – Mauer is still one of the greatest hitters in baseball today. Washed up? I think not. Without taking the physical abuse that a catcher endures game in and game out, Mauer will stay healthy and help the Twinkies out in a big way this year.
Welch – I still say no. His tank is running low.
Cleveland Indians –
“Will the Carlos Santana move to third and Yan Gomes behind the plate planned transition go according to plan?”
Berardi – Santana has 58 games as a 3B in the minors, but hasn’t played the hot corner in the majors as of yet. The offense will be there, but will the change on defense be effective?
Bercury – Probably not in the case of Santana. He will likely end up as the Indians DH more than likely as Lonnie Chisenhall looks like he is going to start the year at third base. As for Gomes, he should be fine as the everyday catcher. He’s a very solid player, and I expect him to make the transition very well.
Waterloo – I think it will. Gomes is a very underrated hitter, and it’s not like Santana was even close to being a top-notch catcher defensively. Don’t be surprised at all, though, if you see Santana get work at first base and designated hitter throughout the season, especially when a ground ball specialist like Justin Masterson is on the bump.
Welch – If Santana can produce on offense, yes.
Playoff Teams –
Berardi – “Braves. The Cardinals are just too deep for anyone else to have a chance. They take the Central by six games. Pirates as Wild Card. Dodgers repeat by 10 games. Giants grab the final Wild Card spot. Texas beats out the A’s in the final series of the regular season by two games. Tigers and their two-headed monster in the rotation do it again. Indians as Wild Card.”
Bercury – “Nationals. The Cardinals are the class of the division. Pirates as Wild Card. This is the Dodgers division to lose. The roster is loaded with talent, thanks to an endless payroll.Diamondbacks Wild Card. I’ll take the Oakland A’s thank you very much. The shock and awe ability of the Angels is certainly worth noting, but I just have a feeling the A’s will find a way. The Angels will get in as a Wild Card. Though this division is certainly wide open, you have to think the Tigers have the inside track to win the division. This team is solid, has great starting pitching, especially with Verlander and Scherzer.”
Waterloo – “It’s the Nationals, without a doubt. Not a Fister fan, but the staff and offense is way too good. The Braves will grab a Wild Card spot. I’ll take the Cardinals to win the division. I hate betting on teams that spend the most money, but it’s the Dodgers division to take, as long as Clayton Kershaw is OK. The American League as a whole is so good this year. I picked Texas to win it, but after all of the injuries, I’m nervous. Oh well, I’ll stick with the Rangers. I’m taking the Royals to win the division, with the Tigers making it as a Wild Card.”
Welch – “Braves. Cardinals take the division. Pirates as a Wild Card. Dodgers for the division,Giants for the Wild Card. Oakland as division winner, Texas as Wild Card. Detroit will win the division.”
