Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

The White Sox open a three-game series tonight against the Indians, who are coming off an embarrassing showing against the Reds. The Indians’ poor start is being felt at the gate.

Maybe just as important to Sox fans is the series that opens tonight between the Tigers and Twins at the Metrodome.

Patrick Reusse of the Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that Major League Baseball’s hurry-up mandate lit a fire under the Twins.

Miguel Cabrera moves into the cleanup spot in the Tigers’ lineup after Magglio Ordonez was put on the disabled list.

Check back later for updates.

Yours truly will sit in with host Laurence Holmes on Monday’s midmorning show on WSCR-AM 670. The timeslot is 10 a.m. to noon, and White Sox reliever Matt Thornton is the scheduled in-studio guest. We’re going to talk Sox-Cubs, hot actresses, ask manly questions and anything else we damn well feel like.

On Sunday afternoon, White Sox first baseman, and team captain, Paul Konerko was expected to be landing in Charlotte to begin his Monday rehab assignment, recovering from the strained left oblique muscle.
Instead, he remained in Chicago, taking any sort of timeline off the table.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central on a Cubs-Sox Saturday in Chicago.

Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press take a look at the numbers behind the Twins’ 10-game winning streak. Charley Walters breaks down how the Twins have wound up winners in the Johan Santana trade.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland — clearly focused on the big picture — prescribed rest for a red-hot Marcus Thames. Meanwhile, despite a war of words earlier this season with reliever Jason Grilli — formerly of the White Sox — Leyland says he has no issues with the pitcher who returned to Detroit this weekend with the Rockies.

They’re calling it ‘‘The C.C. Sabathia Trade Bait Tour’’ in Cleveland and the Indians’ left-hander put on quite a show for the scouts. Sabathia might be gone by the time fellow ace Fausto Carmona returns from the disabled list.

Elsewhere, Barry Bonds’ aunt, appearing in Cleveland, says racism and collusion are the reasons here nephew is sitting at home this season.

Check back later for updates.

LOS ANGELES – The White Sox ranked second overall in pitching on Thursday, but still lead the entire major leagues in trash-talking.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

In the span of five games, the red-hot Twins — now sitting just half a game behind the first-place White Sox — have knocked off pitching giants Randy Johnson. Brandon Webb. Jake Peavy and Greg Maddux. The latest Piranha to join the Twins’ hit parade is young third baseman Brian Buscher.

The Tigers continue to roll, thanks to the return of Gary Sheffield. A potential trouble spot: Joel Zumaya and his bullpen mates are allowing a lot of walks. Meanwhile, a freak injury — involving a pillow — lands Brandon Inge on the Tigers’ disabled list.

How bad have things gotten for the Indians’ lackluster offense? Giants left-hander Barry Zito even looked good against the Tribe.

Jeffrey Flanagan of the Kansas City Star wonders if the Royals thrive in interleague play because they were built like an NL team.

Check back later for updates.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

Brendan Harris and Brian Buscher hit back-to-back home runs off Padres closer Trevor Hoffman with two outs in the ninth inning, lifting the Twins to their seventh consecutive victory and keeping the pressure on the White Sox. With the Twins rolling along, manager Ron Gardenhire refuses to alter his red-hot lineup.

The Tigers continued a recent trend of dropping the opener of a series. They hope another trend continues the next two days.

Indians ace C.C. Sabathia tops the wish list of nearly every contender seeking to add help before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. But he’s not the only name under the microscope.

Meanwhile, plate umpire Brian O'Nora became the latest victim of a broken maple bat. Major League Baseball is looking deeper into the increase in shattered maple bats.

Check back later for updates.

LOS ANGELES – The future is once again looking bleak for infielder Juan Uribe. Then again, even Jason had to eventually die.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

Tom Gage of the Detroit News argues that the Tigers are legit contenders in this division, noting that since arriving at Comerica Park with a seven-game winning streak, the White Sox are 4-8. Meanwhile, there is a strong feeling the Tigers could get Gary Sheffield back in their lineup by tonight.

Alexi Casilla is looking like the Twins’ long-term solution for second base. In 35 games since being promoted from Class AAA, he is hitting .302 with three home runs and 27 RBI. Meanwhile, La Velle E. Neal III wonders if a trip to Milwaukee helped get the Twins on the right track.

A sore back has knocked second baseman Mark Grudzielanek out of the Royals’ lineup.

Check back later for updates.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

If you want to know what has kept the Twins so hot lately, look no further than their red-hot starting rotation. A soft spot for the Twins has been third base. Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune argues that the front office must help out the surprising Twins.

With their 12th win in 15 games, the Tigers are no longer taking baby steps in their comeback from last place. After a busy offseason, look for the Tigers to add another arm to their rotation before September.

