The Cleveland Indians have won three consecutive American League Central Division championships, but the Minnesota Twins are expected to give them a run for their money this year. I think the Twins will come out ahead of the season-opener Thursday afternoon.

Minnesota right-hander Jose Berrios finished last year with 202 strikeouts through 192 1/3 innings of work. Berrios was 1-0 with a 4.24 ERA and a .197 AVG in three starts against Cleveland last year while fanning 17 through 17 frames. The Twins are 21-6 in Berrios' last 27 home starts and 10-4 in his last 14 starts against divisional foes.

Cleveland counters with right-hander Corey Kluber who compiled a 20-7 record and 2.89 ERA in 2018. He was 1-1 with a 4.34 ERA in three starts against Minnesota and served up three homers through his 18 2/3 innings on the mound. The Indians are 1-4 in Kluber's last five road starts.

Cleveland lost 10 of its 11 free agents during the off-season and will begin the season with Francisco Lindor, second baseman Jason Kipnis and outfielder Bradley Zimmer on the injured list. Minnesota will also have a different look since last year, but it has added several interesting pieces. This is a good enough price to back the home team.

Free pick on Minnesota Twins.

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