A.L. central.(BASEBALL)

CHICAGO WHIT SOX

After a 3-for-38 start, LF Scott Podsednik has raised his average to .284 without making significant changes to his swing. A regained sense of confidence and a more comfortable feel in the batters box have sparked the turnaround. ... RHP Bobby Jenks, the closer, is comfortable working more than an inning at a time to finish games, which he attributes to his experience as a starter in the Angels' organization.

FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A DH Jim Thome's presence has given the team's entire lineup far greater balance. Pitching: B The rotation has worked deep into games consistently, but the bullpen needs to do a better job defining roles in front of Jenks.

Defense: A Brian Andersen's value in center makes up for his hitting woes. The combination of 2B Tadahito Iguchi and SS Juan Uribe is key for a team with contact pitchers.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS

LHP C.C. Sabathia has changed the way he attacks batters. He is throwing more first-pitch breaking balls before going to his high-90s fastball. That keeps hitters off-balance and allows Sabathia to last deeper into games by avoiding the high pitch counts that come with fouled-off fastballs. ... Pitchers are changing their approach against SS Jhonny Peralta in his second season as a regular. He is seeing more breaking balls and changaups early in counts, which is hurting him. Peralta often is too eager to chase first pitches outside of the strike zone. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A The team keeps racking up runs, thanks to the improvement of RF Casey Blake and a strong platoon of 1Bs Ben Broussard and Eduardo Perez. Pitching: C- The bullpen is weaker than it was last year. Defense: D The Indians lead the American League in errors.--Anthony Castrovince

DETROIT TIGERS