AL Central roundup: Royals could win it all, White Sox pick up ex-Royal & Indians stay the course

Alex Gordon Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Training games are finally here for the Detroit Tigers, so that means the same for our division rivals. Because the Royals, White Sox, and Indians train in Arizona; and the Twins are about three hours south of Lakeland–we won’t see any of them in Exhibition action.

So we’ll do our best to update the pressing stories and results (though those are usually meaningless) on Thursdays throughout March (and this one in February). Remember, the Royals and Indians had the best Cactus League records a year ago.

Speaking of the Kansas City Royals, most think they’re better, but can they win it all? One blogger thinks so.

Obviously if confidence alone could breed success then Carlos Gomez would be a Hall-of-Famer already. The Royals will need more than just a good feeling to get it done. Luckily for them they have the goods to get it done along with the good feeling. Does this mean they will win the World Series? Actually yes it could. It means they for sure could win the World Series and they are very likely to at least get themselves into the postseason. You’ve already read a couple of reasons why that is true. Click through the slides for five big reasons the Royals are right to be confident this year. Feel free to add a comment below as well. – David Miller, Rant Sports

Miller states that Billy Butler having a bounce back season, improved team chemistry, Alex Gordon‘s continued improvement, pitching depth, and a solid defense could lead the Royals to a title come October.

I’m not buying it–for one their rotation is questionable, and everyone has great team chemistry in February. I think the Royals will be improved, but winning it all? Not so fast.

ROYALS SPRING RECORD TO DATE: No games played

Jason Giambi Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians

The Indians were the laughing-stock of spring camps a year ago when they signed a veteran player most fans thought was long retired after passing on him for the open managerial position. Yes, Jason Giambi went from non-roster invitee to occasional role player. While he had a couple of clutch homers to win a pair of games against the White Sox last season, he played how you’d expect him to play: poorly.

Giambi had a line of .183/.283 OBP/.371 SLG, yet Cleveland still invited him to spring camp in 2014. But unless lightning strikes a second year in a row, don’t expect Old Man River to head north with the team.

Giambi will be evaluated like everyone else in his quest to earn a roster spot. ”Guys have to help us win games,” Francona said. ”I’m concerned with evaluation of players. Sometimes you can’t even do that in spring training. The older guys have history that you can fall back on and take longer to get started. We need to see them play. You have to be realistic. We’re not going to ask Giambi to play three or four games in a row.” – Gary Schatz, AP

Amazingly, the 43-year-old thought his career was over six years ago when his New York Yankees contract expired. Instead he has spent time with Oakland, Colorado, and now Cleveland.

INDIANS SPRING RECORD TO DATE: 0-1

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins

The schedule makers didn’t do the Twins any favors. Aside from the fact that they stand pretty much no chance of succeeding in 2014, they will endure a tough start to the season.

Buster Olney ranks Minnesota’s early schedule the toughest in the American League. The Twinkies will face 31 of 40 games against teams who were above .500 in 2013 and play just 18 of their first 40 games at Target Field.

A particularly gruesome gambit for Minnesota begins on April 18 when they will face 25 straight games against teams that either made the playoffs or bowed out in the season’s final days.

Yikes, good luck with that schedule–however if they survive May in decent shape, perhaps a surprise run could be in store?

Probably not, but take it from a Tiger fan from the dark days of 1989-2005, you gotta have hope.

TWINS SPRING RECORD TO DATE: No games played