Did Ken Rosenthal declare the AL Central to be a two-team race?
When it comes to Major League Baseball, I will always believe what I read if it comes from the pen of Hal McCoy or Ken Rosenthal. These men are (in my mind) the two best baseball writers in the game.
Spending the last three years seated next to McCoy has been the most rewarding experience of my career. I get to pick his brain about all things baseball, and he's always happy to share his wisdom. Someday, Rosenthal, I'll get to hear some of your stories. Someday.
This morning, Rosenthal released his list of teams that will be sellers when the trade deadline comes up next month. What I find interesting is who did NOT make the list.
He has the AL Central whittled down after declaring Chicago, Kansas City and Minnesota as teams that will sell. That means only the Indians and Tigers will compete for the division crown.
Granted, the Tigers are the team to beat. Any Tribe fan will tell you that their experience and power put them at the top of the list of contenders for the entire American League, maybe even the Majors as a whole.
No, he didn't come right out and say it - but by naming 3 AL Central teams as sellers, he's insinuating it. In fact, he has six AL teams on the list, leaving nine teams to fight for the five playoff berths.
It looks to me like Rosenthal sees the Indians as a threat. Dedicated Clevelanders will tell you that the team has magic on their side, and the heroes come from all different directions. There may not be any Vottos or Cabreras on the team*, but the lineup is stacked with players capable of providing the game-winner. They'll be in the chase for the postseason.
And if Rosenthal thinks they're in the hunt, that's good enough for me.
In fact, ask Hal McCoy the same question - I am confident that he'll agree. The Indians are for real.
