A.L. central

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

LF Scott Podsednik does more than add to his league-leading total of stolen bases with his speed at the top of the order. The lefthanded-hitting Podsednik changes the tempo of the game. His presence on the basepaths opens up opportunities for 2B Tadahito Iguchi in the No. 2 spot in the lineup and gives the middle of the order some easier RBI opportunities. ... With the White Sox short one position player while carrying 12 pitchers, utilityman Pablo Ozuna, C Chris Widger and even OF Timo Perez are taking ground balls at first base. Perez played first base sporadically during his years in Japan. OVERLOOKED: RHP Cliff Politte has the ability to eat up innings in the middle of games, a task that rarely has been required so far this season because of great starting pitching. A former closer, Politte also records big outs in late-inning situations with games on the line.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS

RHP Scott Elarton could be pitching for his future in the rotation with each outing. LHP Brian Taller and RHP Jason Bere are in Class AAA Buffalo and are ready to go, and though manager Eric Wedge prefers to use hard-throwing RHP Jason Davis out of the bullpen, Davis might get a few starts in the weeks ahead because of Elarton's struggles. ... The search for a leadoff hitter continues. Look for LF Coco Crisp to return to the role because of his speed, though he'll need to display better patience. OVERLOOKED: RHP David Riske failed last season as a closer, but he has flourished since returning to his more comfortable role as a setup man. Riske's deceptive release makes him a strikeout pitcher despite the fact he throws in the low 90s. He also can work the inside and outside parts of the plate effectively. His versatility gives the Indians a strong bridge to the closer, and Riske's durability allows the team to use him in long or short relief.--Justice B. Hill

DETROIT TIGERS

RHP Ugueth Urbina is the natural replacement for injured closer RHP Tray Percival (forearm), but the rest of the bullpen isn't so set. Manager Alan Trammell says his use of the bullpen in the sixth through eighth innings "could vary." ... 3B Brandon Inge's ability to work counts and put the ball in play as the club's leadoff hitter has been better than expected. For his part, Inge enjoys his new role at the top of the order. ... The team is so worded about fluid buildup on SS Carlos Guillen's right knee that it plans to sit him whenever there are warning signs of problems. The Tigers believe a lengthy absence by Guillen would cripple their season. OVERLOOKED: LHP Jamie Walker's main asset used to be his ability to retire lefthanded hitters. Now, in a bullpen loaded with hard throwers, his off-speed arsenal is a legitimate change of pace. The arrival of a second lefthanded reliever in Doug Creek allows the Tigers to use Walker more like a regular middle reliever than a specialist.--Jason Beck

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

There is no timetable for replacing manager Tony Pena, who resigned after the team's 8-25 start. G.M. Allard Baird prefers a manager with big-league experience, something the past five Royals skippers didn't have, but says it's not a requirement. Bench coach Bob Schaefer, appointed interim manager, is the only candidate Baird will identify. A fan favorite is former Royals 2B Frank White, now manager at Class AA Wichita. Baird says he's willing to wait until after the season to hire a replacement, but that's not likely. ... LHP Brian Anderson (elbow) pitched in pain long before he went on the D.L. and could be out for an extended period. RHP D.J. Carrasco, a Class AAA call-up, will take Anderson's spot in the rotation. OVERLOOKED: RHP Mike Wood, assumed to be Anderson's replacement, was kept in the bullpen. He has been solid in middle relief, and Schaefer will use him more as a setup man/closer. Wood relies on an 88-mph fastball and a sinker and mixes in a slider and change.--Dick Kaegel

MINNESOTA TWINS

During RHP Juan Rincon's suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, RHP Jesse Crain showed he could be effective in the late innings. Crain struggled because of a hamstring injury in spring training and started the season with decreased velocity. But the speed on his fastball has increased, and he has better command of his breaking ball. ... Nick Punto has taken the starting second base job away from Luis Rivas, who has struggled at the plate. Manager Run Gardenhire likes the hustle and bunting ability Punto, a switch hitter, brings to the order. OVERLOOKED: Because of his power and ability to stay fresh on the bench, DH/1B/C Matt LeCroy is a valuable reserve. LeCroy is Gardenhire's go-to pinch hitter late in games because he gets good at-bats and can change the game with a homer. Many think LeCroy could be successful if he got 500 at-bats, but because of his below-average speed, the club prefers to use Lew Ford at DH. Plus, 1B Justin Morneau and C Joe Mauer are fixtures.--Mark Sheldon

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