AL Central Update (6/27/2006)
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by user SCopek
The Tigers, WhiteSox, and Twins have proven to be the three hottest teams in baseball in the past couple of weeks. Here is a look at what to expect in the near future from these three teams, and a look forward to the All-Star break.
White Sox
Two nights ago the White Sox ended a nine game win streak with wins over the Rangers, Reds, Cards, and Astros. Tonight, Buehrle takes the mound against the Pirates looking to start another extended winning streak. The Pirates are on an 11 game skid, so hopes will be high in Chicago to extend that streak to 14.
A Look Ahead
The remaining teams on the Sox calandar before the break are @PIT, @CHC, vs BAL (4 games), vs BOS. These four teams have a winning percentage of .444 so the White Sox seem to have a rather easy schedule from here to the break (aside from Boston).
Tigers
The Tigers will finish up their series with the Astros over the next two days. Look for some good matchups in this series as the Astros try and gain ground on the struggling Cards.
A Look Ahead
Remaining teams include vs HOU, @PITT, @OAK, @SEA. With a winning percentage of .467 this schedule wouldn't seem much tougher than the Sox schedule, but OAK and SEA are both pretty hot, and could play spoiler to the end of a great first half for the Tigers when they travel out west.
Twins
The Dodgers look to try and cool off the Twinkies tonight, but that will be a very, very tough task with Liriano on the mound tonight.
A Look Ahead
Remaining teams include vs LAD, vs MIL, @KC, @TEX. The Twins probably have the toughest remaining schedule. TEX and MIL are both very good teams, and LA can't be counted out of coming back and winning the next 2 games.
Predictions
Look for both the Twins and Tigers to split the last two games of their matches. And a White Sox Sweep over the Pirates wouldn't be surprising at all with one of the hottest teams facing the coldest.
As for the standings at the All-Star break, I look for the White Sox to gain ground on the Tigers with a little bit of an easier schedule and being able to play the tougher opponents at home (where they have been next to unstopable), while the Tigers have to go out west to face tougher opponents.
With the Twins having the toughest of the three schedules (in my opinion), I look for them to fall off a game in the next week and a half.
Tigers tie WhiteSox tie
Twins 12 games back
Date
Tue 06/27/06, 9:50 am EST
