The Royals have spent the last 2 years with a leadoff batter who posted an OBA under .300 and walk rate of 4%. Is it time for a change? Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

Detroit reliever Bruce Rondon floundered in 2015 after early 2014 Tommy John surgery, but he began to put things together in the second half of 2016. Will the return be made complete in 2017? Plus, analyses of 3B in CHW and backstops in CLE, KC and MIN.

The Tigers have a big hole to fill in their batting order. Nick Castellanos is no Cameron Maybin, but he may be good enough in the second slot and increase his value. Plus, more analysis of the AL Central.

Fresh off a mountaintop experience (World Series championship and a 2.95 ERA as a reliever), Travis Wood wants to do the thing he loves—be a starter again. The Royals may give him a chance. Plus, more analysis of the AL Central.

The Twins rotation was the league's worst in 2016. Could Jose Berrios, he of the 8.02 ERA last year, make the necessary adjustments to be a part of a team rebound? Plus, more analysis of the AL Central.

A rebuilding White Sox may be looking at youth to replace Adam Eaton. Could Charlie Tilson be the answer? Plus, opportunity could be knocking for some young position players in the rest of the AL Central.

Last week, we looked at position players with an eye on 2017. Three AL Central teams are still in the playoff chase and the uncertainty in the other 2 clubs hasn't been cleared up, so future rosters are still in flux. We look this week at some pitchers who could make an MLB roster in 2017.

With 3 AL Central teams still in the playoff chase and uncertainty about the other 2 clubs, the 2017 rosters are very much unknowns. We take an early look this week at some position players who could take the field on Opening Day 2017. Next week: pitchers.

Avisail Garcia was moved to DH in 2016 due to concerns with his defense, but it hasn't worked well. He gets one more shot at a 2017 roster spot in the OF. Plus, more September callups from the rest of the AL Central.

Abraham Almonte is smiling here, but he won't be in October. His 2016 MLB suspension came with a postseason ban, creating an opportunity for one of his Cleveland teammates to shine in the playoff. Plus, Week 2 of potential September callups in the AL Central.

Cleveland's Shawn Armstrong has been part of a mass shuttling of RPs needed to relieve a struggling rotation. Showing a recent trend of avoiding the base-on-balls, he's showing skills that may warrant an extended stay. Plus, potential September callups in the rest of the AL Central.