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Cleveland Indians: Analyzing the Rest of the AL Central

By Matthew Johns

May 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23), right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (8) and catcher Yan Gomes (10) celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23), right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (8) and catcher Yan Gomes (10) celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22) hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. The Chicago White Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins 13-11. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22) hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. The Chicago White Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins 13-11. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are not likely to compete for a playoff spot this year. They finished last in the AL Central in 2016 and will likely be staring that same reality in the face again in 2016.

The Twins have already lost starting pitcher Tommy Milone, and could be looking at similar situations for starter Andrew Albers, catcher Kurt Suzuki and third baseman Trevor Plouffe.

The Twins have been actively shopping their best player – second baseman Brian Dozier. The St. Louis Cardinals seem to be the front-runner to land the power-hitting Dozier, so his departure from the AL Central will benefit the Indians even more.

With their two acquisitions thus far being catcher Jason Castro and outfielder J.B. Shuck, it does not appear that the Twins are planning on making any kind of run in 2017.

Next: Encarnacion a Clear Upgrade in 2017

For reasons that go beyond statistics, the Indians struggled against the lowly Twins in 2016, posting just a 10-9 record, which was their worst record against a division opponent. Improvement against the Twins will give the Indians more cushion against better teams like the Royals and Tigers.

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