A.L. central

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The current payroll, a shade more than $75 million, is expected to rise a little, mostly because of built-in raises and increases through arbitration to such players as 38 Joe Crede and RHP Jon Garland. The big decisions will be what to do with 1B Paul Konerko, who figures to get around $11 million or $12 million per year as a free agent, and DH Frank Thomas, who has a $10 million player option. HOLES TO FILL: If Konerko leaves, the team would have to add a power hitter--preferably one who also could replace Konerko at first base. If Konerko stays, the club would like to complement him with a lefthanded hitter with some pop. The White Sox also might be looking for a more prototypical No. 3 hitter, which it didn't have when Thomas was hurt. The best bet is signing Thomas to an incentive-laden deal. HOW TO FILL THEM: The free-agent class is not strong, so the White Sox might turn to promising OFs Chris Young and Brian Anderson, who appear ready to take off in the major leagues. However, don't overlook G.M. Ken Williams' ability to make a significant trade that could fill a void, as he did at the 2004 winter meetings when he acquired CF Scott Podsednik from the Brewers for LF Carlos Lee.--Scott Merkin

DETROIT TIGERS

FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Though owner Mike Ilitch could halt spending after getting a disappointing return on last year's money, he's expected to keep spending until he wins. Regardless, the team will have to bump its payroll above $70 million for several arbitration players, including RHP Jeremy Bonderman and LHP Mike Maroth, and salary increases for C Ivan Rodriguez and OF Magglio Ordonez. HOLES TO FILL: Unless the Tigers decide not to start Curtis Granderson in center field, their everyday lineup is set. Instead, they will focus on pitching, and they'll try again to fill their need for a veteran front-line starter because, aside from Bonderman, no starter is assured of a job in 2006. A righthanded setup man also is a priority. HOW TO FILL THEM: The Tigers are expected to make a push for free-agent RHP A.J. Burnett, whom G.M. Dave Dombrowski acquired when he ran the Marlins. One of the team's righthanded pitching prospects, Justin Verlander or Joel Zumaya, probably will take the fifth spot in the rotation. And although RHP Fernando Rodney produced mixed results as the closer, he will hold on to the job for the time being. However, RHP Roman Colon could get a shot at the job in spring training.--Jason Beck

MINNESOTA TWINS

FINANCIAL STATEMENT:With the window of opportunity still open for them to be contenders, don't expect the Twins to cut back from their 2005 payroll of about $57 million. But it's unclear how much, if at all, that number will go up. The club already has 10 players under contract for next season for about $47 million. HOLES TO FILL:The Twins need one or two experienced hitters who can deliver in clutch situations. With so many young players in the lineup in 2005, there were too many poor at-bats, especially in key situations with runners in scoring position. Free agent RF Jacque Jones appears unlikely to return, and there likely will be changes or upgrades at second base, third base, right field and designated hitter, with the goal being to find hitters with experience and discipline. All of the key members of the rotation and bullpen will return. HOW TO FILL THEM: Other than OF Jason Kubel, who is recovering from a knee injury that kept him out all season, the Twins lack their usual in-house options at Class AAA to fill their lineup holes. Expect G.M. Terry Ryan to be busy this winter trying to bring in one or two veteran hitters, either via trade (the club has pitching prospects to spare) or through the free-agent market.--Mark Sheldon

CLEVELAND INDIANS

FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The club's payroll is expected to increase slightly from $41.8 million. Key players such as LHP C.C. Sabathia, C Victor Martinez and DH Travis Hafner are due big raises, and LF Coco Crisp, CF Grady Sizemore and SS Jhonny Peralta are expected to receive bumps in pay as well. The club also is expected to pick up 2B Ronnie Belliard's $4 million option for next season. HOLES TO FILL: The pitching staff will require most of the attention. Three veteran relievers--RHPs Bob Wickman and Bob Howry and LHP Scott Sauerbeck--and righthanded starters Kevin Millwood and Scott Barton are eligible to become free agents. Millwood ($7 million in 2005) likely will be too expensive to re-sign after a successful season. Barton ($850,000 this season) can be had much cheaper. HOW TO FILL THEM: Millwood's replacement can either be a midrange veteran free agent or one of the club's many pitching prospects, a group that includes RHPs Jason Davis, Fausto Carmona and Adam Miller and LHP Joremy Sowers. The team first will try to re-sign the relievers, but there's farm system depth here, too, in Davis, RHPs Fernando Cabrera, Jake Robbins, Andrew Brown and Steve Watkins and LHP BdanTallet.--Justice B. Hill