A.L. Central.(BASEBALL)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

The team's recent offensive surge can be attributed partly to increased production against lefthanders. LF Scott Podsednik and 2B Tadahito Iguchi struggled early against lefties but are starting to have more success. C A.J. Pierzynski is hitting .299 against lefthanders, which is almost 70 points higher than his average against them last year.... Although RHP Agustin Montero will be reassigned to the minors when RHP Cliff Politte (shoulder) returns, Montero's aggressiveness has made a strong impression on manager Ozzie Guillen. Montero will be in line for a call-up when the team needs relief help. HOT PROSPECT: If 3B Josh Fields played the outfield and made better contact, he probably would have been called up by now. Fields, the team's first-round pick in 2004, is hitting .328 at Class AAA Charlotte and has progressed more quickly than expected defensively. He likely will be called up in September, if not sooner.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS

LHP Jeremy Sowers was promoted and pressed into a starting role because of the struggles of RHP Jason Johnson, who was traded to the Red Sox last week. Sowers, 23, has command on both sides of the plate and outthinks hitters. One concern is he'll put too much pressure on himself to be a savior in what is looking like a lost season.... The team has several players it would consider trading by the July 31 deadline, veterans such as 2B Ronnie Belliard, RHP Bob Wickman, 3B Aaron Boone and 1B Eduardo Perez. A priority will be placed on landing an upper-level middle infielder. HOT PROSPECT: 3B Andy Marte has stopped overswinging in hitters counts, and the results have been noticeable. At one point, he had homered in five straight games for Class AAA Buffalo. Matte is seen as a potential middle-of-the-order hitter with power. On defense, he needs a little seasoning.--Anthony Castrovince

DETROIT TIGERS

RHP Zach Miner's winning ways can be traced to his renewed aggressiveness. By going after hitters with his deceptive sinking fastball, he has been able to set up his changeup as an out pitch.... RHP Justin Verlander's fastball has lost a little zip from the 100 mph he was approaching in April, but it's more a matter of the rookie's settling down than anything physical. By taking power off the pitch, he can regain some control ...