The Cleveland Guardians have come out of the gate in this second half of the season a little slow after the All-Star break. Now currently holding a 5 game lead over both the Twins and Royals.
However before last night’s one run win over the Tigers, that lead which was once 8 games was sitting at 4. The win last night helped Cleveland get out of a funky week, being 3-7 in their last 10 and on a 3 game losing streak.
The truth about baseball is that there is 162 games to play, and nothing is given to anybody. You have to earn every win, every series, and the most rewarding thing in the world in the sport is to come out of that 162 games in first place of your division.
Cleveland Guardians Come Out Flat
Going into the All-Star break, it felt like Cleveland had the AL Central in the bag so to speak. The Guardians where looking like they would be going into August with a 10+ game lead.
We have seen many amazing second half runs from teams in the past coming out of seemingly nowhere to steal a division in the last weeks of the season.
This year there are a few teams warming up, the Twins and Royals are within striking distance. This AL Central Division is officially up for grabs.
The Royals are the team that I believe has the best chance to compete with the Guardians. While I am expecting the Twins to fight for a wild card spot but inevitably fall short of making the play offs this season.
AL Central – A Little Numbers Talk
The Guardians are +79 in run differential, while the Royals are right behind them at +76. While the Twins who are 10 games above .500 only have a run differential of +44.
Also, when looking at records against teams above .500 on the season, it shows a difference in talent. Guardians are 26-19 against those teams while being an amazing 32-14. The Royals also have an amazing home record of 35-19, yet have a losing record on the road and against teams over .500.
The Twins are 28-21 at home and only 23-32 against teams above .500.
I think we are looking at a three team race to the last week of this season. With a hungry Detroit Tigers team only 11 games back and looking to get in the mix as we reach August.
This is what baseball is all about baby.
Rowan Donaghey, Sports Reporter and Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports.You can follow him onthe X via @RowanDonaghey
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