At Home Plate - Mid-Season Review: American League Central 2003

Mid-Season Thoughts: American League Central 2003

Written by Jonathan Leshanski (Contact & Archive) on August 24, 2003

Well we made our predictions way back in the spring and now, with little more than a month left to go we take a look back on what we thought would be happening in the AL Central.

What we expected:

1) White Sox
2) Twins
3) Indians
4) Royals
5) Tigers

Of course at the time this was written the standings were:

1) Kansas City Royals: In looking back on my preseason predictions all I can say is wow. How did I miss KC? In all honesty, I think everyone including the management in KC missed them! Who would have guessed that the Royals would or could be this good - or even good at all! Who would have thought that a group of kids, many of whom had little major league experience could gel around the few legitimate players like Carlos Beltran to form a team out of nowhere. They’ve played very well - but admittedly it is a very weak division. If the Royals can hold off the White Sox and Twins this will be one of the great upsets in baseball history.

2) Chicago White Sox: We expected Bartolo Colon to give the White Sox a true ace pitcher and Bartolo has pitched well but not quite fit the bill as a top ace in Chicago. What has been missing most of the season is Chicago’s high flying offense that was third in the majors last year. If it reappears the White Sox will run away with the division.

3) Minnesota Twins: They won the division by default last season and I thought that this year they would have to fight off a legitimate contender in the White Sox. Their pitching did not overwhelm me and their offense is decent at best. It’s such a weak division that anyone can win it - but these Twins are not as good as last year.

4) Cleveland Indians:: We didn’t expect much from the Indians, but considering that they were rebuilding and had a wonderfully stocked farm system with a lot of top prospects we figured them to finish above the undistinguished (and very young) Kansas City Royals. Our bad.

5) Detroit Tigers: We knew they’d be dismal and they have by no means disappointed us. What I really don’t understand is how much they expect to improve next season or the year after with what they have in the farm system and what they have received in trades this year. It’s going to be a long process.

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