Detroit Tigers: Ranking the American League Central's front offices by competence

2.) Cleveland Indians

This is a tough one because it often feels like the Guardian compete each year despite themselves. Ownership will not let them spend and their track record of developing bats is very suspect, However, they still find a way to contend in the division each season despite those issues. Some of that is due to the fact that the AL Central is the weakest division in baseball, but Cleveland does get some things right.

First, they can really develop and turn out some pitchers even if it feels like they can't keep them around for long. The Guardians also did the team a huge solid by giving Jose Ramirez a lengthy and much deserved extension even when it is not in the team's character to do so. One can quibble with their process and self-imposed limitations at times, but Cleveland generally fields a pretty good team each year and that is something. What will be interesting is whether or not the possible retirement of Terry Francona impacts the results on the field.

1.) Minnesota Twins

Finally, we come to the Minnesota Twins as the top ranked front office in the AL Central. The Twins are yet another example of a team that has payroll limitations and who certainly don't get every move right. However, the Twins' front office under Thad Levine should be applauded for their willingness to take chances at times as well as the amount of young talent they have accumulated in recent years.

The Josh Donaldson signing didn't work out and the Correa deal isn't looking great, but for a team like Minnesota to even attempt to play in the deep end of the free agent market is encouraging. They were also able to nab Cy Young candidate Sonny Gray at a bargain rate and have some exciting young players in Joe Ryan, Royce Lewis, and Alex Kirilloff on the roster with Walker Jenkins and Brooks Lee on the way. They certainly don't nail every move, but Minnesota gets a lot of credit for actually trying in a division full of apathy.

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