How weak is the AL Central? Look no further than Detroit’s recent trip to the sandbox in the Bronx

on 07 20, 2009

I think unless you are alarmingly biased or a complete “homer,” you’d agree that the American League East is the best division in baseball hands down. However, it was the Tigers’ recent trip to that poor excuse of a ballpark in New York that really opened up my eyes to how poor the American League Central division is. The Tigers’ pitching was on point in the 3-game set, but despite playing in the most hitter-friendly ballpark in all of baseball, the offense was once again a major let down (a good summary of Detroit‘s season thus far). How do you manage only five combined runs in three games? Five runs in ONE game at that ballpark is embarrassing enough.

Some would argue that the Central division’s strength is in its balance of power. I simply attribute that to the fact that no team is good enough to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Simple as that. Watching this division race play out is like watching a bunch of double leg amputees try and catch a loose chicken. After watching the “class” of the Central get swept in New York this past weekend, it became very evident that whoever represents that division in the post-season will simply be a minor speed bump to whoever wins the lottery and gets them in the ALDS.

Through Sunday the Central now has a combined record of 37-72 when facing an opponent from the East. The Tigers, who are at the top of the Central, are now 4-13 against the East (including 1-5 vs. NYY, and 5 straight losses). Surprisingly, the division’s basement dwelling Cleveland Indians feature the best record against the East, and even they are a mere 12-14.

There are a few other things that I noticed when comparing each American League division and their results against baseball’s best division:

First, Boston is baseball’s best and most complete team in my opinion. Their record against the East only amplifies my claim. The Red Sox, even following back to back losses this weekend in Toronto, are still an MLB best 23-11 against the likes of New York, Toronto, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore. The Red Sox continue to get healthier, and with Julio Lugo, Brad Penny, and possibly even Clay Buchholz at their disposal, the Red Sox’s front office should be active heading into the trade deadline. This is the team to beat in the MLB, hands down.

Secondly, it’s important to note the success had by the four teams in the American League’s West division. Not one team through Sunday is less than .500 against the East. Even last place Oakland finds themselves with a 14-13 record against baseball’s best. This only furthers my feeling that Los Angeles could be a very intriguing team come October. The Angels are starting to finally play up to their potential despite a few recent key injuries. With a 17-9 record against the East, the Angels find themselves three games ahead in the West, and have always been a thorn in the side of New York and Boston (the East’s two best clubs). The Red Sox, who as I said earlier are the best team in baseball, are a less than remarkable 8-13 against the West (although much of this can be attributed to the fact that Boston generally struggles when having to travel across the country for western road series). Although Boston has had their way with the Angels in the playoffs recently, it hasn’t come easy. This is why I believe Boston will have to go through Los Angeles in the ALCS. Boston will most likely face Detroit in the ALDS and Los Angeles should go through New York. The AL West does not currently get enough credit for the talent that they feature, especially regarding the likes of Los Angeles and Texas. Even third place Seattle is a surprising six games above .500 and only four games back in the division.

I also would like to point out that I believe you could take Texas, Seattle, New York, Toronto, and Tampa Bay, all teams not currently leading their divisions in the American League, and place them in the Central and they would more than likely win that division. You can argue that Detroit, with a 1-2 punch of Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson at the top of their rotation, could potentially be a solid playoff team in a 5 or 7 game series; but to me, it’s a shame that they will more than likely win a spot in the postseason over arguably more deserving clubs such as Tampa Bay or Texas.

The fact of the matter is that the American League Central might possibly be the weakest division in all of baseball. Kansas City and Cleveland are terrible, that’s not difficult to see, but even the division’s three top clubs (Detroit, Chicago, Minnesota) are average at best. If you ask me, there isn’t a team in that division who shouldn’t consider themselves “sellers” heading into the trade deadline. The Tigers will most likely make the playoffs, but they are getting old and would probably be wise to just assume this season is a lost cause and start to dump some of their aging hitters. That may seem a little harsh, but I don’t think it’s out of line. Again, just picture a bunch of no leg freaks attempting to catch a loose chicken, and try and tell me I’m wrong…

Other awesome content to check out: