The AL Central is now being renamed the AL Mid. The division has been an embarrassment for years, with the last AL Central team to win a playoff series being the Indians in 2016.
The Minnesota Twins: 72-71
The Twins are currently four games behind the Guardians in the AL Central race. After a strong start to the year, Minnesota has struggled down the stretch. They have finished under 500. in the months of June and July, then finished 14-14 in August. So far, they are 5-8 in September.
The Twins came into the season with a lot of question marks about their pitching. Their rotation has been mid (no pun intended) in 2022 with their team ERA currently sitting at 3.98.
Offensively, the Twins have been solid, but with Byron Buxton and Jorge Polanco currently on the IL, the offensive depth has been tested. Carlos Correa and Jose Miranda have been bright spots for the Twins offensively, but the team has seemly dug themselves a hole. A hole that will be tough to get out of with a four-game series against Cleveland on deck for them. They also have six games left against the White Sox this year.
The Chicago White Sox: 74-71
The White Sox have to be the most disappointing team of 2022. After winning 93 games and capturing the AL Central crown in 2021, they have been around .500 all year in 2022.
They have struggled against the AL Central this year. Although they have beaten down the Tigers, going 10-3 in the season series. It has been a different story against everything else. They are 9-10 against the Royals, 7-9 against the Guardians and 6-7 against the Twins. These are three teams that the White Sox no-doubt are more talented then.
The White Sox have had their fair share of injuries in 2022. Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, and Tim Anderson have all missed significant time this season. Lucas Giolito, who will start against the Tigers this weekend, has an ERA over five.
It has been a weird year for the White Sox. But they still have three games against Cleveland and seven against the Twins. Lance Lynn has been better. Dylan Cease has had a career year. Johnny Cueto has regained his form. The White Sox’ destiny is in their hands, now it’s time to show up.
The Cleveland Guardians: 77-66
The Baltimore Orioles may be the most surprising team of the season, but we need to show some love to Cleveland. They are currently 10 games over .500 holding a three-game lead over the White Sox.
The Guardians have been known for their pitching, and that is no different in 2022. Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, and Cal Quantrill have been a three-headed monster that will continue to lead Cleveland in the future.
The offense could be considered a weakness, but there have been some surprises. Oscar Gonzalez, Andre Gimenez, and Josh Naylor have all had breakout seasons. Jose Ramirez has also been rock solid as usual.
The Guardians may have their doubters, but they are in this position for a reason. They have five straight against the Twins, then play the White Sox for three. The Guardians have been underrated all season and before you know it, they could be playing October baseball in 2022.
Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
