Ranking the 2015 AL Central Division Outfields

The AL Central Division contains three solid and competitive outfields that will be difference makers in the 2015 campaign.  The Royals, Indians and Tigers all lead strong and deep outfields.  Here’s how the 2015 AL Central Division outfields fare as preseason rankings.

5.  Minnesota Twins

Overall Grade:  D+

LF – Oswaldo Arcia

CF – Aaron Hicks

RF – Torii Hunter

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Last year I took a buy out from my 20 year stint in corporate America.  Can I please have a shot at running the Twins?  Seriously..every article I write on the Twins is about how bad their team is.  They might be the worst team in the major leagues in 2015.  Their outfield is yet another pimple on their….

Torii Hunter was the big upgrade.  I love Torii Hunter in the clubhouse. Torii Hunter the outfielder is done and he should have retired.  A better managerial candidate that right fielder and he’d be best suited to watch his son play college football.

Oswaldo Arcia really doesn’t provide anything – no bat or glove.  Center field is wide open at Target Field. One of the reasons the Twins gave on bringing Hunter on was to mentor Aaron Hicks.

Finishing the outfield might be Danny Santana and Eduardo Escobar.

I’ve done enough damage to my friends psyche who are Twinkies’ fans and will move on.

3.  Chicago White Sox

Overall Grade:  B-

LF – Melky Cabrera

CF – Adam Eaton

RF – Avisail Garcia

The White Sox had to go to the free agent market to upgrade from Dayan Viciedo who continued to disappoint them.  They opted for the often plagued but consistent (I guess you could call that consistent if it’s proven whether or not PED’s created the consistency) Melky Cabrera.  Cabrera played well in Toronto last year hitting .301, 16 home runs and 73 RBI’s.  His bat will make the lineup and Jose Abreu stronger.  His glove adds a bit of depth as well.

Besides Cabrera, Eaton and former Tiger Garcia have to prove themselves.  White Sox fans are calling for each of their break out years.  Eaton adds speed and a decent stick to the lineup.  Garcia just adds the eternal hope that epitomizes the White Sox.

Moving from the north side is utility outfielder Emilio Bonifacio who adds versatility.

Overall, the White Sox need a better outfield to truly be contenders in the long run.

2.  Cleveland Indians

Overall Grade:  B

LF – Michael Brantley

CF – Michael Bourn

RF – Brandon Moss

Michael Brantley had a monster year last year finishing third in the MVP voting with a .327 average, 20 home runs and 94 RBI’s.  In fact, Brantley was only the ninth player in MLB history to finish with 45 plus doubles, 20 plus home runs, 20 plus stolen bases and 200 plus hits.  His speed, glove and bat anchor this Tribe infield.

CF Michael Bourn makes the Tribe outfield one of those that I respect and admire.  He always seems to come through when they need him.  While his stats and on base percentage need to improve, he provides an intangible for the Tribe.

Brandon Moss was a risky acquisition for Cleveland, but they needed an upgrade from David Murphy.  If he is healthy he will be the player to propel this outfield to the levels it needs to contend in the Central Division.

David Murphy and Ryan Raburn provide nice depth to the Indians bench.

1.  Kansas City Royals

Overall Grade:  A-

LF –Alex Gordon

CF – Lorenzo Cain

RF – Alex Rios

The speed and diversity of this outfield for the Kansas City Royals is impressive.   Alex Gordon won a Gold Glove in 2014 and hit .266 with 19 home runs and 74 RBI.  He’s a veteran with experience and the glove that the Royals need.

Cain took the ALCS MVP Award and proved his continued value to the Royals.  Speed, bat and glove Cain brings to the game.

Alex Rios joins the Royals from Texas and adds more depth to the outfield for them.  His bat might have not been the best last year in Texas, he has shown in Chicago that he can contribute at the plate.

Then let’s not forget about the speedster Jarrod Dyson who adds speed, glove and on base ability to the utility of this Royals outfield.

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