Yesterday, our writers shared with you their predictions for the American and National League Western Division teams in 2014. With many different opinions and predictions, we bring you the American League and National League Central Division teams predictions.
Andrew Gillen:
AL Central:
- Tigers (95-67)
- Royals (91-71)
- White Sox (82-80)
- Indians (77-85)
- Twins (65-97)
The Tigers are the absolute class of this division, and secure yet another title. However, the Royals become even better than expected, and make somewhat of a run at Detroit’s reign. The White Sox use their minor offseason moves to finish respectfully within the Central. Cleveland, while still a strong squad, can’t quite put together their magic from last season, and will see a significant drop off from last season. Minnesota is among one of the worst squads in the league, and will compete with Houston for the worst record.
NL Central:
- Cardinals (93-69)
- Reds (89-73)
- Pirates (88-74)
- Cubs (76-86)
- Brewers (66-96)
St. Louis has an incredible mix of young, raw talent along with experienced veteran players, giving them a sizeable lead over their rivals. Cincinnati improves over last season under new management, making a run at the Cardinals. While they don’t come out quite as well as they did last season, the Pirates still have a notable 2014 campaign. The Cubs and Brewers continue to anchor the bottom of the division.
Erik Seybold:
AL Central:
- Tigers (97-65)
- Indians (88-74)
- White Sox (85-77)
- Royals (82-80)
- Twins (67-95)
This year I see the Tigers taking this division yet again. Even with the loss of Prince Fielder (was actually a great move in my opinion) and the addition of Ian Kinsler, the Tigers will be still be a strong front for this division. Behind Verlander, Scherzer and Cabrera, this team will sore over the course of the year leaving the Indians and White Sox to fight for a Wild Card berth. For the Royals, they will sit a few games above .500 and the Twins will continue to fail.
NL Central:
- Pirates (94-68)
- Cardinals (90-72)
- Reds (87-75)
- Brewers (77-85)
- Cubs (66-96)
I see the Pirates as division winners this season. Last year they made it to the NLDS in their first winning season in 20 years. With the momentum from last year, I see them making themselves a name in the postseason for many years to come. For St. Louis, they can still become division winners, but in my eyes they will fall short and will have to settle for a Wild Card spot. The Reds will turn out to be okay througout most of the year, but it won't be enough to compete with Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The Brewers and Cubs will both finish under .500 for the year.
Kevin Durso:
AL Central:
- Tigers (98-64)
- Indians (90-72)
- White Sox (86-76)
- Royals (81-81)
- Twins (72-90)
NL Central:
- Cardinals (96-66)
- Reds (90-72)
- Pirates (87-75)
- Brewers (80-82)
- Cubs (71-91)
The Tigers pitching staff alone makes them the standout team in the Central. This one is no contest. The Cardinals make their way to the World Series through another NL Central title. With their offense, there's no reason they shouldn't repeat.
Rich Wilkins:
AL Central:
- Detroit (95-67)
- Cleveland (88-74)
- Kansas City (85-77)
- Chicago (74-88)
- Minnesota (72-90)
NL Central:
- St. Louis (97-65)
- Pittsburgh (88-74)
- Cincinnati (85-77)
- Chicago (74-88)
- Milwaukee (69-93)
Detroit will push their way to a division title in a difficult division, again. They just have too much for Cleveland and Kansas City. Chicago still won't compete, and Minnesota isn't back yet. The Cardinals will cruise, though Pittsburgh will hang in for a while. I'm not a big believer in the Reds this year, but they still far outpace Chicago. Milwaukee falls totally from grace.
Brandon Apter:
AL Central:
- Royals (92-70)
- Tigers (91-71)
- Indians (88-74)
- White Sox (71-93)
- Twins (68-94)
I am going out on a limb here and picking the Royals. I believe this is the year that the young core of Hosmer, Moustakas and Perez really take the division by storm. Billy Butler has proven to be an effective power hitter and the addition of Omar Infante should further help their offense succeed. The Tigers and Royals will duke it out all season, but look for Kansas City to take the Central by a game.
NL Central:
- Cardinals (93-69)
- Pirates (89-73)
- Reds (87-75)
- Cubs (68-94)
- Brewers (64-98)
The top three teams in the division each have a chance to take it, but the Cardinals depth and experience will secure them the Central again. The Cardinals have veteran leadership and they have youth, especially in pitching, with Michael Wacha, Lance Lynn and Shelby Miller. While their offense likely won’t score a large amount of runs, they know how to get on base and hit in the clutch. Cardinals pitching will be what gives them the edge against the other teams in the division. The Pirates lost some pieces that made them successful in 2013, so it will be interesting to see if they can duplicate that succes
Andrew Shipotofsky:
AL Central:
- Tigers (97-65)
- Indians (88-74)
- White Sox (85-77)
- Royals (83-79)
- Twins (73-89)
The Tigers are a very strong team that could make a strong run at the World Series. They have starting pitching and a strong offense. Even without Fielder protecting Cabrera, they should be fine with Castellanos in the lineup. The Indians are well rounded should make a run at the wild card. The Royals and White Sox will fight it out for the third spot
NL Central:
- Pirates (90-72)
- Cardinals (89-73)
- Reds (85-77)
- Brewers (81-81)
- Cubs (68-94)
I feel like the Pirates, Cardinals, and even the Reds will put up a strong fight for the NL Central. I think ultimately the Pirates will win out, but it might take a one game playoff. Whoever doesn’t win the Central will most likely get a wild card spot. Brewers should be around .500 and the Cubs will continue to rebuild this season.
Stop by tomorrow to check out our predictions for the American and National League Eastern Division teams!
