CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
They won't be in the leaguewide conversation, but the AL Central had some excellent performances this season. Here's the MVP of each team:
Indians
Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis give Cleveland a terrific combo up the middle, and the pitching staff was solid again. But in addition to being a superior outfielder, Michael Brantley is a sophisticated hitter. He entered Saturday leading MLB with 45 doubles, batting .313 and collecting more walks (60) than strikeouts (51).
Royals
A true five-tool player, Lorenzo Cain is batting .307 with 16 home runs and 28 stolen bases and has played terrific, occasionally spectacular defense in center field.
Tigers
Tougher call than you'd think, since J.D. Martinez has had a break-out season (38 home runs and 101 RBI entering Saturday). But Miguel Cabrera, even in missing six weeks because of a calf strain, still will win his fourth batting title in five years and lead the AL in on-base percentage.
White Sox
