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A.L. central

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

LHP Damaso Matte has been ineffective against lefthanded hitters because the arm angle on his delivery is too high. Pitching coach Don Cooper believes the problem can be fixed once Marte's neck fully heals, but Marte's recent behavior-showing up late to a home game without an excuse--might force the team to remove him from its tong-term plans.... Opponents are having success stealing bases against RHPs Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez. But manager Ozzie Guillen wants both players to focus on pitching and not worry so much about the runners behind them. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: Josh Fields is considered the team's third baseman of the future, even though Joe Crede, 27, still is young. Fields, the White Sox's 2004 first-round pick, needs to work on his hitting eye and patience in Arizona. Even a great fall won't move Fields from Class AA to the majors in 2006. Still, a solid effort by Fields could give the arbitration-eligible Crede motivation to improve.--Scott Merkin

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CLEVELAND INDIANS

SS Jhonny Peralta, while hitting third, has been getting a heavy dose of off-speed pitches, causing him to slump the past few weeks. Pitchers are showing him fastballs out of the strike zone and getting him out with slow stuff.... The Indians' decision not to call up IF Brandon Phillips shows his inability to hit has soured the team on his potential as an everyday player.... Arthur Rhodes' leave of absence put the Indians a lefthander short in the bullpen, but they have no plans to bring one up from Class AAA. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: Ryan Garko will have a position in the majors if he learns to play first base. Garko is a catcher, so his ascent is blocked by C Victor Martinez. Garko has the intelligence to pick up the nuances of the new position but needs more playing time at first. He must improve his footwork and range in the field and will work closely with coaches on positioning and handling balls in the dirt.--Justice B. Hill

DETROIT TIGERS

2B Placido Polanco has become the best-hitting leadoff man in baseball since taking over the spot this summer. His quick stroke and eyesight have made him the Tigers' most consistent hitter.... RHP Franklyn German can't keep his fastball down. Batters recognize when it's sailing consistently and lay off his normally unhittable splitter. He needs strong, efficient outings to seal a 2006 role in the bullpen.... The team's history of young pitchers getting hurt has led to a change in organizational philosophy in recent years. Considering Detroit's pitching woes, the team showed resolve in not calling up two top prospects, RHPs Joel Zumaya and Justin Verlander. Both had tired arms, which made the decision easier. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: RHP Humberto Sanchez, whose stock has fallen since last year, has the potential to be a power pitcher, partially because of his large frame. But his control has been inconsistent, and he gave up too many home runs this season.--Jason Beck

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

RHP Mike MacDougal seems set as the closer for 2006. MacDougal always had great stuff--his fastball hits the upper 90sand now he finally has harnessed it. He has converted 19 of 22 save opportunities. LHP Jeremy Affeldt, the closer when the season began, is struggling to adjust to his new role as a setup man.... LF Terrence Long says he wants to return and is willing to take a pay cut to do so. After struggling early, Long has become a solid contributor, hitting .299 since the All-Star break. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: There is no question LF Billy Butler can hit--he totaled 30 homers and 109 RBIs at Class A and Class AA this year. The question is his defense; a converted third baseman, Butler struggled in the outfield. He will continue to work on his defense in Arizona, and his development on that front will determine when he makes the big leagues. Butler, 19, is too young for the team to make him a full-time DH.--Dick Kaegel

MINNESOTA TWINS

RHP Carlos Silva was shut down for the rest of 2005 and will have surgery to repair torn knee cartilage. Despite the seasonlong injury, Silva walked just nine in 188 1/3 innings. Top LHP prospect Francisco Liriano replaced Silva in the rotation.... RHP Brad Radke might not finish the season because of a sore shoulder. He hasn't been able to throw between starts but won't need surgery.... C Chris Heintz, 31, reached the majors after playing 900 minor league games in 10 seasons. The Twins like his ability to work counts as a hitter and make contact. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: The organization believes OF Denard Span, who split 2005 at Class A and Class AA, will benefit from facing better pitching in Arizona. Many believe Span has the ability to develop into a Juan Pierre-type leadoff man. The Twins want Span, the organization's fastest player, to work on bunting and using his speed to get on base.--Mark Sheldon

A.L. central

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

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