A.L. Central

Sporting News, The, April 22, 2005

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

CF Aaron Rowand's hot hand caused manager Ozzie Guillen to bat him higher in the order than C A.J. Pierzynskl coming out of spring training, a move that will stick for now. With Rowand hitting sixth and Pierzynski seventh, Rowand's speed and Pierzynski's bat control can be used to hit and run.... Contrary to a recent newspaper report, 3B Joe Crede isn't in danger of losing his job. Crede included a new timing method in his swing this spring and still seems to be making slight adjustments. But Guillen has confidence in him and won't change the third base situation this early. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The late-inning shutdown work performed by setup men RHPs Luis Vizcaino and Cliff Politte and LHPs Neal Cotts and Damaso Marte will help keep deficits manageable and create chances for the White Sox to pull out victories. That scenario already played out in a win over the Indians last week.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Look for backup IF Alex Cora to get plenty of playing time at shortstop. The club is built around pitching, so the surest fielders need to be on the field as much as possible, and Cora is the best fielding shortstop on the roster-better than starter Jhonny Peralta. In fact, Peralta can't be altogether comfortable with his situation. He's under scrutiny as he replaces Omar Vizquel, and he has Cora and Class AAA SS Brandon Phillips waiting to step in if he falters. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: CF Grady Sizemore adds speed to the lineup, so look for him, OF Coco Crisp and others to do what the Indians didn't do very frequently last season: steal bases. The team doesn't want to be reckless on the basepaths and eliminate scoring chances because it has solid hitters throughout the lineup. But the logic is simple: If you have runners move up a base without a batter making an out, it creates more RBI opportunities for the middle of the order.--Justice B. Hill

DETROIT TIGERS

LF Rondell White credits his early success at the plate to hitting coach Bruce Fields, who has taught him to stay back in his stance longer before swinging. White still is a pull hitter but is making more use of the whole field. Most important, he's maintaining his power while taking advantage of defenses that are playing him to pull.... New CF Craig Monroe has been taking charge of the outfield defense, something Alex Sanchez had trouble doing consistently. Because of Monroe's ability to read balls quickly, he always has a good idea of what he can reach. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: So far, C Ivan Rodriguez's slimmed-down frame is having a positive effect on his game. His speed and flexibility are improved, adding a new dimension to his game, and he still has enough power to hit the gaps. Last week, Rodriguez legged out a double into the gap and beat a potential double-play throw; it's unlikely he would have made either play at last year's playing weight.--Jason Beck

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

RHP Runelvys Hernandez showed last week he has recovered from elbow surgery with seven strong innings in his first start, and he could emerge as the staff leader. His fastball has impressive velocity, and his command is surprising, considering he missed all of last season.... LF Eli Marrero apparently will play more first base than expected. Because 1B/DH Ken Harvey was optioned to Class AAA, Marrero will be the primary backup to Mike Sweeney in the field. Marrero is more nimble than Calvin Pickering, and, given his catching background, he has quick hands and feet. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Manager Tony Pena faces a tough strategic challenge as he mixes and matches left and right fielders. He has platoon possibilities in left with Marrero and Terrence Long and in right with Matt Stairs and Emil Brown. Pena is intent on sticking with a hot bat, regardless of whether the team is facing a lefthander or righthander.--Dick Kaegel

MINNESOTA TWINS

The club believes SS Jason Bartlett, who won a starting role in spring training, is better suited for the No. 2 spot in the lineup than DH/OF Lew Ford because of Bartlett's ability to hit to the opposite field. If leadoff man LF Shannon Stewart gets on base, Bartlett can punch the ball through the hole on the right side.... LHP Dave Gassner has been called up from Class AAA to replace RHP Carlos Silva, who could be out until at least after the All-Star break because of torn cartilage in his knee. Gassner was impressive this spring and will be the fifth starter. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Ford, who frequently pulls the ball with his quick swing, usually will bat seventh. Pitchers are more familiar with him after his breakout 2004 season, so the club wants him to make adjustments to stay ahead of the scouting reports. Ford stepped up his offseason training program and believes he can hit the ball harder without swinging as hard.--Mark Sheldon