A.L. central.(BASEBALL: SECOND HALF PREVIEW: JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

KEY PLAYER: RHP Bobby Jenks has become one of baseball's steadiest closers since taking over that rote in September 2005. The team needs Jenks and his 99-mph fastball and sharp-breaking curve to continue anchoring the bullpen down the stretch. When Jenks pitches well, manager Ozzie Guillen can set up his seventh- and eighth-inning options--LHPs Neal Cotts and Matt Thornton and RHP David Riske--without pushing someone into a role in which he is not comfortable.

BURNING ISSUE: A lack of production from the Nos. 8 and 9 hitters, SS Juan Uribe and CF Bran Anderson, has been the team's only glaring weakness. Both have played great defense, but if they continue to struggle at the plate, look for IF Alex Cintren and OF Rob Mackowiak to get more playing time in the second half.--Scott Merkin

CLEVELAND INDIANS

KEY PLAYER: A return to prominence by SS Jhonny Peralta in the No. 3 spot is crucial to the stability of the lineup. And improved performance by Peralta in the field would go a long way in assisting an inconsistent pitching staff. Peralta appears to be coming along in both areas, particularly as a hitter. He has worked extensively on his own and is learning to lay off the breaking balls and changeups that gave him a lot of trouble early on.

BURNING ISSUE: Will the youthful bullpen jell? The club's biggest question mark heading into the '06 season was its biggest disappointment in the first half. Rookies such as RHPs Fausto Carmona and Edward Mujica and LHP Rafael Perez, all of whom began the season in the minors, are being called upon to shore up this problem area while learning on the job.--Anthony Castrovince

DETROIT TIGERS