Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the American League Central.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire finally made the move he was hoping to avoid, dumping speedy Carlos Gomez from the leadoff spot. Meanwhile, Francisco Liriano continues to make a strong case that he belongs in the Twins’ rotation, pitching seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out 10 for Class AAA Rochester in a 13-0 victory over Toledo. ”I’m ready,” the 24-year-old said after the game.
The White Sox open a three-game series in Detroit on Friday and Tigers manager Jim Leyland is trying to decide whether to keep a struggling Edgar Renteria at short or Ramon Santiago.
As Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal points out, here is what the Indians might be missing if Casey Blake is allowed via free agency: He is third in the club in runs (45) and homers (11); second in doubles (23), walks (33) and on-base percentage (.363) and first in RBI (58), batting average — players with more than .250 at-bats — (.287) and in average with runners in scoring position (.402).