The Royals are suddenly thinking big after a wild victory over the Giants. As Mike Aviles said, ‘‘We’re not going to lie down. We’re not going to be just an easy win for other teams.’’

Check back later for updates.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central during a Cubs-Sox Sunday in Chicago.

Since manager Ron Gardenhire’s meeting in Milwaukee a little more than a week ago, the Twins have been hitting on all cylinders, winning five straight and moving 2 1/2 games behind the division-leading White Sox. And closer Joe Nathan, who signed a four-year, $47 million contract during spring training, has been right on the money all season.

Here is more evidence the Tigers’ bats are out of hibernation. Meanwhile, the Tigers face a tough decision on whether Edgar Renteria should be their shortstop in 2009.

Indians ace C.C. Sabathia, who came up huge on the mound and at the plate Saturday, knows his future in Cleveland soon will no longer be in his own hands as contenders come knocking on GM Mark Shapiro’s door.

Check back later for updates.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central during a Cubs-Sox Saturday in Chicago.

Watch out again for the Twins. They beat Randy Johnson and the Diamonbacks on Friday, giving and them seven wins in nine games, moving Minnesota 3 1/2 behind the first-place White Sox.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney took a page out of Dontrelle Willis’ book on wild pitching, throwing eight pitches and no strikes during a stinker of an outing against the Padres. On the flip side, fellow setup man Joel Zumaya hit 100 mph in his return to the Tigers’ bullpen.

The Indians’ bullpen blew up, but Jhonny Peralta came up big as the Indians beat the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, read all about the ambidextrous pitcher who met up with the switch-hitting batter.

Check back later for updates.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

Upstaging reliever Joel Zumaya’s return to the Tigers tonight is an even better story — the Tigers — as the Detroit News’ Tom Gage points out.

Read this story and find out why White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen calls the Twins the ‘‘Piranhas.’’

The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Terry Pluto has seen enough to know the Indians are done. Meanwhile, the Indians continue to play the waiting game with designated hitter Travis Hafner.

Check back later for updates.

That’s right folks, welcome to Cowley-bay, where sports writer Joe Cowley auctions off junk from his Chicago condo at low, low prices.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

The Indians got bad news on hurting stars Travis Hafner, Fausto Carmona and Josh Barfield. Hard to imagine they are going to make a charge in the Central.

The Twins believe left-hander Francisco Liriano can rejoin their rotation next month. Liriano has won three consecutive starts at Class AAA.

Marcus Thames hit another home run as the Tigers jumped to an early lead against the Giants in a matinee today.

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see where Richie Sexson lands. The Mariners reportedly are close to releasing the slumping first baseman.

Check back later for updates.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

Though sources say he isn’t expected to be major-league-ready until next season, the Tigers are interested in signing former White Sox right-hander Freddy Garcia.

Indians manager Eric Wedge is sticking with Grady Sizemore in the leadoff spot.

Interesting matchup: The Twins' Delmon and the Nationals' Dmitri Young will meet as opponents tonight.

Check back later for updates.

Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the American League Central.

More good news for the red-hot Tigers: Gary Sheffield, who begins a rehab assignment tonight, says he is just days away from returning to the club. Meanwhile, reliever Fernandon Rodney will return to the Tigers tonight, and fellow setup man Joel Zumaya is getting close.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was fuming over a speed-up called strike Sunday. Meanwhile, the Twins are taking it slow with rookie pitcher Nick Blackburn, who has a sore elbow.

Tucked in this Paul Hoynes notebook is an interesting nugget about Indians pitchers and grand slams.

Check back later for updates.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera’s walkoff shot against the White Sox has helped raised hopes again in Detroit.

Surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow will sideline Indians catcher Victor Martinez for six to eight weeks.

After the White Sox beat up on them, the Twins traveled to Cleveland, where the beatings continued against the Indians.

Elsewhere around the AL, the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry must take a back seat to the suddenly hot Red Sox-Rays rivalry. Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon fires the latest shot in the war.

Check back later for updates.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

Indians catcher Victor Martinez, who injured his hamstring on Opening Day against the White Sox, will undergo an MRI today. Meanwhile, Indians general manager Mark Shapiro still believes the Indians can make a move before he is forced to make his own moves before the trade deadline.

Twins GM Billy Smith examines what happened during a four-game sweep by the White Sox and sees reason for his team to have hope for the future.

Right-hander Eddie Bonine is 9-2 at Class AAA Toledo and he figures to replace Dontrelle Willis in the Tigers’ rotation.

Looking outside the Central, there has been another strange episode involving Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley.

And the White Sox face the Rockies this weekend. The Rockies, who have been slowed by injuries, got good news about rehabbing shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.

