AL Central Second-Half Preview

Jul 16, 2013; Flushing, NY, USA; American League pitcher Max Scherzer (37) of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch in the first inning in the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The American League Central division looks to be a two-team race, but with this division, who knows?

Entering the second half of the MLB season following the All-Star break, the Detroit Tigers lead the Central by 1.5 games over the Cleveland Indians.

From there, it is the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox all playing catch-up following dismal starts to their season.

What has been more surprising this season for the Central? Is it how the Tigers, though leading, are up by less than two games? Is it that the Cleveland Indians are in second place, as they were somewhat overlooked at the start of the season?

What about the hyped Royals, being average in a below average division? Or the Twins, not really being that much improved over last season at this point? Then there are the White Sox … battled for the division last season and now are in last place.

Though this may not be the best division in baseball, it could be the closest in either league come September if the Tigers don’t play up to their superstar potential or if others can play up to their hype or raise their expectations in the final months of the regular season. It should be exciting to watch.

With that said, let’s take an individual look at each team in the Central and see what they have to look forward to in the dog days of summer.