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

Jun 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Kansas City Royals manager

(3) does an interview during batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Ned Yost wins Manager of the Year

It’s a very good possibility that Yost’s biggest competition for manager of the year in the AL will be fellow AL Central manager Paul Molitor, but we went with the bolder pick here.

Yost was a big target for baseball fans last fall even when the Royals kept winning and advanced to the World Series. Many argued Kansas City was winning despite their manager.

But let’s think about what Yost has been able to accomplish through the first half this season.

He is leading an organization that hasn’t won a division title in 30 years to the best record in the AL. As much as the All-Star voting results may say otherwise, Kansas City doesn’t have any huge stars, and they have, by far, the best bullpen in the AL, which has to be at least partially due to the way he manages it.

Molitor would be an excellent choice as well, but fans should not sleep on Yost.

Next: Dozier

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