A.L. central

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

RHP Cliff Politte could emerge as a viable ninth-inning option; opponents are hitting only .138 against him, and he has 29 strikeouts and just eight walks. Politte has made a mental adjustment this season, resulting in a slowed-down approach on the mound. He and his 95-mph fastball are important because manager Ozzie Guillen doesn't want to burn out closer RHP Dustin Hermanson. ... Pablo Ozuna's versatility has made him a valuable asset off the bench, as Guillen can plug him in just about anywhere. Ozuna has played everywhere but pitcher, catcher and center fielder but is the emergency catcher. POWER TOOL: LF Scott Podsednik's speed allows him to be a true leadoff man who can put pressure on opponents by stealing a base or distracting the pitcher. He covers more ground than former White Sox LF Carlos Lee and solidifies a decent defensive trio with CF Aaron Rowand and RF Jermaine Dye.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS

RHP Jason Davis pitched well in his last outing, and if he holds up in the rotation, the team could end up with a surplus of starters. That could allow the Indians to move a pitcher at the trading deadline, either to fill an immediate need or to stockpile young talent. ... Casey Blake has been taking grounders at third base, which suggests that the team has backed off its plan to use him only in the outfield. 3B Aaron Boone entered the week hitting .200, and using Blake some at third would beef up the production from the infield. POWER TOOL: CF Grady Sizemore has the best speed on the team. Couple that with his daring style and Sizemore is able to track down balls that most outfielders don't reach. His ability to quickly back up the corner outfielders allows them to take more risks. Sizemore uses his speed on offense to ignite the top of the order, turning singles into doubles and creating more scoring opportunities.--Justice B. Hill

DETROIT TIGERS

RHP Jeremy Bonderman's strikeout rate is down this season, but that actually is a sign of progress. He's getting more ground balls with his sinking fastball and changeup, and he has escaped several jams by inducing double plays. By getting quick outs, Bonderman can pitch deeper into games. ... The defense hasn't suffered much with Dmitri Young replacing Carlos Pena at first base. Young lacks Pena's range, but he has surprisingly quick reactions and can dig throws out of the dirt. It appears Young will stay at first, with Chris Shelton becoming the primary DH. POWER TOOL: CF Nook Logan's speed enhances the offense and defense. As the team's best basestealing threat--Logan is 14-for-17 in steal attempts--he creates RBI opportunities for batters behind him and rattles pitchers. Logan's ability to run down fly balls has improved the defense. His speed has allowed him to carve out a long-term role with the team.--Jason Beck

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

RHP Zack Greinke allowed 25 hits over a two-start stretch, and his ERA shot to 6.01 as his trademark control abandoned him. Greinke's fastball was high and flat, he didn't move hitters off the plate, and he might have been tipping his pitches. Greinke bounced back with a better start against the Dodgers, alleviating some concerns. ... Manager Buddy Bell is putting his stamp on the team. The Royals are taking better advantage of scoring opportunities with aggressive baserunning. ... With the exception of Greinke, the starters have been working deeper into games, and RHPs Kyle Snyder and Denny Bautista will return soon from minor league rehabs, which could create a logjam in the rotation. POWER TOOL: SS Angel Berroa has great range and a strong arm. He can go into the hole and get off a throw quickly or take away a hit behind second base. Minor league SS Andres Blanco is a terrific fielder, but the Royals have made it clear that Berroa is their future at short by shifting Blanco to second.--Dick Kaegel

MINNESOTA TWINS

2B/SS Lois Rivas, recently recalled from the D.L., will replace Class AAA call-up Luis Rodriguez at second base. Rodriguez's batting average is much higher than Rivas', but manager Run Gardenhire wants Rivas' glove and experience in the field. Rodriguez will be used in a utility role. ... 2B Nick Punto (hamstring) is making progress. He has begun taking batting practice, and the club tentatively expects to have him back around the All-Star break. ... RF Jacque Jones recently ended a career-high 13-game hitting streak and has been one of the club's hottest hitters. He's using the whole field and has tremendously improved his patience at the plate this season by working deeper into counts and drawing more walks. POWER TOOL: CF Torli Hunter's glove is a valuable asset to a pitching staff that keeps the ball in play. He gets excellent jumps and can cover more ground than most. Hunter also routinely crashes into fences or leaps to take away home runs and extra-base hits. --Mark Sheldon