Deadline Breakdown: AL Central

AL Central – The AL Central is strictly a 3-team race. Kansas City has taken its regular place towards the bottom of the division and the Indians are just a shade above God-awful. However, any division with Ozzie Guillen and Joe Mauer is worth a close look.

1. Chicago White Sox – The South Siders are 1.5 games ahead of the Twins in first place and have just made a move that could possibly lead to them getting their man, Adam Dunn. Their acquisition of Edwin Jackson probably isn’t to bolster their rotation (c’mon, dude has a 5.16 ERA) but he does have upside if that’s what they chose to do with him. I think this trade is foreshadowing an interesting day to come at tomorrow’s deadline.
   Possible Players: OF Adam Dunn – Washington Nationals, 1B – Prince Fielder – Milwaukee Brewers.
   
   
2. Minnesota Twins – With Morneau still dealing with symptoms of a concussion he received just before the All-Star break, the Twins will likely need some help if they want to win the Central. They have already made a preemptive strike by trading for, closer, Matt Capps. Twins probably won’t pursue a bat in a trade; OF Delmon Young has ramped up his offensive effort since the break and is doing a great job of filling the void left by Morneau’s absence. I think giving up their top catching prospect for Capps is probably the last big splash coming out of the Twin Cities this season.
   Possible Players: possibly low level relievers like Ramon Ramirez of the Red Sox or Will Ohman from the Orioles, but nothing big. Capps was their blue chipper.
   
   
3. Detroit Tigers – After acquiring Jhonny Peralta from the Indians, it’s unlikely that Mike Lowell will wind up with the Tigers; however, anything is possible. Their focus now will probably turn to securing their rotation. I don’t know if they will be able to find a good deal for a starting pitcher between now and Saturday, but it would definitely help. I’m not sure if Verlander and Scherzer can shoulder the load alone.
   Possible Players: SP Paul Maholm – Pittsburgh Pirates, SP Kevin Millwood – Baltimore Orioles, SP – Jarrod Washburn – free agency.
   
   
4. Kansas City Royals – The Royals, again, are the go to team for deals at the deadline. A number of teams have been linked to David DeJesus; however, Kyle Farnsworth and Bruce Chen could also be finding new homes by the end of the weekend. The Red Sox and Yankees could make some sense for a Farnsworth deal – even though his 2.5 seasons in NY were very unsuccessful.
   Possible Players: They have a good, young pitcher in Greinke to build a team around; but the '09 Cy Young winner wont be enuogh. I could see them surprising everyone by dealing Alex Gordon as a part of a package deal - which would likely land them some serious talent - but I don’t know if the team is ready to give up on their golden boy.
   
   
5. Cleveland Indians – The Indians have already made one deal, getting rid of Jhonny Peralta, but there could be more to come. Travis Hafner, Rafael Perez and Jake Westbrook could be on their way out as well. This is purely based on speculation and my own personal opinion, but it could be true. Last year, they traded Victor Martinez to the Red Sox for righty Justin Masterson; it will be interesting to see if they part ways with “Pronk” (Hafner) as well.
   Possible Players: The Indians could use some help on their infield as well as in the bullpen. If Grady Sizemore can get healthy and Masterson can figure it out next year, this could be a team to watch in the Central in ’11.