Check back later for updates.

DETROIT – It was back in early April, right after Ozzie Guillen’s second-consecutive ejection by umpire Phil Cuzzi, that the White Sox manager made his feelings known.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

With their victory in the opener of the a three-game series against the White Sox, the Tigers pulled off a rare feat.

Mike Lamb got benched by the Twins during his 0-for-20 skid. Meanwhile, the Twins’ skid reached six consecutive losses.

Indians ace C.C. Sabathia was in a zone against the Twins.

Check back later for updates.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

The White Sox open a three-game series in Detroit tonight and Tigers manager Jim Leyland plans to alternate Pudge Rodriguez and Brandon Inge behind the plate because Rodriguez has been in a two-week slump.

Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse says the Twins’ four-game series against the White Sox was a real wakeup call. Meanwhile, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is preaching to his pitchers to use the inside part of the plate more.

Beating up on Dontrelle Willis and the Tigers helped the Indians feel better about themselves.

Check back later for updates.

If it was any other team, it would sound bizarre when Nick Swisher credited his recent turnaround on hitting coach Greg Walker, and the fact that he also “started wearing Toby Hall’s pants.’’

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

Minneapolis Star Tribune beat writer La Velle E. Neal III asks a pretty good question today: Is there any hope for the Twins? They entered their series finale today having lost four straight, including three in a row to the White Sox, to drop 5 1/2 back in the standings.

Dontrelle Willis makes his fourth start as a member of the Tigers’ rotation tonight against the Indians, and the Detroit News’ Rob Parker says it’s time for the left-hander who is seeking his first victory to step up.

Veteran Akron Beacon Journal beat writer Sheldon Ocker makes his argument that the Indians are not out of the AL Central race — yet.

Check back later for updates.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

Elbow surgery will knock Indians starter Jake Westbook out for the rest of the season.

Veteran reliever Juan Rincon could be the odd man out when the Twins add a position player to their roster this week.

Rehabbing Tigers relievers Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya are expected to make appearances tonight at Class AAA Toledo.

Check back later for updates.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

The Twins open a key four-game series against the White Sox tonight, but they will be without the pesky Nick Punto. The Twins are carrying 13 pitches, but aren’t having much success with the formula.

The Tigers return home, which isn’t necessarily good news. They are on of the few teams that find little comfort at home. They expect to see some strikes tonight against the Indians’ Paul Byrd.

Young Indians outfielder Ben Francisco is coming off a banner series.

Check back later for updates.

With the eighth pick overall in the 2008 MLB Draft the White Sox selected … drum roll … some guy we may never hear of after he gets a fat signing bonus, shortstop Gordon Beckham.

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.

The Twins come to town this weekend, and the White Sox should know that 11 consecutive runners have successfully stolen a base against catcher Joe Mauer.

Manager Jim Leyland again is shaking his head over the Tigers’ maddening offense, saying: ‘‘We look like we're swinging underwater.’’ Now, there is talk in Detroit that Leyland could be on the hot seat.

Consistency continues to be a problem for the Indians, writes Rob Oller.

Check back later for updates.

When Ozzie said some changes needed to be made, he probably wasn't thinking about acquiring Esteban Loiaza.

Here’s a quick glance for what’s happening around the American League Central.

Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya hit 100 mph on the radar gun during a rehab outing Tuesday.

The Rangers made quick work of Indians starter Tom Mastny.

Twins leadoff hitter Carlos Gomez is continuing to learn on the job — with mixed results.

Check back later for updates.

No big changes in the lineup today. Paul Konerko and Jim Thome moved ahead of Jermaine Dye into the 4 and 5 spots.

Here’s a quick glance for what’s happening around the American League Central.

The Cleveland Indians turn to right-hander Tom Mastny to start tonight against the Texas Rangers.

Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers doesn’t expect to go on the disabled list, and Dontrelle Willis is set to return to the rotation. The Tigers also promoted left-hander Casey Fossum to the majors.

And check out this stat: The Tigers are 1-30 when they score four runs or fewer.

The Minnesota Twins got good news on pitcher Nick Blackburn.

Check back later for updates.

Here are a few things going on around the American League Central.

First off, Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge says don't look for him to offer any Ozzie Guillen-style rants.

There is more bad news
news for Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook.

The Minnesota Twins finally got a home run from catcher Joe Mauer in their victory over the New York Yankees.

The Detroit Tigers are hoping to get good news soon on a couple of their key relievers.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Ozzie on the offense after the Sunday loss … vintage Guillen. Earmuffs kids.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Jim Thome wasn’t the only member of the White Sox impressed with Manny Ramirez being the 24th player to join the 500 home run club.