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MLB: Updated 2017 Playoff Predictions

By Jason Reed

Oct 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of Wrigley Field prior to workouts the day before game one of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of Wrigley Field prior to workouts the day before game one of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 5, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians newly acquired player
Jan 5, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians newly acquired player /

AL Central:

  1. Cleveland Indians
  2. Detroit Tigers (Up 1)
  3. Kansas City Royals (Down 1)
  4. Minnesota Twins
  5. Chicago White Sox

The AL Central remains practically as I predicted, as the Indians have only gotten better and the Royals have gotten slightly worse. Three months ago I predicted that the Royals would land the second wild card spot, now that prediction seems absurd. The Royals will likely fall down to third in the division, but the Tigers won’t secure a wild card spot. The Indians will dominate this division, and likely see themselves be 100 game winners.

The Tigers haven’t really done much to get better, but have avoided getting worse like the Royals. It was rumored in the beginning of the off-season that Detroit was looking to rebuild, but obviously they are content with the talent they currently have.

The Kansas City Royals have been pretty active, yet I don’t think there moves are enough. The Royals were devastated by the horrible loss of Yordano Ventura which is just such a tragic loss to the game of baseball. Outside of that the Royals have flipped certain players for replacement level players, and have failed to really do anything. While they aren’t much worse, they aren’t what they were a few months ago.

Then there is the Twins and White Sox who seem to be at a loss on what to do. The Twins are waiting for their young talents to fully develop, and the White Sox have entered complete rebuild mode. Neither team is ready to contend, and neither team will contend next season.

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