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2015 AL Central Division Odds / MLB Handicapping Season Predictions

Futures Odds to Win the AL Central

With the 2015 season now under a week away, bettors are locking in their future plays. Placing the future wagers now gives bettors a better look at who will be the final starters in certain teams’ rotations and who will ultimately win position battles and start the season with the MLB clubs..

MLB Lines & Matchup Insight

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Odds to Win the AL Central

Detroit Tigers +220
Chicago White Sox +240
Cleveland Indians +240
Kansas City Royals +450
Minnesota Twins +1800

The American League Central is expected to be stacked this season. While they lost Max Scherzer to the Nationals, the Detroit Tigers are still the team to beat anyway you look at it. With Justin Verlander and David Price leading the rotation, they have the team to make a deep post season run.

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However, the Central now features 3 other contenders along with them. The Indians, Royals, and White Sox are made some off season splashes and lets not forget the epic run the Royals had last season all the way into Game 7 of the World Series.

The Twins are officially in rebuilding mode with a new manager, but are never a team to sleep on.

Here is the preview for each of the AL Central teams and their chances of taking the division title.

Detroit Tigers

Season Win Total: 84.5

The Tigers have been the most dominant team in the AL Central for the past couple years. Detroit has won the division crown in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The defending division champs have been tested on multiple occasions throughout the years, but have failed to give up their crown.

Things got even better for the Tigers and their lineup with the breakout of J.D. Martinez. Martinez follows Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera in the lineup which has helped solidify the middle of the order.

The Tigers did lose Scherzer in the offseason, but resigned David Price to a one year arbitration deal. If Verlander and Price can pitch in top form, the Tigers could be poised for yet another division title.

Chicago White Sox

Season Win Total: 81.5

The White Sox headlined a busy offseason with the trade that saw them acquire Jeff Samardzija.

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Samardzija led the Oakland A’s rotation in 2014, but as part of their rebuilding process, they dealt the Ace to Chicago. Now, the front end of the White Sox rotation will feature Samardzija, along with lefty Chris Sale.

The White Sox lineup has been completed with the signings of Melky Cabrera and Adam LaRoche. The pair will likely bat 3rd and 5th respectively, with Jose Abreu in the middle. Abreu is being picked by many to be the AL home run leader.

Cleveland Indians

Season Win Total: 84.5

The Indians Over was one of the most bet season win totals when they were released. It opened at 81 and was quickly raised all the up to as much as 85 as bettors have high expectations for the Tribe in 2015.

Led by Terry Francona, the Indians traded for Brandon Moss and have gotten good springs from Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis as they attempt to return to top form.

With Cy Young winner Corey Kluber leading the rotation and AL MVP 3rd place finisher Michael Brantley leading the offense, the Indians have such a solid balance from their lineup, through their pitching.

The question mark for the Tribe is Nick Swisher. Swisher will start the season on the DL, but is progressing well out in Arizona.

Kansas City Royals

Season Win Total: 80.5

The Royals had one of the most epic post season runs in baseball history that ultimately fell short by 1 run. Kansas City looked dead and buried in the AL Wild Card game, only to pull off a dramatic come from behind win. They didn’t lose after that until the World Series.

Kansas City did lose James Shields, which is a main reason why their win total and division odds are down this season.

However, if Yordano Ventura can live up to the hype at the front end of the Royals’ rotation, he could be a solid replacement for Shields.

Minnesota Twins

Season Win Total: 72.5

Based on the division odds, its obvious the Twins aren’t picked to do well in the AL Central. However, they do have a solid young core and could prove to be pesky in the division.

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The main offseason move made by the Twins was bringing Torii Hunter back to town. A once long time Twin, was signed and is expected to bat in the middle of the lineup. While Hunter is nearing the end of his long successful career, his veteran ship could be a nice presence in the Twins clubhouse.

AL Central Prediction

This division could really go anyway, bettors see that based on the odds. That being said, the Tigers will not be repeating here. The loss of Scherzer and the health of Victor Martinez in question, you just don’t know what to expect. They obviously won’t be a pushover, but they’ll need to stay healthy the whole season.

The Indians added a main piece with Moss in the offseason, but definitely didn’t lose any key players. This team has played only 2 meaningless games the past two seasons and this could be the Tribe’s year.

With Bourn and Kipnis looking fresh, having those two contribute is a must.

The Play: Cleveland +240

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By Tony M

Tony is new to Cappers Picks and has been betting on sports since the first day he turned 18. He is a 22 year old Cleveland native who lives and breathes Indians baseball. His dream is to be part of a championship celebration at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.