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A positional breakdown of the AL Central

By Gregory Kula

Mar 27, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; A general view of the Cleveland Indians during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; A general view of the Cleveland Indians during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Brian Dozier (2) makes a throw to first base in the second inning of the spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Brian Dozier (2) makes a throw to first base in the second inning of the spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Second base

  1. Brian Dozier (MIN)
  2. Ian Kinsler (DET)
  3. Jason Kipnis/Jose Ramirez (CLE)
  4. Tyler Saladino (CWS)
  5. Raúl Mondesí (KC)

Second base is stacked in the Central. Brian Dozier had 42 homers last season while playing average defense at second. His offensive WAR was 6.2 and he gradually has turned into a superstar.

He also showed a little speed with 18 stolen bases in 2016, and all his numbers have been climbing since he entered the league. His OPS was .886 and he only makes $6 million this coming season. He is a steal for the Twins at that price, and he will be looking for a large payday come his free agency in 2019.

Kinsler would be below Kipnis if Kipnis was starting the season healthy. Although Ramirez is amazing, he will not be the full-time second baseman, so Kinsler gets the upper hand. Kinsler had a 6.1 WAR last year, but he is turning 35 this year. He makes $11 million this season, but he may be one of the only players on the Tigers who is worth the money.

Best-case scenario, Kipnis is back late May or early June and repeats what he did last season. Worst case, Ramirez plays second and Yandy Diaz becomes the everyday third baseman. Either way, the infield should be okay. Kipnis had a great 2016, but all fans will remember is his foul ball in the 9th inning of Game 7 that the camera made look like a homer.

Saladino can play virtually anywhere and he hit .282 last season with 8 homers. He could be due for a breakout season with more regular playing time, and he always seems to hit against the Tribe. He is already 27, but he does seem to be an important piece of the White Sox succeeding at all this season.

Mondesí had a great spring, but he is only 21 so his hitting may take some time to get used to the MLB pitchers. Some Royals fans think he is just a mirage.

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