AL CENTRAL – All those people who jumped on the Tigers’ bandwagon slowed them down.

Detroit (44-38) blew it at home in the ninth, losing 3-4 to KC. SI ranks ‘em 4th, Sports Guy and Keith Law basically give them the division. Yet, they’ve lost 3 straight, 5 out of their last 7 series, and if it weren’t for their sweeps of the Brewers and the Cubs they’d be out of 1st Place. Over/under on Tigers re-signing of Todd Jones as their closer? 2.5 weeks.

Minnesota (43-40) slept in on Monday before hosting the Yankees and CC Sabathia Tuesday.

White Sox (42-40) took Monday off before a series at home against Cleveland. Did the Sox sign Aroldis Chapman yet? I’d rather Alexei bring him in than hitting some more of those hanging curveball homers.

Kansas City (36-46) show some heart, winning 4-3 in Detroit. I think Royals fans’ biggest fear is that they trade Soria for more prospects.

Cleveland (33-50) also had the day off, giving Jeremy Sowers that extra day of rest he’ll need before he’s sent to slaughter at the hands of the White Sox.

Division Standings

Team                         GB

Detroit                      – -

Minnesota                1.5

Sox                            2.0

Kansas City              8.0

Cleveland                 11.5

NL Central – This could be the Cubs’ week.

St. Louis (45-39) heading up to Miller Park to beat up on the Brewers. That’s all they need, a rested Albert Pujols. Yikes!

Milwaukee (43-39) will be hosting the Cards for the next 3 games. Get ready for a great matchup between Wainwright and Gallardo.

Cubs (41-39) beat the Braves 4-2 on Monday. Balls are finally bouncing Randy Wells’ way, rattling off his four straight win after starting the season with a deceiving 0-3 record. If the Cubs can do well against the Braves, while Milwaukee and St. Louis beat up on each other, this weekend’s series against the Cards could be for 1st place in the Central leading into the All-Star Break. Take that LaRussa!

Cincinnati (41-40) lost 22-1 in Philly on Monday. This would never have happened under Marge Schott’s watch.

Houston (40-41) beat the Bucs 4-1 in a series that will have much of the U.S. riveted to their tv sets over the next week.

Pittsburgh (37-46) lose 1-4 on the road. GM Neal Huntington is getting lazy with no fire sale trades in the last 48 hours.

Division Standings

Team                         GB

St. Louis                    – -

Milwaukee                1.0

Cubs                         2.0

Cincinnati                 3.5

Houston                   3.5

Pittsburgh                7.5