After struggling in 2015 and 2016, Alex Avila is reliving his 2011 All Star campaign in a 2017 reunion with Detroit. Like 2011, his BA has been bolstered by a high hit rate, but unlike 2011, his power and flyball profile have reached new levels. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

Cleveland's rotation depth has been severely limited by a collective SP slump at Triple-A Columbus. Ryan Merritt has been the only Clippers starter of late to put together consecutive positive outings. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

Twins pitching coach Neil Allen ponders where he can find help for a tired and terrible bullpen. We'll offer some suggestions. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

Three Royals have tried out the leadoff slot in 2017 but have combined to go 28-for-172. The skills Lorenzo Cain is displaying so far this year may be a better fit. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

Buck Farmer has shown steady improvement at Triple-A Toledo over the last 3 seasons, adding to his Dom and knocking over half a run off his ERA. It may be time to give him another chance in Detroit, but with a more stable role on the club. Plus, more analyses from the rest of the AL Central.

After a miserable 2016 MLB debut, Carson Fulmer is leveraging improved control at Charlotte in making a play to redeem himself with CHW. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

The Indians recently became thinner in CF, and Bradley Zimmer awaits his turn at Triple-A Columbus. Is he a valid option for the Indians? Plus, analyses of the 1B situations in CHW and KC and pitchers at DET and MIN.

The AL Central has been beset with injuries and poor performance at 2B and SS to begin the 2017 regular season. We go team-by-team to find some early possibilities and impossibilities for your fanalytic roster, including Nick Gordon.

Twins slugger Daniel Palka struggled against Triple-A pitching in 2016, but he's faring much better in 2017. His timing may be good, as Byron Buxton and Eddie Rosario may be headed for a Triple-A refresher. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

It's been a long, strange trip for pitcher Arcenio Leon. After 2015 shoulder surgery, he rerouted to Mexico, where he learned how to pitch and got noticed by the Tigers. Plus, analyses of bullpens at CHW, CLE and KC, and the infield at MIN.

This week's AL Central column looks at players who were among some of the final cuts before Opening Day. One of the bigger surprises was Byung Ho Park, who appeared to be overcoming an awful MLB debut in 2016 with a strong 2017 spring.