View From the Center: A.L. Central Breakdown
Welcome to "View From the Center," where our resident pseudo-expert slash Cincinnati Reds fan Jeff Gentil takes a regular rundown of the topics of interest within baseball's divisional landscape. Last week, awards. This week, we break down the division races.
Chicago White Sox: Ozzie's boys continue their resurgence atop the A.L. Central. The White Sox currently lead both Detroit and Minnesota by 2.5 games and are looking to add a bat (Adam Dunn perhaps). Ken Williams isn't afraid to pull the trigger on a big trade, so look for something to get done before the deadline.
Cleveland Indians: As per usual anymore in Cleveland, the Indians are looking to unload any big contracts. Kerry Wood and Jake Westbrook are the names brought up most lately. The Indians would be smart to move Wood for sure as he's only on a one-year deal and he hasn't been all that good. Plus, who needs a closer when you're in last place and going nowhere?
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers continue to lurk closely behind waiting for the smallest window of opportunity. The injury to Brandon Inge will hurt them, but the Central division isn't one where a team is going to run away from the pack and hide so the Tigers should be able to stay above water. Whether or not they make a big move or not is yet to be seen.
Kansas City Royals: The rumors about David DeJesus have subsided for a bit. Perhaps they could heat up again next week as the deadline approaches and the Red Sox get more and more desperate. Other than DeJesus, it doesn't appear the Royals are in selling mode this year which would be a rarity. Unfortunately for them and their fans, that doesn't necessarily equate to them actually being in the race. Maybe next year? 2012?
Minnesota Twins: After falling short in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, the Twins appear to have backed off for the time being. Obviously with them being in a battle for second place right now, they will need some sort of boost to get them not only past the Tigers, but back ahead of the White Sox like they had for the majority of the season. No doubt, Twins ownership would love to make the playoffs in the first season in Target Field. October baseball in Minnesota sounds downright...awful.
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