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

Here's how Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune began his game story today on another Twins loss: ''Eventually, the Twins could look back on this as the collapse of 2008.'' The Twins have blown a prime opportunity to take control of the Central because of their mounting road woes. The White Sox' big concern was next week's series at the Metrodome would decide the season. The Sox are so terrified of playing at the Metrodome, they wanted no part of that. Now all they have to do is have a solid weekend in Kansas City -- never an easy task for the Sox -- and they should ease the pressure in the Twin Cities next week.

More bad news for the Twins: Their starting pitchers are starting to feel the strain of a long season. The Twins' road gets tougher beginning tonight, when the open a four-game series against the red-hot Rays.

Indians manager Eric Wedge hates the term ''spoiler'' even if that's what his team has been reduced to these days.