The race for the American League Central division crown is the closest it’s been in years, providing the Cleveland Indians with their best chance to take Kansas City’s coveted crown.
The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals are both within striking distance, making Cleveland’s task all the harder. The Indians are set for a season-long dog fight and will have to play at an elite level for the duration of the season if they are to dethrone the Royals.
The Royals lost Mike Moustakas to a torn ACL after getting off to a hot start and it remains to be seen if they can recover and get back to their World Series form from season’s past.
The Tigers, despite the fact that Mike Napoli is smacking the ball with consummate ease for the Indians, have a distinct advantage at the plate. The Tribe are getting great production from Napoli and Carlos Santana but need more help from the rest of the lineup. Most members of the Tigers, on the other hand, are chipping in when – and where – they need to.
Detroit has 5 players (Kinsler, Cabrera, V. Martinez, JD Martinez and Castellanos) who are a lock for at least 20 home runs.
When it comes to pitching, Justin Verlander is once again in great form, but the Tribe match or better the Tigers in most pitching criteria, including ERA, strikeouts and walks.
The Indians have 574 total strikeouts, their top three starters – (Salazar 96), (Kluber 94) and (Bauer 69) – amassing 169, while the Tigers trail behind with 493 strikeouts. Verlander has 97, Fulmer 57 and Zimmerman 54. The Tigers, 4.57, are also inferior to the Indians, 3.71, when it comes to team ERA.
Let’s not forget that the Tigers are relying a lot on Fulmer, who is only 23 years of age. He’ll have to continue playing beyond his years to pip the Indians for first place.
After analysing all the statistics and taking into account the personnel the Tigers, Royals and Indians have at their disposal, we’re backing the Indians, who are pegged at +115, to win the AL Central.
Have a look at who the Indians play next, scan their entire schedule, find out the best betting lines for every Cleveland game and heed some tips on how to make more money from your Indians bets.
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