Motivated Indians again stack up as class of AL Central
As they head into Monday's season opener against the Detroit Tigers, the Chicago White Sox look a lot like they did last year.
Ace starting pitcher Chris Sale was traded, as was outfielder Adam Eaton, an effective leadoff hitter.
The rest of the roster is much the same and to some, so are the expectations.
"What did we get rid of? A couple guys? It's not a complete rebuild," starting pitcher James Shields said. "I know they're talking about it, but we've got a good group of guys in here and we have a lot of the same core guys in here. We just added a few young pieces in the minors.
"I don't worry too much about the rebuild; I worry about what we're going to do this season."
At this stage, it's still difficult to project the White Sox's finish in the AL Central this year.
If proven performers such as Jose Quintana, Jose Abreu, Todd Frazier, Melky Cabrera and David Robertson stay put, the Sox conceivably could post their first winning record since 2012.
But with White Sox general manager Rick Hahn determined to get the roster as young as possible, multiple trades still figure to be coming before the July 31 nonwaiver deadline.
With that in mind, here's a look at the Central Division, in the projected order of finish:
Cleveland Indians
Motivation is not going to be a problem for this team.
Up 3-1 against the Cubs in the 2016 World Series, the Indians failed to win the elusive fourth game and win their first championship in 68 years.
On the bright side, Cleveland didn't have two of their best starting pitchers - Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco - in the postseason due to injuries, and star outfielder Michael Brantley missed most of the year with a shoulder injury.
Not only is the key trio healthy, the Indians are going to get a full season of work from all-star reliever Andrew Miller, and new designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion brings the power bat the offense has been missing.
Detroit Tigers
With 33-year-old Miguel Cabrera, 34-year-old Justin Verlander, 38-year-old Victor Martinez, 35-year-old Francisco Rodriguez and 34-year-old Ian Kinsler, this remains one of the oldest teams in baseball.
Time is running out on this group of Tigers, but all of the old guys last year showed they still can play, especially Verlander (16-9, 3.04 ERA).
The Indians are the clear class of the division, but the Tigers will be ready to pounce if they falter.
Kansas City Royals
After two straight World Series appearances, highlighted by winning the championship in 2015, the Royals came back to the pack last year while finishing 81-81.
They also are back to shedding payroll and building the roster with younger players. The Royals traded closer Wade Davis to the Cubs over the winter and probably will move veterans such as Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas if they fall out of contention early.
Former Cubs starter Jason Hammel was signed to replace Yordano Ventura, who was killed in a car accident in late January.
White Sox
Even if they keep trading veteran players, the Sox still should manage a fourth-place finish for the fourth straight season.
New manager Rick Renteria said he's going to try to win every game regardless of the roster makeup, but what is he supposed to say?
In reality, if the White Sox continue adding talented young players and give them proper time to develop in the minor leagues, they should be contenders in 2019.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins have been trying to rebuild for years, and Jorge Polanco, Miguel Sano, Kennys Vargas and Byron Buxton are position players to keep an eye on. The pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation, remains dreadful, and a second straight 100-loss season certainly is within reach.