Fast Start in the A.L. Central

Posted on May 20th, 2015 by Matt

Before the season began, there were question marks surrounding two specific American League Central teams – the Tigers and the Royals. The Royals were coming off of a World Series appearance, but they had lost both James Shields and Billy Butler. The Tigers are the defending division champions, but Justin Verlander was forced to start the season on the DL and there have been health concerns for both Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. When spring training wrapped up, the door seemed to be wide open for a team like the Indians or the White Sox to make an impression in the division. That hasn’t happened.

Scorching Start for Both

All the Tigers and Royals have done to start the season is go a combined 21-5 while sanchezoutscoring their opponents by a total of 68 runs combined. Each team has thoroughly dominated their competition, and none of the other teams in the division are above .500 in the early going. Where it appeared that the division would be wide open heading into the summer, it now looks like it might be a two-horse race all season long.

Incredible Pitching by the Tigers

Even with Justin Verlander on the DL, the Tigers lead the American League having allowed just 36 total runs in 13 games. As would be expected, their offense has done the rest, already scoring 70 times in those 13 games while going 11-2. Cabrera has looked like the star that he is, and Victor Martinez has mostly picked up where he left off last season. Should Verlander be able to make a healthy and effective return to the rotation, the Tigers just may be the best team in the American League after all.

Surprising Royals Offense

Even during their run to the American League Pennant last season, the Royals were never a team that was intimidating at the plate. They used mostly speed and small ball to score a few runs, and then would turn a lead over to their dominant bullpen for the win. That recipe was a success last October, but so far this April, they have turned the offense up to a new level. Leading the league with 75 runs scored, the Royals have managed to combine excellent hitting with their reliable pitching. Just when everyone was ready to assume that the Royals playoff run was a one-year experience, they appear to be right back in contention for the 2015 campaign.


Anibal Sanchez 2006 Upper Deck Future Stars Clear Path To Greatness Auto #139 picture

Anibal Sanchez 2006 Upper Deck Future Stars Clear Path To Greatness Auto #139

$3.90



2017 Topps #83 Anibal Sanchez - NM-MT picture

2017 Topps #83 Anibal Sanchez - NM-MT

$0.99



2007 Bowman Heritage Anibal Sanchez Rainbow Foil Florida Marlins #24 picture

2007 Bowman Heritage Anibal Sanchez Rainbow Foil Florida Marlins #24

$1.75



2021 Topps Heritage Short Prints 401-500 SP Pick From List - Complete  Your Set picture

2021 Topps Heritage Short Prints 401-500 SP Pick From List - Complete Your Set

$2.99



Anibal Sanchez 2014 Bowman   SN500 picture

Anibal Sanchez 2014 Bowman SN500

$1.69



2020 Topps Heritage Base #202 Anibal Sanchez near no-no - Washington Nationals picture

2020 Topps Heritage Base #202 Anibal Sanchez near no-no - Washington Nationals

$0.99



2005 Sweet Spot Baseball Card #94 Anibal Sanchez SB RC picture

2005 Sweet Spot Baseball Card #94 Anibal Sanchez SB RC

$1.49



2014 Topps Heritage High Number SP Anibal Sanchez #452 picture

2014 Topps Heritage High Number SP Anibal Sanchez #452

$3.99



Anibal Sanchez autograph signed 2019 World Series baseball BAS Beckett Witnessed picture

Anibal Sanchez autograph signed 2019 World Series baseball BAS Beckett Witnessed

$64.99



2010 Upper Deck Signature Sensations Anibal Sanchez Auto Florida Marlins #SS-AS picture

2010 Upper Deck Signature Sensations Anibal Sanchez Auto Florida Marlins #SS-AS

$5.99