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THE AL CENTRAL IS MORE COMPETITIVE:
If the Red Sox and Yankees seemed like mortal locks for October, the Minnesota Twins – three division titles in succession – weren't far behind.
But that was before the Chicago White Sox raced out to the best record in the big leagues and the Tigers were hovering around .500.
There remains ample doubt about Chicago's decision to win with pitching, defense and speed.
"I want to see El Duque and Contreras in July and August,'' said a skeptical AL personnel man.
Says another: "I think you still have to mash to win in the American League.''
But there's no denying the White Sox' hot start has reshaped the race. Is it possible that, for the first time since the re-configured playoff format, the wild-card entrant will come from the Central?
Don't discount the unbalanced schedule as a factor. While the Blue Jays and Orioles have taken big steps forward, making the Red Sox and Yankees work harder for nearly one-quarter (38) of their games, the AL Central front-runners can still beat up on the Kansas City Royals, easily the worst team in the league.