MLB analysts give Guardians exciting prediction for the rest of the season

Just a week ago, Cleveland Guardians fans feared that the team might finally give up first place in the American League Central after holding the lead for more than four months.

However, the tide has turned for everyone in the division. The Guardians have now won six of their last ten games and restored their 4.5-game lead in the AL Central.

ESPN asked 18 of its MLB analysts a series of questions for the upcoming month of the season. One of those questions was who they thought would win the AL Central crown. Cleveland was predicted to win the division, with 12 analysts predicting they would finish on top. The Kansas City Royals received five votes and the Minnesota Twins just one.

Much of this optimism comes from Cleveland's strong start to the season and their recent series wins over the Pittsburgh Pirates and Royals.

Here is what some of their authors had to say:

“The Guardians' lineup has lost some momentum while the starting lineup remains a concern, but they have been in first place (alone or tied) since April 6. And they will stay there (alone) for the rest of the month.” – Jorge Castillo

“Over the last week, Cleveland has gone from worrying about the Royals to worrying about overtaking the Yankees for first place in the AL standings.” – Bradford Doolittle

This Guardians team has weaknesses; no one will deny that. However, they have been the best and most consistent team in the division since the beginning of April and it is certainly their division that they can lose at this point in the season.