Detroit Tigers: Five Bold Second-Half Predictions for AL Central

Jul 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager

(left) stands on the mound during a pitching change in the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the season, the American League Central had a chance to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball.

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Based on expectations, the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox have underperformed, but the division has remained very competitive. There is even a chance that three teams from the AL Central make the playoffs.

With that kind of potential in the division, there is no shortage for possible bold predictions.

Here are five bold predictions for the second half of the season in the American League Central.

Next: Tigers

Jul 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder

(28) is greeted by center fielder

(12) after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Tigers make the playoffs

Sitting at an even .500 record at the break, the general feeling around Tigers camp is that the team will not be able to make a World Series run and could even be sellers at the deadline.

Although it is hard to argue with that claim, it is still hard to believe general manager Dave Dombrowski will end up buying in late July. As Steve Mitzel wrote in his latest column on Wednesday, Dombrowski’s contract expires at the end of this season, so he might not have much incentive to play for next year.

If Dombrowski can work his magic and find a starting pitcher or two, the Tigers will be right in the Wild Card mix. Throw in the fact the offense will get a boost with the return of Miguel Cabrera in August, things might finally fall into place for Detroit this season.

Now, this prediction is contigent on Dombrowski making a big deal with few prospects to work with and Cabrera actually returning on time, which is no guarantee, but no one would argue that Detroit doesn’t have the talent to make the playoffs in the wide-open AL this year.

Next: Yost

Jul 10, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman

(2) celebrates his three run home run to win the game against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Twins win 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Dozier finishes with under 25 HR

Speaking of the Twins, they might be the biggest surprise of the first half with their 49-40 record, which is good enough for second-best in the AL.

A big part of that successful record is second baseman Brian Dozier. He is slashing .256/.328/.513 with 19 home runs and 50 RBI this season. Dozier also has nine steals and is second in the AL with 67 runs.

But Dozier’s splits show that he has always been a better first half performer than second half. Last season, Dozier had 18 bombs at the break but only hit five in the second half.

After hitting at least four home runs in each of the first four months of the season, Dozier only had four homers in August and September combined in 2014.

Expect Dozier to cool off quite a bit in the second half, and as a result, the Twins will fall out of the race.

Next: White Sox

Jul 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher

(62) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox post winning record

That wouldn’t have been a big bold prediction before the season, but now it is based on how Chicago has played. Just over two weeks ago, the White Sox were 32-42 and firmly in last place in the AL Central.

But since then, Chicago has gone 9-3 and have won four straight series. Right-hander Jeff Samardzija is finally pitching well and is a big part of the resurgence. He has allowed just one run over his last 16 2/3 innings.

At 41-45, the White Sox are still in the Wild Card race, so if the front office firmly believes they can make a run, not only could they keep Samardzija, but maybe they could add a player or two.

If Chicago goes for it, expect them to climb out of the cellar and win at least 82 games.

Next: Kluber

Jun 14, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher

(28) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Kluber reaches .500 mark

Kluber started the year very poorly, but he turned it on in May. Since striking out 18 in his first 2015 victory on May 13, Kluber has a 2.54 ERA, .216 batting average against and 108 strikeouts in 88 2/3 innings.

But clearly, it hasn’t turned into victories as the reigning AL Cy Young award winner is just 4-10 at the All-Star Break.

MCB predicts, however, that Kluber will continue to pitch better and win more games than he loses in 2015.

In the second half last season, he went 9-3 with a 1.73 ERA, 0.962 WHIP and 127 strikeouts in 104 frames. It isn’t inconceivable to think Kluber can repeat those numbers again.

Furthermore, one of the biggest reasons Kluber has 10 losses is his lack of run support. The 2.32 runs the Indians average while Kluber is on the mound is dead last in the AL. If Cleveland starts scoring for him, Kluber should easily reel off some victories.

Next: Detroit Tigers: Top Five AL Central First Half Surprises