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Interleague Play Preview: AL Central foes provide tough tasks for St. Louis
Jul 4, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; General view of a St. Louis Cardinals hat and a baseball glove in the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Coming off of their first series loss of the 2015 season to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the St. Louis Cardinals once again have a chance to earn victories against several Central division opponents. However, this week’s competitors come from the American League, starting a slate of 20 interleague games dispersed from May to July.
Tuesday’s game marks the earliest interleague contest on the Cardinals’ schedule since both leagues realigned to 15 teams each in 2013. Besides I-70 rival Kansas City Royals, St. Louis has not squared off against any of the AL Central’s talent since 2012.
As this year’s interleague matchups come closer, here are separate previews for each of the five teams that the Cardinals play in the coming weeks.
May 10, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; A general view of Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) jersey after defeating the Minnesota Twins 8-2 at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Indians
STL plays: May 12-14 (Road)
Record: 11-19, 5th in AL Central
Season outlook: After averaging just over 88 wins in Terry Francona‘s first two years as head coach, the Indians are currently on a tough slide in which they have lost five of their last eight games. Perhaps the team’s biggest issue early on has been losing in-division rivals, in which Cleveland fares just 7-16.
Key Players: Reigning AL Cy Young recipient Corey Kluber, who is scheduled to pitch against the Cardinals on Wednesday, is winless through his first seven starts and sports a mediocre 5.04 ERA. Michael Brantley and Carlos Santana, who both have driven in over a dozen runs, make up a potentially dangerous offense.
Prediction: St. Louis earns 2-1 series victory, winning last two games in Cleveland.
May 9, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) gets set to bat in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers
STL plays: May 15-17 (Home)
Record: 19-13, 2nd in AL Central
Season outlook: Detroit pulled off one of this year’s hottest starts, starting their first 10 games with a 9-1 record. The Tigers have compiled great numbers from their offense (.272 BA) and starters (18 QS), but their bullpen and bench remain concerns, as the Tigers made several minor mistakes leading to a 2-1 home loss against the Royals on Sunday.
Key Players: Two-time AL MVP Miguel Cabrera is 32 years old, but is still providing pop at the dish with a .325 batting average, six home runs and 21 RBI. David Price has four wins and is arguably one of the toughest southpaws in baseball right now, while closer-by-committee Joakim Soria has chipped in with 11 saves.
Prediction: Cardinals wins series 2-1 – that is – if St. Louis’ starting pitchers play up to Detroit’s rotation.
May 10, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) pitches during the tenth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Kansas City won 2-1 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals
STL plays: May 22-24 (Away), June 12-14 (Home)
Record: 20-11, 1st in AL Central
Season outlook: When looking at how the Cardinals have been winning games recently, one could argue that the Royals have been stealing victories in similar ways. The hitters have combined for a .310 batting average with runners in scoring position, while the bullpen has remained one of baseball’s strongest amidst some slight changes.
Key Players: Left fielder Alex Gordon is perhaps the current franchise face, as he has collected three home runs, 16 RBI and a .286 batting average in his ninth season with Kansas City. Salvador Perez has been among the best hitting catchers this year (.296 BA) and also leads all MLB backstops with a 59 percent caught-stealing ratio.
Prediction: Season series ends at 3-3, as home team takes the series victory in both trips.
May 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Torii Hunter (48) and first baseman Joe Mauer (7) celebrate a 7-4 win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Twins
STL plays: June 15-16 (Home), June 17-18 (Road)
Record: 18-14, 3rd in AL Central
Season outlook: Expected to be the division’s bottomfeeder under new coach Paul Molitor, Minnesota has started strong and is currently positioned as the American League’s second Wild Card team. The Twins have only had one winning season since moving to Target Field in 2010, but a 12-5 home record adds to this year’s positive surprises in Minneapolis.
Key Players: Former MVP catcher Joe Mauer has looked to rejuvenate his career at first base, but his offensive production has declined as he remains without a home run in 2015. Minnesota has been winning many of their games with strong late-inning efforts, largely in part to closer Glen Perkins who sports 11 saves and a 1.26 ERA.
Prediction: Cardinals take 3-of-4 games in series, including the first two at home.
May 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning in game two of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at U.S Cellular Field. Chicago won 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago White Sox
STL plays: June 30-July 1 (Home), July 21-22 (Road)
Record: 12-16, 4th in AL Central
Season outlook: Chicago’s southsiders have nearly $30 million in team payroll compared to Opening Day last year, but it hasn’t equated to immediate success in the division quite yet. Even though the White Sox have won four of their last six home games, they have struggled mightily on the road, losing last six road contests to drop to 2-11 away from U.S. Cellular Park.
Key Players: Jeff Samardzija, who returned from his five-game suspension on Monday, is very familiar with the Cardinals, picking up four victories against St. Louis in his seven years with the Cubs. Reigning Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu is hitting .275 with six home runs and 17 RBIs as of Monday afternoon.
Prediction: Season series tie at 2-2, with wins being split in both two game series.