2020 AL simulation: The surprising Cleveland Indians
By Bill Felber
AL Central: Superior pitching
The Cleveland Indians’ rise to a position of primacy in the Central has been fueled by the performance of its starters. The staff’s 3.49 ERA is the league’s best by a healthy margin, and the Indians have also allowed both the fewest hits and fewest runs.
A glance at the performance of the rotation starters illustrates why. Mike Clevinger is 8-2 with a 2.43 ERA, Shane Bieber is 10-3, 2.46, and Aaron Civale has been the big surprise, 11-3, 1.91.
The Indians’ offense has been good enough to take advantage of that edge. Oscar Mercado is at .301, Jordan Luplow, and Jose Ramirez both .299. Ramirez has 20 home runs and 73 RBIs.
The Minnesota Twins led the Central for much of the season’s first three months thanks to their power. Twins batters have hit 228 home runs – better than two per game. Twins home run numbers are staggering: Miguel Sano has 41, Nelson Cruz 34, Mitch Garver 32, and Josh Donaldson 29. Donaldson has a league-leading 98 RBIs.
Jake Odorizzi has been the big beneficiary of that offense. Odorizzi is 11-4 despite a 4.37 ERA.
The Chicago White Sox are just one game out of the AL wild card race. Eloy Jimenez is the league’s third leading hitter at .352, while Tim Anderson (.326) and Jose Abreu (.324) are also having good years.
The Royals and Tigers are both rebuilding. Their goal for the remainder of the 2020 season is to consign the other guy to last place in the division.
W-L Pct GB
Cleveland Indians 65-30 .684 —
Minnesota Twins 63-35 .643 3.5
Chicago White Sox 51-45 .531 14.5
Kansas City Royals 36-62 .367 30.5
Detroit Tigers 35-61 .365 30.5