Someone Has To Win The AL Central, Why It Will Be The Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins continue to lead the American League Central race.

The Cleveland Guardians woke up last Thursday morning in a position that they hadn't been in since April 11. They were alone in first place in the American League Central. While they've slid a little bit and are now tied for the division lead, Cleveland has climbed out of their hole and has firmly cemented themself in the division race. 

It's no secret that the AL Central is not the strongest division in baseball. In fact, there is a strong case that it is the worst in MLB. Even with the Guardians tied for first, they still have a record under .500. 

The Boston Red Sox, who are in last place in the AL East with a record of 43-42, would be at the top of the division. The Los Angeles Angels, who are third in the AL West with a 45-41 record, are another example of a team that wishes they played in the Central.

But when it comes down to it, one of the five teams has to win the division and play in the postseason. The Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Guardians are the two clear contenders in the division, but the Guardians have the best case it will be them on top at the end of the season.

The Twins and Guardians are very similar teams on paper. They both have a great pitching staff with an offense that has underperformed through the first half of the season.

However, one team is ascending while the other is stalling out. 

Cleveland finished the month of June with a record of 14-12. It was their first month of the season with a winning record and a positive run differential. This included some big series victories over the Red Sox and Houston Astors while splitting a series with the Twins.

On the other hand, Minnesota was just 12-15 in June and wrapped up their second losing month in a row. 

Cleveland also has much more of a balanced lineup than the Twins do. Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa are both phenomenal players. However, if one of them gets injured or goes through a rough patch like we've seen happen in the past, then Minnesota's offense could really struggle.

The Guardians' bats undoubtedly need to do more, but they still have players such as Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan, Andres Gimenez, Will Brennan, and now Bo Naylor who can pick up Jose Ramirez if he starts to struggle. 

Cleveland's bullpen also barely edges out Minnesota. Again, it is incredibly close as the Guardians have a team reliever ERA of 3.13, and the Twins' is at 3.53. 

It's hard to imagine this race being wrapped up anytime soon. In fact, it would be surprising if it didn't come down to the last week of the season. 

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